What is a good life? And how can we create that life in a world filled with uncertainty? Beyond Stoicism invites you to find your own answers to these big questions with help from thirteen of the most prominent Greco-Roman philosophers—many of whom inspired, or were inspired by, the Stoics. By taking cues from the lives and ideas of the Cynics, Epicureans, and others, you’ll learn to:

Seek pleasure with Aristippus  Strike the right balance with Aristotle  Focus on what’s up to you with Epictetus Be a rebel like Hipparchia Embrace uncertainty with Carneades Question everything with Socrates Work toward a just society with Plato And much more

Times have changed, but the quest for eudaimonia—a life worth living—stays the same: We still seek pleasure and crave love, avoid pain and fear death. That’s why all these ancient sages can continue to guide us, practicing Stoics and new seekers alike. 

With exercises to help you test-drive each philosophy today

Publisher’s Note ? Errata: The first printing of Beyond Stoicism duplicates page 188 on page 118. Readers may download page 118 at the Beyond Stoicism page at theexperimentpublishing.com.

“A must-read for anyone interested in practical philosophy.”?Donald J. Robertson, author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

Navigate the challenges of modern life, with ancient and time-tested Greek and Roman thinkers at your side.

“A refreshing example of a too-rare form of self-help, in which the goal isn’t success or happiness but becoming a better human being.”—The Wall Street Journal

Chapter 1 (Prologue): A general introduction to the very idea of a philosophy of life; an explanation of why the focus on the Greco and Roman tradition; and a three-pronged approach to living a good life. The prongs are: pleasure, character, and doubt. They represent three fundamental areas explored by Greco and Roman life philosophies and provide the general framework for the book’s exploration of these philosophies.

Chapter 2: Aristippus and pleasure.

Chapter 3: Epicurus and the avoidance of pain.

Chapter 4: Socrates on knowing yourself.

Chapter 5: Plato and the just society.

Chapter 6: Aristotle on striking the right balance.

Chapter 7: Epictetus and what is truly up to us.

Chapter 8: Hipparchia and the courage of rebellion.

Chapter 9: Cicero and uncertainty.

Chapter 10: Pyrrho and suspending judgment.

Chapter 11 (Epilogue): How to generate one’s own manual for a good life. This will be an interactive section where readers will review their experience with each philosophy they have sampled in the book and select what approaches they found most useful. Based on the results of a self-assessment exercise, they will then be guided through constructing their own practical philosophy and given suggestions for further readings to explore how to live a fulfilling philosophical life.

"A remarkable combination of a very wide-ranging survey of ancient philosophical approaches with guidance on applying them in practice today. The inclusion of skepticism (very clearly explained) is a particularly striking feature."

"An engaging and illuminating journey through ancient philosophical thought that encourages the reader to incorporate those philosophies into their own lives. I’m excited for the impact Beyond Stoicism will have on its audience."

"It takes more than intelligence to write intelligently on the subject of philosophical wisdom. The confident and inspiring voices of this trio of seasoned writers illuminate multiple schools of thought with clarity and engaging exercises. Excavating practical ideas on how we can live more fulfilling lives, Beyond Stoicism shines a light on how selected philosophies can teach us about the art of living. I'm buying two copies, one for each eye."

"Beyond Stoicism offers an inspiring guide for those eager to articulate and practice a personal philosophy of life. Becoming acquainted with the wisdom traditions of key Greek and Roman philosophers on whose shoulders we stand, we can thereby wisely elevate our moral and practical efforts toward lives of dignity and meaning."

"Beyond Stoicism introduces readers to the vast variety of philosophies practiced as ways of living in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. After competently and imaginatively explaining what was distinctive to each of the philosophical schools or traditions, Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz provide five days’ worth of well-designed exercises intended to help people apply and experiment with those key concepts and practices. This book is a veritable smorgasbord of substantive philosophical treats that can be sampled at each reader's preferred pace."

"A valuable addition to the practical philosophy literature, ideal for modern Stoics who are curious about other sources of ancient wisdom. Especially valuable are the practical exercises for each philosophy, which the reader can try out as experiments in living. I’ll be recommending Beyond Stoicism to all therapy clients and colleagues who are interested in reading an accessible and engaging introduction to ancient practical philosophy."

"An important contribution to both philosophy and psychology, Beyond Stoicism creates a much-needed bridge between ancient wisdom and modern research. This book can help you better understand complex philosophical ideas, so that you can apply them in your life. A practical guide toward a happier, healthier, and calmer life."

"This ambitious book is full of everything you need to know about 13 ancient Greek and Roman philosophies of life. The authors expertly weave together relatable stories, well-grounded theoretical explanations, surprising biographical facts, and practical suggestions for applying these philosophies on your own. Brimming with useful tips and information, Beyond Stoicism is perfect for all the curious seekers out there who want to learn about, question, and test philosophical ideas for themselves!"

"A must-read for anyone interested in practical philosophy."

"Refreshing, engaging, and thought-provoking, Beyond Stoicism is a welcome addition to any Stoic library. Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz invite readers to expand their horizons by placing Stoicism (which focuses on character) within a broader framework that also embraces the importance of pleasure and the value of doubt. Far more than just an educational guide on different philosophies of well-being, Beyond Stoicism opens readers’ eyes to the vast richness of thought that exists beyond Stoic principles. The authors inspire and challenge: Stoicism is powerful but so are other philosophies. Why not enrich our lives by embracing a wider vision?"

"The wisdom of the early Greco-Roman philosophers comes alive in Beyond Stoicism, making their inquiries relevant and accessible for today’s audience, helping each of us create our own unique blueprint for a meaningful life."

"This is a great introduction to the rich variety of philosophical schools in the ancient world, bringing them to life by inviting readers to test them out and compare them for themselves. Everyone should find something to inspire them in this wealth of ancient wisdom."

"A refreshing example of a too-rare form of self-help, in which the goal isn’t success or happiness but becoming a better human being."

"Written by self-professed practitioners of Stoicism, this book (hence its title) explores the entire range of Greek and Roman philosophies of life.  These philosophies include the Epicurean doctrines of pleasure and avoidance of pain, the Stoic and Aristotelian focus on virtuous character, and the radical doubt and search of Pyrrhonism. The authors invite their readers to try out one or more of these philosophies for themselves by exercises that apply the teaching to their lives. As a comprehensive and practical guide to ancient wisdom, this book is in a class of its own. I recommend it with enthusiasm."

"This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants not only to learn about the ancient Greek and Roman philosophies of life but wants to ?test drive’ these philosophies by living in accordance with them for a time. As a result of these experiments, you might decide to adopt one of these philosophies, or you might combine ideas from several to create a philosophy that is tailor-made for your life and circumstances. Either way, you will be taking an important step toward optimizing the one life you have to live."

"This impressive book elucidates essential distinctions between various schools of ancient philosophy. It is both comprehensive in its coverage and accessible. The exercises at the end of each chapter help the reader sharpen their understanding of these distinctions. One can learn and then work at putting into practice many of the philosophical ideas and strategies outlined in this book. Readers will be grateful for the collective efforts of Pigliucci, Lopez, and Kunz, whose collaboration has resulted in a fine book that offers a rich and diverse perspective on ancient philosophy."