Stoic Mentors: Learn from the Best & Live Stoically Every Day
In a constantly changing and uncertain world, the goal of living stoically every day feels more relevant than ever. If you’re on a journey to understand Stoicism, you’re lucky to have the ancient Stoics to learn from and modern-day scholars and practitioners. Nowadays, people facing unprecedented challenges are finding comfort and strength in Stoicism. This philosophy isn’t just an intellectual exercise; it’s a practical guide for making decisions and leading with integrity during tough times.
Having mentors can be incredibly valuable in the journey to embrace the Stoic virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. To live life stoically every day is not just about enduring hardship but embracing it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Today, we have more quality resources for Stoic growth and education than ever.
When I’m serious about exploring something, I build a toolbox with resources to help me. In this article, let’s explore individuals who have embraced Stoic philosophy and are leading the way in applying it in our world today. Each person mentioned has provided me with tools, techniques, and perspectives that help me live more stoically.
Isaac Newton famously said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” This quote perfectly captures the importance of building on the experiences of others, and we are fortunate to have giants among us.
Live Stoically Everyday – Leverage Mentors
One of the most valuable resources I leverage in all aspects of life is individuals who are already making progress in areas I aspire to. These people are mentors, teachers, guides, masters, or philosophical leaders. The term mentor resonates with me, so I will use that term to describe those who provide valuable insights and advice based on their experiences and expertise. In my journey to live stoically daily, I have encountered several people I consider mentors.
Although I do not know these people personally, I can connect with them through the many good works they produce. One of the primary advantages of having mentors is gaining knowledge and skills more effectively than trying to learn and grow on your own. These mentors have already navigated our paths and offer specific, actionable advice. They help us understand what to do and what mistakes to avoid.
My favorite whimsical quote on the topic comes from Eleanor Roosevelt, who wisely said, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
We Live in a Time of Abundance
There is no better time to seek mentors to develop your Stoic practices. First, we have the timeless wisdom of the ancient Stoics, who dedicated themselves to living stoically daily, which is highly accessible to the modern seeker. Marcus Aurelius and Seneca provide extensive writings that are not abstract or indecipherable. Their writings are clear and actionable.
Additionally, many modern individuals dedicate themselves to studying and applying Stoicism’s ancient wisdom, providing us with incredible insights and resources on accessible platforms. Whether you prefer books, blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media, a wealth of excellent content is available.
I’ve chosen eight individuals whose work resonates with me, but I encourage you to explore others who might better fit you.
Mentors Dedicated to Living Stoically Everyday
Ryan Holiday: Bridging Ancient Stoicism with Modern Life
Ryan is a key guide in the modern resurgence of Stoicism. He’s an author and strategist who has written several bestselling books on Stoic philosophy and its application to contemporary life. His works, like “The Obstacle Is the Way,” “Ego Is the Enemy,“ and “Daily Stoic,“ introduce Stoic principles to a broad audience with engaging writing and modern examples.
It is difficult to list all the StoicismStoicismStoicism related resources available from Ryan. Whether it is books, workshops, podcasts, daily snippets, or any other type of content you are looking for, there is a good chance he has it to offer. I would recommend hitting his website below and signing up for his E-Mail-based Reading List here.
One of Ryan’s many projects includes opening a brick-and-mortar book store called “The Painted Porch“ in Bastrop, Texas. There is also an e-commerce offering to shop the bookstore, but the point is not to sell books solely for profit.
The store’s name, “The Painted Porch,“ has its roots in stoic history. “Stoicism“ derives from the Greek word “Stoa,“ meaning porch. This reference is to the Stoa Poikile, or the Painted Porch, a public colonnade in the ancient Athenian marketplace. The Stoa is where the Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium, who founded StoicismStoicismStoicism around 300 BC, developed and taught his philosophy. Holiday has created a stoa of his own due to his dedication to living stoically.
Ryan Holiday’s Other Books
Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds
Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave
William B. Irvine: Making Stoicism Accessible for Modern Life
William is a philosopher and author who makes Stoicism accessible and relevant today. He is a professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, Irvine. He has devoted much of his academic career to exploring how we can apply Stoic wisdom to the challenges of modern life.
His books, “A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy“ and “The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher’s Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient,” offer practical advice on implementing Stoic exercises in daily life. Not only does he break down complex philosophical concepts into actionable strategies, but his writing also provides insight into managing stress, improving emotional well-being, and enhancing life quality.
Massimo Pigliucci: Bridging Science and Stoicism for a Meaningful Life
Massimo is a philosopher known for his analytical approach to Stoicism. He is a Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York, with a rich academic background that includes degrees in genetics, botany, and philosophy of science. This unique blend of expertise allows him to approach Stoic philosophy with a rigorous, analytical mindset that appeals to academics and general readers alike.
His books include, “How to Be a Stoic,” “How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Philosophy,“ and “Think like a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World,“ Additionally, his blog provides thoughtful exploration and practical applications of Stoic principles. Beyond his written work, Pigliucci co-founded the Modern Stoicism organization and actively participates in Stoicon, an annual conference on modern Stoicism.
Massimo Pigliucci’s Other Books
A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living
Donald Robertson: Blending Stoicism with Modern Psychotherapy
Donald is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and philosopher who bridges ancient Stoic teachings with contemporary psychotherapy practices. Robertson’s books, “Stoicism and the Art of Happiness“ and “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius,” offer practical applications for improving mental resilience and emotional well-being. I have read and enjoyed his books immensely, as his writing style provides clarity, depth, and practicality, making ancient Stoic practices accessible and actionable for me.
In addition to his written contributions, Robertson is a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops dedicated to Stoicism. His work not only educates on the philosophical aspects of Stoicism but also provides tools for self-improvement that are grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy. If you check out Robertson’s website, you can find several online courses as additional learning resources.
Donald Robertson’s Other Books
Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor
Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
Tim Ferriss: Hacking Life with Stoic Principles
Tim has a variety of interests, which he explores through his best-selling books, website, and popular podcast, “The Tim Ferriss Show.“ Ferriss has integrated Stoic principles into modern self-help and life hacking strategies. His works, including “The 4-Hour Workweek,” “Tribe of Mentors,“ and “Tools of Titans,“ offer practical advice on achieving mental clarity, resilience, and productivity.
Ferriss’s approach to StoicismStoicismStoicism focuses on its utility in achieving mental clarity, resilience, and productivity. He often discusses how Stoic practices, such as negative visualization and voluntary discomfort, can manage stress and expectations, enhance decision-making, and improve overall life satisfaction. His experiments with these techniques and candid sharing of the outcomes have helped demystify Stoicism and showcase its relevance in contemporary life.
Works of his that I have found extremely useful are “Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from The Best in The World,” “Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers,” and his work on producing the “Tao of Seneca“ audiobooks (Volumes 1, 2 and 3). Ferriss recognizes and values the need for mentors. He has invested significant time and effort in compiling these resources and others that allow seekers to tap into greatness in an easily consumable format. I highly recommend checking Tim’s website podcast and signing up for his “5 Bullet Friday“ e-mail-based newsletter.
Jocko Willink: Stoicism, Leadership, and Extreme Ownership
Jocko is a retired Navy SEAL commander known for focusing on leadership, discipline, and mental toughness. His background in the demanding and high-stakes environment of military operations has provided him with a practical understanding of StoicismStoicismStoicism, which he applies to leadership, personal development, and life’s challenges. Jocko’s no-nonsense, straightforward approach to sharing his knowledge and experiences makes his work highly accessible to genuine seekers.
His books, “Extreme Ownership“ and “The Dichotomy of Leadership,“ emphasize virtues like courage and self-control—Willink’s podcast. “The Jocko Podcast“ explores these themes, providing practical advice on applying Stoic principles to everyday life.
Derren Brown: Exploring Stoicism Through the Lens of Psychology
Derren is a renowned British mentalist and author who explores Stoicism through the lens of human psychology. Known for his captivating television specials and live performances, Brown has also authored several books exploring themes of philosophy, the human mind, and the control of emotions, notably aligning with Stoic principles.
His book, “Happy,“ examines Stoic ideas of controlling reactions to external circumstances and focusing on internal attitudes. Brown’s unique blend of entertainment and education makes Stoic concepts relatable and practical.
Sharon Lebell: The Art of Living and the Timeless Wisdom of Stoicism
Sharon is a respected writer, speaker, and musician whose work has significantly contributed to the modern understanding and application of Stoic philosophy. Her book, “The Art of Living,“ distills Epictetus’s teachings into practical wisdom.
Lebell’s approach to Stoicism extends beyond her writings. She is an active participant in the Stoic community, contributing to discussions, workshops, and conferences that explore the relevance of Stoic philosophy today. Her presentations are known for their clarity, warmth, and practical focus, making Stoicism accessible to people from all walks of life.
Conclusion
In our constantly changing world, StoicismStoicismStoicism offers a way to find comfort and make good decisions during tough times. This philosophy is about embracing challenges and using them to grow stronger. Today, we have more resources than ever to learn about Stoicism, from ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to modern writers and teachers who explain these ideas clearly and practically.
Mentors like Ryan Holiday, William B. Irvine, Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson, Tim Ferriss, Jocko Willink, Derren Brown, and Sharon Lebell help us apply Stoic principles to our daily lives. By learning from their experiences, we can avoid mistakes and make better choices. Building a collection of Stoic resources—books, podcasts, and videos—helps us stay strong and clear-headed during difficult times.
In short, StoicismStoicismStoicism teaches us how to handle life’s challenges with resilience and integrity. With so many resources available today, learning from the best is easier than ever, and living stoically daily.
Resources
The Life-Changing Power of Mentors – American Psychological Association
Mentoring: Definition, Examples and Best Practices – Berkeley Well-Being Institute
Developing and Sustaining Successful Mentoring Relationships – Cambridge University Press
Written By Tony Harte
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