Enlarge Cover
Media/Desk Copy Request
A wide-ranging philosophical and practical guide that teaches how to incorporate the wisdom of many ancient philosophers and build upon a Stoic way of life
For centuries, people have been grappling with life’s biggest questions: Who am I? What’s my purpose? How can I be happy? In modern times, many have found meaningful answers in Stoic philosophy. But there are other Greek and Roman philosophers who offer invaluable insights for modern life.
This book is a compass that helps us navigate these treacherous existential waters. Each chapter introduces a new tool for our toolkit by combining a biographical sketch of a particular philosopher, an exploration of the larger philosophy, and applicable lessons and to tackle common challenges found in our everyday life. We learn how to avoid pain with Epicurus, how to strike the right balance between extremes with Aristotle, how to rebel like the Cynic Hipparchia, and how to embrace uncertainty with the help of Cicero. Organized around three main themes of pleasure, virtue, and doubt, there’s something to learn from each master in our philosophical quest.
Even though these ideas were first presented thousands of years ago, they’re more relevant than ever in the twenty-first century. We still want the same things: love, friendship, money, reputation; and still fear the same threats: poverty, sickness, pain, and death. These Hellenistic philosophers devised powerful wisdom on how to live—now, we can use it to make our lives better.
“A must-read for anyone interested in practical philosophy.”—Donald J. Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
“This is a great introduction to the rich variety of philosophical schools in the ancient world, bringing them to life by inviting readers to test them out and compare them for themselves. Everyone should find something to inspire them in this wealth of ancient wisdom.”—John Sellars, author of The Pocket Stoic and The Pocket Epicurean
“Written by self-professed practitioners of Stoicism, this book (hence its title) explores the entire range of Greek and Roman philosophies of life. These philosophies include the Epicurean doctrines of pleasure and avoidance of pain, the Stoic and Aristotelian focus on virtuous character, and the radical doubt and search of Pyrrhonism. The authors invite their readers to try out one or more of these philosophies for themselves by exercises that apply the teaching to their lives. As a comprehensive and practical guide to ancient wisdom, this book is in a class of its own. I recommend it with enthusiasm.”—A. A. Long, author of Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life
“Beyond Stoicism introduces readers to the vast variety of philosophies practiced as ways of living in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. After competently and imaginatively explaining what was distinctive to each of the philosophical schools or traditions, Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz provide five days’ worth of well-designed exercises intended to help people apply and experiment with those key concepts and practices. This book is a veritable smorgasbord of substantive philosophical treats that can be sampled at each reader's preferred pace.”—Greg Sadler, editor of Stoicism Today
“Refreshing, engaging, and thought-provoking, Beyond Stoicism is a welcome addition to any Stoic library. Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz invite readers to expand their horizons by placing Stoicism (which focuses on character) within a broader framework that also embraces the importance of pleasure and the value of doubt. Far more than just an educational guide on different philosophies of well-being, Beyond Stoicism opens readers’ eyes to the vast richness of thought that exists beyond Stoic principles. The authors inspire and challenge: Stoicism is powerful—but so are other philosophies. Why not enrich our lives by embracing a wider vision?”—Dr. Chuck Chakrapani, editor of The Stoic Gym Journal and Distinguished Visiting Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University
“An engaging and illuminating journey through ancient philosophical thought that encourages the reader to incorporate those philosophies into their own lives. I’m excited for the impact Beyond Stoicism will have on its audience.”—Matthew Van Natta, author of The Beginner’s Guide to Stoicism
“Beyond Stoicism offers an inspiring guide for those eager to articulate and practice a personal philosophy of life. Becoming acquainted with the wisdom traditions of key Greek and Roman philosophers on whose shoulders we stand, we can thereby wisely elevate our moral and practical efforts toward lives of dignity and meaning.”—Sharon Lebell, author of The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness and coauthor with Brother David Steindl-Rast of The Music of Silence: Entering the Sacred Space of Monastic Experience
“A valuable addition to the practical philosophy literature, ideal for modern Stoics who are curious about other sources of ancient wisdom. Especially valuable are the practical exercises for each philosophy, which the reader can try out as experiments in living. I’ll be recommending Beyond Stoicism to all therapy clients and colleagues who are interested in reading an accessible and engaging introduction to ancient practical philosophy.”—Tim LeBon, director of research for Modern Stoicism and author of 365 Ways to be More Stoic
“This ambitious book is full of everything you need to know about 13 ancient Greek and Roman philosophies of life. The authors expertly weave together relatable stories, well-grounded theoretical explanations, surprising biographical facts, and practical suggestions for applying these philosophies on your own. Brimming with useful tips and information, Beyond Stoicism is perfect for all the curious seekers out there who want to learn about, question, and test philosophical ideas for themselves!”—Brittany Polat, cofounder and president of Stoicare, author of Journal Like a Stoic, and coauthor of Stoic Ethics: The Basics
“A remarkable combination of a very wide-ranging survey of ancient philosophical approaches with guidance on applying them in practice today. The inclusion of skepticism (very clearly explained) is a particularly striking feature.”—Christopher Gill, Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought, University of Exeter and coauthor of Stoic Ethics: The Basics
“An important contribution to both philosophy and psychology, Beyond Stoicism creates a much-needed bridge between ancient wisdom and modern research. This book can help you better understand complex philosophical ideas, so that you can apply them in your life. A practical guide toward a happier, healthier, and calmer life.”—Tal Ben-Shahar, author of Happier, No Matter What and Choose the Life You Want
“This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants not only to learn about the ancient Greek and Roman philosophies of life but wants to ‘test drive’ these philosophies by living in accordance with them for a time. As a result of these experiments, you might decide to adopt one of these philosophies, or you might combine ideas from several to create a philosophy that is tailor-made for your life and circumstances. Either way, you will be taking an important step toward optimizing the one life you have to live.”—William B. Irvine, Professor Emeritus, Wright State University
“It takes more than intelligence to write intelligently on the subject of philosophical wisdom. The confident and inspiring voices of this trio of seasoned writers illuminate multiple schools of thought with clarity and engaging exercises. Excavating practical ideas on how we can live more fulfilling lives, Beyond Stoicism shines a light on how selected philosophies can teach us about the art of living. I'm buying two copies, one for each eye.”—Karen Duffy, New York Times‒bestselling author of Model Patient, Backbone, and Wise Up
“This impressive book elucidates essential distinctions between various schools of ancient philosophy. It is both comprehensive in its coverage and accessible. The exercises at the end of each chapter help the reader sharpen their understanding of these distinctions. One can learn and then work at putting into practice many of the philosophical ideas and strategies outlined in this book. Readers will be grateful for the collective efforts of Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz, whose collaboration has resulted in a fine book that offers a rich and diverse perspective on ancient philosophy.”—Walter J. Matweychuck, PhD, REBT psychologist
