The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence, and Calmness

Jonas: Your Stoicism philosophy book is the best I have read. Have studied Stoicism for many years. Your explanations define this so clearly, your writing is enjoyable, and one that I continue to read/ learn, and review each chapter. Thank you for writing this book: much needed and expertly written, for a clear understanding of Stoic Philosophy. Appreciate that you have included easy-to-follow practices. I will purchase this for a family member, as I have also purchased your book: 100 Laws of Life. I am a lover of Quotes, and you have mastered this well.

Whether you are just starting out on your Stoic journey, or looking for some fresh ideas and perspective on the 2,000-year-old philosophy, this book will get you everywhere you need to go. Inspired by the words of ancient and modern thinkers alike, The Little Book of Stoicism acts as a primer to Stoic philosophy by beginning with a brief but thorough history of Stoicism, how it came to be, what it's all about, and it's major players. After that, the book jumps into 55 practices, meditations and ideals for practically applying Stoicism to your daily life. For me, after reading and learning so much about the philosophy over the past 3 years, it was a really nice refresher. But also, I found myself busy highlighting new ideas and taking notes perspectives and points of view that I hadn't thought about before. Jonas broke down rather complex ideas into an easy-to-read format full of modern examples and applications. This book is a perfect addition to the library of layman and expert alike. In the world that we live in today, if everyone was just a little bit more Stoic, from the man or woman who lives down the street to those that run our highest government offices, the world would become an exponentially better place to live. And it would become better quite quickly. As such, this book is a worthy read and I'm very happy to see Stoicism proliferate throughout our modern literature. Whatever your beliefs, Stoicism is what we need a little bit more in this world. Not only for others, but for ourselves, and there is no better place to start than The Little Book of Stoicism. Well done!

Overall the book gave a solid foundation as to what stoicism is all about. I come from a Word of faith background and this gave me supplemental wisdom and advice. I really enjoyed the self analyzing and pausing before making any responses. One key point that really stuck with me is; We don't really suffer its only our interpretation of events that make us suffer. Stoicism is a very powerful tool because it takes the expectations we have and view them from rational lenses. There are however things I don't see eye to eye with like negative visualization and imaging the worst case scenario, bad things can happen but I don't agree that I should focus or contemplate on those things regularly. I do believe I manifestation whatever you say and focus you will attract good or bad. All in all solid read but some bones that I spit out.

I had a great time reading this book. I loved the pace, voice, lessons. I highly recommend this book. It takes Stoicism and makes it digestible. Great read!

My career is currently falling apart around me (public middle school science teacher) and I am rebuilding my family after a brutal divorce. The stoic principals are the first set of "guidelines" I have found for living that really resonate. I am not sure about other folks that are in their mid-forties and experiencing the same level of life-stress and turning to self-reflection, therapy and introspective planning, but buying a Mazda Miata and getting hair plugs like my parent's generation of men just doesn't feel right. I want to be a better human a good father and a good husband. To do that, I am now learning from the greatest minds in stoicism. This book is a great introduction. Jonas Salzgeber has done a spectacular job of writing a framework for us all to use in this modern moment. Come join in the resurgence of Stoicism and see how much living your life in service to your fellow humans, taking possession of your choices, your emotions and your future!

If you want an easy peasy life, no stress, always happy (no matter the situations; good or bad), you need to read this book. Digest the information and start applying in your life. You will not, I repeat, you will not be sorry. Excellent read. And it hits home on everyday disappointments.

This is one of those "I-want-to-buy-everyone-a-copy-but-I-can't-afford-to" books. It is so nice to take a 10 minute (or 5 minute) break from your daily routine to read a day's selection. Each day a point is made: first you have a fairly short classical quote from such philosophers as Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius, followed by a paragraph or two of modern commentary to expand on the quote. So nice. Gives you something profitable to chew over as you finish your day.

A good break down, and the thread of clear explanation but ever so wordy. The first part explains the philosophy, purpose, theory that sort of the thing. Then begins the second part which is about the practice and believe me after much repetition in the first part you are thristy for some fresh air and exercise. Only it begins again with page after page of philosophy and theory and reason but not practice; it does get to that eventually. Take in in small daily doses, it helps avoid the tedium of repetition. No need to go back a paragraph or page the next time you pick it up. Had this been pared down it would have made a good little hand book. Consider it a good clear introduction, but as drawn out day in a lecture hall.

I read several books about stoicism by three other popular authors, but found this one more appealing to me. I never made so many highlights in any book before, but this one is full of highlights, because Jonas distilled the stoicism philosophy so well. I bought a Kindle version, an audio book, and a hard copy as a gift. In addition, I would like to repeat what Justine said in her review below: - I felt as though I was having a deep conversation with a wise old friend. - The book is easy to read, interesting and to the point. I could not put it down. - The writer is very clear in what he is trying to convey and the book is easy to digest.

I used to anger and loose patience a lot in the day and then i discover stoicism, so i’ve decided to buy a book (I never read a book out of my own) and I really loved it. More than that it bring me more confidence and calmness, And now I whant to read more. I thank Jonas in the first place, but also all the ancient phylosophers. (Im not nationally english, and Im improving, this book as given an hand) thanks again.

This book showed me a new way, things that I didn't think possible suddenly became quite easily achievable for me in an astonishingly short space of time after reading this book. For a decade I have been hooked to weed, 'how do I quit this when all of my friends do it?!', but this book showed me the way, I found the inner clarity to simply stop. For years I've had a terrible habit of picking a scab out of my nostril (sorry to be gross), I didn't think I would ever stop, the habit was hard wired, but upon reading this book I just... stopped. I had a total addiction to scratching what had once (long ago) been a rash, this was a part of me, I thought I would never stop, but guess what? I stopped. I used to get angry at the most ridiculous things, I would slip while cutting a carrot: rage!, I would drop my guitar pick: "What a clumsy ****!", I would forget to buy a bottle of milk: "what a ****!!". I have almost entirely cut these pointless habits out - this book has been illuminating like the Sun. Really it isn't the book itself of course, it is the contents, the teachings of Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus bundled up into a beautifully readable piece that I still dip into often. I read Meditations before bed and I reflect on what happened and what I can learn. I am amazed and thrilled that I read this book. It won't work for everyone, but for me the power is intense. I have control, I do not need to be perturbed by external forces, my responses are within my control, my needs are now based on virtue and reason. Do I slip up sometimes? Of course! Even now I'm writing about myself which is sort of anti-Stoic, the stoic doesn't need to explain, only to embody their philosophy. But perhaps someone will read this and get the book and undergo their own revolution, I hope it changes you the way it changed me.

This was my first book about Stoicism, and I absolutely loved it! What I liked the most was the modern approach, which made it easy to read for non-native speakers. The author's writing style is gorgeous, with no unnecessary fluff. I appreciated the inclusion of the history of Stoicism and the useful practices without relying on "mind tricks". The book is also easy to navigate, thanks to its good structure. Thank you so much, Herr Salzgeber, for your work. I believe this book is a valuable contribution to the popularization of Stoicism. PS. bonus content is also great, I appreciate it

This book is an essential read for anyone seeking profound stoic insights to enrich their personal development. The book stands out for its remarkable clarity, making complex stoic principles easily comprehensible for readers of all backgrounds.