Lessons in Stoicism

What do the Stoics teach us about how to live? An elegant and deeply comforting book that shows why Stoicism is the philosophy of our time.

In recent times there has been much talk about this current of thought, but how did its members really think? John Sellars distills and intertwines the key ideas of the three great Roman Stoics (Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius), also offering snapshots of their fascinating lives.

The works of these three great thinkers are essentially about how to live: understanding our place in the world, facing adversity, making better use of time, controlling our emotions and navigating our relationships with others. Their ideas can, in short, guide us in our search for a more pleasant existence.

Critics have said:

«Accessible and absorbing. Sellars is a writer clearly committed to the mission of making classical philosophy relevant today.» Roger Cox, The Scotsman

«An admirable achievement. In elegant and concise prose, he urges us to become better and happier people by focusing on rational decision-making.»

tim whitmarsh, The Guardian

«A brief but highly authoritative study of Stoic philosophy aimed at any reader. It presents Stoicism in an accessible way, but is based on many years of academic work.» Donald Robertson, Medium

«A work with many advantages over others of the same genre. To cover so much ground without being superficial requires true skill as a writer and as a teacher.»

Nigel Warburton, Five Books

«I don't usually read philosophy, but after finishing this book I am convinced that old Seneca was right.» Liz Jones, Mail on Sunday