How to Be a Stoic: Massimo Pigliucci’s Revised Guide to Ancient Wisdom, Emotional Resilience and Modern Living

Massimo Pigliucci’s revised and expanded How to Be a Stoic presents Stoicism as a practical philosophy for finding meaning, clarity, resilience and purpose in modern life. Drawing on Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, it centers on the distinction between what people can and cannot control, arguing that responses to events remain within personal control even when circumstances do not. The book addresses difficult emotions, setbacks and the challenge of identifying what truly matters, combining philosophical reflection with practical exercises and a new section on Stoicism today. The description also presents Pigliucci’s progression from initial interest in Stoicism through critical examination of tensions between Greek and Roman thinkers and toward adopting Stoic practices. The edition is described as a bestselling modern classic with more than 250,000 copies sold.