Person
Every book Massimo Pigliucci recommended on podcasts
Massimo Pigliucci’s most recommended books
- On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
- Arrian: Anabasis Alexandri, books V-VII ; Indica by Arrian
- Arrian's Voyage round the Euxine Sea by Arrian
- The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
- A New Stoicism by Lawrence C. Becker
- It's a God Thing by Larry Baker, Becky Lyles
- Meditations by Aurelius Marcus
- Moral letters to Lucilius by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus
- The consolations of philosophy by Alain De Botton
- The Discourses of Epictetus by Epictetus
Massimo Pigliucci engages deeply with ancient philosophy, particularly Stoicism, as evidenced through his appearances on the Modern Wisdom podcast. He offers listeners profound insights into how classical texts can be practically incorporated into daily life to navigate modern challenges. During his discussions, Pigliucci frequently highlights foundational Stoic works, such as the Enchiridion, pointing out its opening lines and noting how incorporating its teachings can genuinely transform a person's life. He also discusses historical context, mentioning how the Enchiridion served as a training manual for Christian monks throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Additionally, Pigliucci mentions Boethius's The Consolation of Philosophy as the first selection for an upcoming meetup book club he organized. Beyond ancient works, Pigliucci brings attention to contemporary and related scholarly contributions. He discusses a book by his friend and colleague Larry Baker concerning a modernized approach to the Stoic system, as well as a text authored by Brian Johnson, a colleague at Fordham University, which explores Epictetus's role ethics. Furthermore, Pigliucci references correspondence and writings by Seneca, including letters written to his friend Lucilius and a letter of consolation to Marcia, illustrating the rich historical dialogue surrounding Stoic philosophy. Through these podcast conversations, Pigliucci demonstrates a commitment to making ancient wisdom accessible, practical, and relevant for contemporary seekers of a meaningful and well-examined life.
Books recommended by Massimo Pigliucci
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On the Shortness of Life
On the Shortness of Life by Seneca is a foundational Stoic philosophical essay that examines the perception of time, mortality, and the importance of mindful attention to make every minute count.
Discussed“This is he actually says so explicitly in a letter of consolation that he writes to his friend marsha who had lost an adult son”
Where to get it
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Arrian: Anabasis Alexandri, books V-VII ; Indica
Arrian: Anabasis Alexandri, books V-VII ; Indica by Arrian preserves the historical campaigns of Alexander the Great alongside geographical and ethnographic observations of India.
Recommended“um for instance if if you pick up the first the very opening of the anchor reading uh it says some things are up to us other things are not up to us”
Where to get it
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Arrian's Voyage round the Euxine Sea
Arrian's Voyage round the Euxine Sea by Arrian is a historical geographical account detailing a maritime journey around the Black Sea by the second-century Greek historian and administrator.
Recommended“and if you actually if if you get anything other than caridion or of the field guide the new the new version that would be it if you just get that one and incorporate it into your daily life that's just just that one is going to change things for you”
Where to get it
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The Consolation of Philosophy
The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius is a foundational medieval philosophical classic written as the Roman statesman awaited execution, addressing the nature of fortune, free will, and true happiness.
Recommended“is the consolation of philosophy by beau Asia's not to be confused with the consolations of philosophy plural by the bottom right”
Where to get it
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A New Stoicism
A New Stoicism by Lawrence C.
Discussed“the thing my friend and colleague larry baker who wrote a new stoicism uh did a similar thing with the entire stoic system”
Where to get it
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It's a God Thing
Discussed“the thing my friend and colleague larry baker who wrote a new stoicism uh did a similar thing with the entire stoic system”
Where to get it
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Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal journals and philosophical notes written by the Roman emperor during his military campaigns, offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and personal endurance.
Discussed“or Marcus Aurelius meditations and and Senecas writings yeah that's that's amazed”
Where to get it
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Moral letters to Lucilius
Moral letters to Lucilius by Seneca is a collection of philosophical epistles offering timeless Stoic wisdom on virtue, mortality, and the art of living well.
Discussed“seneca actually writes explicitly it's like look he writes a beautiful letter to his friend lucillus and he says look my friend the people that came before us are not our masters”
Where to get it
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The consolations of philosophy
Discussed“is the consolation of philosophy by beau Asia's not to be confused with the consolations of philosophy plural by the bottom right”
Where to get it
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The Discourses of Epictetus
The Discourses of Epictetus by Epictetus is an enduring classical text of Stoic philosophy that preserves the teachings and lectures of the Greek philosopher.
Discussed“then throughout the middle ages and renaissance the encouridion was actually re-written and updated several times because it was used as a triangle as a training manual for tranwall is a new word that i just invented a training manual for christian monks right”
Where to get it
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The Lives of Brian
Discussed“this comes out of what is sometimes referred to as epictetus role ethics uh there's a wonderful book about just about that aspect of stoicism over the patriarchs philosophy by brian johnson who is a colleague of mine at fordham university and he wrote a book on the rolatex of epicurus”
Where to get it
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THE PLAGUE
The Plague by Albert Camus is a classic existentialist novel that uses the allegorical setting of a city struck by a deadly epidemic to explore profound themes of human suffering, absurdism, collective responsibility, and resilience.
Discussed“one of the best-selling books is canoes the plague not surprisingly right”
Where to get it
Books Massimo Pigliucci wrote
- How to Live a Good Life
- A Field Guide to a Happy Life
- A Handbook for New Stoics
- How to Be a Stoic
- Live Like A Stoic
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Stoic Guide To A Happy Life - Massimo Pigliucci - #239 | Modern Wisdom | 2020-10-31 | 8 |
| 5 Exercises From Stoicism To Improve Your Life - Massimo Piggliuci - #170 | Modern Wisdom | 2020-05-14 | 5 |
Other mentions (7: passing, ad reads, own books)
“we might as well just keep on talking about stoicism the stoic the stoic guide to a happy life 53 brief brief lessons for living why'd you write this”
“how to be a stoic the first book that I wrote about was amiss been published in Japan and Korea and China”
“you know in a book that I co-edited recently called how to live a good life there's a chapter on epic Uranus”
“so here's called a handbook for for new study I think in UK the title is living like a stoic or something like that”
“live like historic in the UK edition is the practical one it's got these 52 exercises”
“how to be a stoic is my earlier book and it's it's more comprehensive it includes a historic theory a little bit of history”
“there is a new one coming out in September and it's called a field guide to a happy life to be happy life”