How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci #2218

Today’s book: How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci—a modern guide that transforms ancient Stoic philosophy into real-life tools for self-mastery, clear thinking, and purposeful action.

Here’s your 1-minute summary:

• Focus on what you can control. Thoughts, intentions, and actions are yours. Everything else? Don’t waste energy on it.

• Live according to reason and nature. Align your life with rational principles—cultivating virtue over chasing external outcomes.

• Master your reactions. Pause before you respond—observe emotions, then choose your response from clarity, not impulse.

• Practice Stoic exercises. Negative visualization, daily reflection, withholding assent—habitual frameworks to build resilience and focus.

• Cultivate apatheia (equanimity). Free yourself from emotional storms—feel deeply without losing clear-headed calm.

Freedom isn’t about circumstance—it’s about inner choice. Which Stoic practice will you try today?

As always, check out the Notes for more. We’ve got a ton of notes on great books on Stoicism and Stoicism 101. If you haven’t checked that one out yet, hope you have a great day!