Lessons in Stoicism

Outline

Lessons in Stoicism (2019) is a short, accessible introduction to Stoic philosophy and how it can help in daily life. John Sellars draws on the ideas of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius to explain how to focus on what we can control, manage difficult emotions, handle setbacks calmly, and live in harmony with others and with nature. The book shows why these ancient ideas remain useful today.

• Stoic philosophy is presented as a practical guide to daily life, not just an academic subject.
• Sellars draws on three Stoic thinkers: Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
• The core habit is to focus your effort on what you can control and let the rest go.
• Stoicism offers ways to manage difficult emotions and meet setbacks calmly instead of with panic.
• Living in harmony with other people and with nature is part of the Stoic way of life.

John Sellars is a British philosopher and reader in philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, who specialises in ancient philosophy. He is a founding member of Modern Stoicism, a group that shares Stoic ideas with a wide audience. His books include The Art of Living, Stoicism, and Lessons in Stoicism.