1. Full Citation
Holiday, R., & Hanselman, S. (2020) Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius. New York: Portfolio.
2. Introduction
Lives of the Stoics provides biographical sketches of prominent Stoic philosophers, tracing their lives, teachings, and applications of Stoicism in practical living. Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman illustrate Stoicism’s relevance through historical narrative.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author and media strategist known for popularising Stoic philosophy in modern contexts.
Stephen Hanselman is a writer and editor who collaborates with Holiday on Stoic literature.
4. Summary of Contents
Key themes include:
- Biographies of Stoic Philosophers
- Lives of Zeno, Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and others.
- Practical Philosophy
- How Stoics embodied their teachings.
- Ethics and Virtue
- Central Stoic concepts in life and leadership.
- Stoicism’s Historical Context
- Influence on Roman and Greek culture.
- Legacy and Modern Relevance
- Stoicism’s impact today.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
Narrative-driven with clear thematic focus.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
Blends biography with philosophical exposition.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
Based on classical texts and historical research.
d. Style and Accessibility
Engaging and accessible to a broad audience.
e. Limitations and Critiques
More biographical than analytical philosophy.
6. Comparative Context
Compared with:
- Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor – Stoic biography and philosophy
- Massimo Pigliucci’s How to Be a Stoic – Practical Stoicism
- Pierre Hadot’s Philosophy as a Way of Life – Historical-philosophical approach
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
Relevant to:
- Stoic philosophy and ethics
- Philosophy of history and biography
- Practical philosophy
- Personal development
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Illustrates Stoic principles lived authentically through biography, inspiring modern practice.
9. Conclusion
Lives of the Stoics offers a compelling, narrative introduction to the figures who shaped Stoicism and its enduring wisdom.
Recommended for: General readers, students of philosophy, and Stoicism enthusiasts.
10. Other Works by the Same Authors
- Ryan Holiday – The Daily Stoic
- Stephen Hanselman – Editorial work on Stoic literature
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- Donald Robertson – How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- Massimo Pigliucci – How to Be a Stoic
- Pierre Hadot – Philosophy as a Way of Life
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Holiday, R., & Hanselman, S. (2020) Lives of the Stoics
- Robertson, D. (2019) How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- Hadot, P. (1995) Philosophy as a Way of Life