Beyond Stoicism: A Guide to the Good Life with Stoics, Skeptics, Epicureans, and Other Ancient Philosophers

Navigate the challenges of modern life, with ancient and time-tested Greek and Roman thinkers at your side.

What is a good life? And how can we create that life in a world filled with uncertainty? Beyond Stoicism invites you to find your own answers to these big questions with help from thirteen of the most prominent Greco-Roman philosophers―many of whom inspired, or were inspired by, the Stoics. By taking cues from the lives and ideas of the Cynics, Epicureans, and others, you’ll learn to:

Seek pleasure with Aristippus

Strike the right balance with Aristotle

Focus on what’s up to you with Epictetus

Be a rebel like Hipparchia

Embrace uncertainty with Carneades

Question everything with Socrates

Work toward a just society with Plato

And much more

Times have changed, but the quest for eudaimonia―a life worth living―stays the same: We still seek pleasure and crave love, avoid pain and fear death. That’s why all these ancient sages can continue to guide us, practicing Stoics and new seekers alike.