What will I learn about: how Stoicism uses reason and logic to provide a practical framework for achieving virtue, serenity, and lasting happiness?

Discover how Stoicism uses reason and logic to provide a practical framework for achieving virtue, serenity, and lasting happiness.

What will I learn about: the core tenet of the dichotomy of control, teaching you to separate uncontrollable external events from your internal responses?

Understand the core tenet of the dichotomy of control, teaching you to separate uncontrollable external events from your internal responses.

What will I learn about: the three disciplines of Stoic practice—Desire, Action, and Assent—to systematically improve your character and navigate life's challenges?

Master the three disciplines of Stoic practice—Desire, Action, and Assent—to systematically improve your character and navigate life's challenges.

What will I learn about: Learn to manage your judgments, impulses, and will, which are the only three things ancient Stoics believed you have total control over?

Learn to manage your judgments, impulses, and will, which are the only three things ancient Stoics believed you have total control over.

What will I learn about: Shift your focus away from worrying about uncontrollable outcomes, like wealth or the opinions of others, and instead channel your energy into building a resilient character?

Shift your focus away from worrying about uncontrollable outcomes, like wealth or the opinions of others, and instead channel your energy into building a resilient character.

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A Handbook for New Stoics

How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control

Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez

★ 4.6 / 5(884 ratings)

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Personal Development Philosophy

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡What's the secret to living in harmony with nature and achieving inner peace?
💡Are you curious about how ancient Greek philosophers can help you overcome anxiety and stress in modern life?
💡Can you train your mind to focus on what truly matters and ignore the rest, and if so, how?

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Key Takeaways from A Handbook for New Stoics

✓Discover how Stoicism uses reason and logic to provide a practical framework for achieving virtue, serenity, and lasting happiness.
✓Understand the core tenet of the dichotomy of control, teaching you to separate uncontrollable external events from your internal responses.
✓Master the three disciplines of Stoic practice—Desire, Action, and Assent—to systematically improve your character and navigate life's challenges.
✓Learn to manage your judgments, impulses, and will, which are the only three things ancient Stoics believed you have total control over.
✓Shift your focus away from worrying about uncontrollable outcomes, like wealth or the opinions of others, and instead channel your energy into building a resilient character.

Learning Tools

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Mind Map

A Handbook for New Stoics

Core Philosophy+

The Discipline of Desire+

The Discipline of Action+

The Discipline of Assent+

Practical Tools+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10

What is a common misconception about Stoicism that the book refutes?

A. It is a religion that requires the belief in multiple ancient deities.
B. It is just a fancy way of suppressing emotions and keeping a 'stiff upper lip.'
C. It demands that its practitioners live in absolute poverty.
D. It focuses entirely on physical health and rigorous exercise.

Question 2 of 10

According to the text, what are the three interconnected key areas of focus in Stoicism used to find an ideal way to live?

A. Mind, Body, and Spirit
B. Desire, Action, and Assent
C. Ethics, Physics, and Logic
D. Past, Present, and Future

Question 3 of 10

In the context of the Discipline of Desire, what did Epictetus mean when he said we have total control over our 'thoughts' and 'impulses'?

A. We can completely prevent negative thoughts and impulses from entering our minds.
B. We have control over the judgments our thoughts carry and whether we act on our impulses.
C. We can control the thoughts of those around us through reasoned persuasion.
D. We can train our brains to only generate positive impulses.

Question 4 of 10

When shifting focus away from external outcomes like health or a performance review, what is the ultimate internal area over which a Stoic has complete control?

A. Their character
B. Their career trajectory
C. The physical environment
D. The economy

Question 5 of 10

Why do Stoics emphasize keeping in mind the impermanence of life, possessions, and circumstances?

A. To cultivate a cold, uncaring attitude toward personal loss.
B. To justify the pursuit of immediate, hedonistic pleasures.
C. To convince themselves that life has no ultimate meaning or purpose.
D. To develop equanimity, resilience in adversity, and appreciation for the good things.

Question 6 of 10

What is the primary purpose of anticipating difficult people and challenging situations, as illustrated by Epictetus's example of the Roman bathhouses?

A. To figure out ways to manipulate others before they can manipulate you.
B. To mentally prepare yourself so you aren't caught off guard and don't lose your temper.
C. To find reasons to avoid interacting with society whenever possible.
D. To prove that human nature is fundamentally flawed and evil.

Question 7 of 10

How did ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca primarily utilize journaling in their practice?

A. To record historical events for future generations of Romans.
B. To draft philosophical treatises meant to publicly criticize their political rivals.
C. To reflect on their day, identify areas for personal improvement, and calm their minds.
D. To track their financial assets and household inventories.

Question 8 of 10

What does the Discipline of Assent primarily train a practitioner to do?

A. Catch and counter initial impressions and snap judgments.
B. Agree with the opinions of philosophical authority figures.
C. Master the willpower to avoid negative physical circumstances.
D. Suppress all emotional responses to trauma.

Question 9 of 10

According to the final actionable advice in the text, how should a Stoic use the labels 'good' and 'bad'?

A. They should be used to evaluate the quality of external events, like the weather or the economy.
B. They should only be applied to things related to your character and virtue.
C. They are entirely subjective concepts that should be abandoned completely.
D. They should only be applied to the actions and moral failings of other people.

Question 10 of 10

Why do the authors suggest that mindfulness meditation aligns well with Stoicism?

A. Both practices originated in the same region of ancient Greece.
B. Both practices require detaching completely from society and modern life.
C. Both practices guarantee a life entirely free from physical pain and illness.
D. Both focus attention on the present moment, which is the only time we have control over.

A Handbook for New Stoics — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
21 — Stoicism is one of the strongest paths to happiness.
32 — Stoic practice has three parts, beginning with the Discipline of Desire.
43 — When focusing on what you can control, concentrate on character.
54 — Remember the impermanence of life, possessions, and circumstances.
65 — The Discipline of Action means preparing for what is likely to happen.
76 — Journaling is an essential tool for beginning your Stoic practice.
87 — The first Discipline of Assent exercises involve noticing and challenging initial impressions.
98 — The final exercise focuses on internalizing Stoic principles and carrying them with you always.
109 — Final summary

A Handbook for New Stoics Summary & Overview

A Handbook For New Stoics (2019) is a step-by-step guide to understanding and practicing the philosophy of Stoicism. You’ll find a helpful overview as well as recommended exercises for starting out and gradually becoming an advanced student of the popular philosophy.

Who Should Listen to A Handbook for New Stoics?

Folks curious about Stoicism
Anyone yearning to be more resilient in the face of life’s challenges
People who’d like to live a more virtuous life

About the Author: Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez

Massimo Pigliucci is a professor of philosophy at New York’s City College, as well as a fellow with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is also a student and practitioner of Stoicism. His writing has appeared in such publications as Philosophy Now, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.

Gregory Lopez is the editor-in-chief of the Examine Research Digest and the lead editor of the Examine.com website. He is also the founder of the New York City Stoics Meetup and, alongside Massimo Pigliucci, he runs the Stoic Camp New York.