Recommended Stoic Texts & Books on Stoicism

Stoic Texts Online

You can read translations of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca online:

Epictetus’ Handbook [a condensed version of Epictetus’ philosophy, written by his student, Arrian]

Epictetus’ Discourses [Full-length teachings of Epictetus to his students, recorded by his student Arrian – also click here, for an excellent epub. version]

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations [The philosophical diary of the Roman emperor]

Musonius Rufus, Lectures [Musonius was Epictetus’ teacher]

Seneca’s, Moral Essays and Letters [Essays on various themes and letters to Lucilius exploring specific advice].

For more Stoic resources, whether original texts or articles, see excellent ‘Stoic Library’ on the iBiblio website.

Books about Stoicism

Here is a (non-exhaustive!) selection of books which are recommended for further reading on Stoicism and psychotherapy. Please recommend books below, and I will continue to add to the list. 

Practical Guides to Stoicism for Today:

• R. Pies, Everything Has Two Handles: The Stoic’s Guide to the Art of Living (Lanham: Hamilton Books, 2008);
• W. B. Irvine, A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009).
• P. Vernezze, Don’t Worry, Be Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Troubled Times (University Press of America, 2005).
• E. Buzaré, Stoic Spiritual Exercises.

Psychotherapists on Stoicism:

• R. W. Montgomery, ‘The Ancient Origins of Cognitive Therapy: The Reemergence of Stoicism’, Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy 7 (1993), 5-19;
• A. Still & W. Dryden, ‘The Place of Rationality in Stoicism and REBT’, Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy 17 (1999), 143-64;
• S. A. Moore Brookshire, ‘Utilizing Stoic Philosophy to Improve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy’, NC Perspectives 1 (2007), 30-36;
• D. Robertson, The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy (London: Karnac, 2010).

  D. Robertson, Teach Yourself Stoicism, [December, 2013].

• A. Still & W. Dryden, The Historical and Philosophical Context of Rational Psychotherapy: The Legacy of Epictetus (London: Karnac, 2012).

Academics on Stoicism as Psychotherapy & on Roman Stoics:

• J. Xenakis, Epictetus: Philosopher-Therapist (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, 1969);
• M. C. Nussbaum, The Therapy of Desire: Theory and Practice in Hellenistic Ethics (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1994), esp. chs 9-10;
• Reydams-Schils, G., The Roman Stoics: Self, Responsibility, and Affection. Chicago, 2005.

  R. Sorabji, ‘Is Stoic Philosophy Helpful as Psychotherapy?’, in R. Sorabji, ed., Aristotle and After, BICS Suppl. 68 (London: Institute of Classical Studies, 1997), pp. 197-209.