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Craving deeper wisdom after finishing Marcus Aurelius's timeless masterpiece? Philosophers like Ryan Holiday and Donald Robertson champion books like 'Meditations' for building mental resilience and grit. Start with 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' or 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl — all available as quick summaries on Headway.
This curated collection spans ancient Stoic texts to modern interpretations, each offering practical strategies for self-discipline and personal growth that echo Marcus Aurelius's powerful teachings.
Download Headway to access these bite-sized book summaries, microlearning lessons, and self-growth tools that fit your busy schedule!
Quick guide to books like 'Meditations': Top five picks
'The Obstacle Is the Way' by Ryan Holiday for turning challenges into opportunities
'Discourses and Selected Writings' by Epictetus for mastering what you control
'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl for finding purpose in adversity
'How to Think Like a Roman Emperor' by Donald Robertson for practical Stoicism
'Letters from a Stoic' by Seneca for timeless wisdom on living well
Keep reading for the full list of philosophy books!
15 best books to read after Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’
You're in the right place if you found Marcus Aurelius's ‘Meditations’ inspiring and are eager to explore Stoic philosophy. We’ve curated this reading list to help you explore the timeless wisdom of Stoicism, from ancient texts to modern interpretations.
Each book delves into themes of self-discipline, resilience, and personal growth and offers practical advice for living a better life. Whether you're a seasoned Stoic or just beginning your journey, these titles will provide valuable insights and guidance.
1. ‘The Obstacle Is the Way’ by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday’s ‘The Obstacle Is the Way’ draws heavily on Stoic philosophy to illustrate how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.
The book emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you can control, remaining objective, and staying present in the moment.
Holiday’s core message is that obstacles are not impediments but pathways to success, teaching virtues such as patience, courage, and resourcefulness.
Similarities between the books:
Both stress transforming challenges into opportunities.
They highlight virtues like patience, courage, and resilience.
Both advocate focusing on what can be controlled and accepting what cannot.
The teachings of Marcus Aurelius are a significant influence in both works.
2. ‘A Guide to the Good Life’ by William B. Irvine
The book ‘A Guide to the Good Life’ by William B. Irvine offers insights and advice on living well. Irvine provides practical Stoic techniques such as living in the present, controlling reactions, and practicing self-denial.
He suggests that cultivating calm and meaning in our lives can be achieved through these Stoic practices. He highlights the challenge of modern society’s focus on external success and material possessions over inner virtues.
Similarities between the books:
Both provide practical advice for living a meaningful life.
They emphasize the importance of inner virtues over external success.
Both advocate self-awareness and self-discipline as keys to personal growth.
They share a focus on Stoic principles and living in accordance with nature.
3. ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor E. Frankl
The New York Times bestseller ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl examines the search for purpose amidst suffering. It echoes Stoic themes of resilience and resonates with Nietzsche’s ideas on finding meaning through overcoming adversity.
Frankl illustrates that life can hold significance even in dire situations, emphasizing the importance of personal choice. He says that true fulfillment arises from choosing meaningful challenges rather than seeking superficial pleasures.
Similarities between the books:
Both explore the search for meaning amidst adversity.
They emphasize personal choice and attitude.
Both advocate finding fulfillment in meaningful challenges.
They share a focus on resilience and inner strength.
4. ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
‘Atomic Habits’ by American author James Clear focuses on building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, incremental changes.
It clearly outlines the foundational principles of habit formation in four laws: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying.
His strategies include habit stacking and environmental cues, making behavior changes more manageable.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize the importance of self-discipline and good habits.
They advocate small, incremental changes for personal growth.
Both provide practical advice for achieving self-control and resilience.
They share a focus on self-improvement and inner strength.
5. ‘How to Think Like a Roman Emperor’ by Donald J. Robertson
Donald J. Robertson’s ‘How to Think Like a Roman Emperor’ explores the life of Marcus Aurelius. It draws parallels between his experiences, Stoic philosophy, and historical figures like Plutarch, who also chronicled the lives of great leaders.
The book is structured as a narrative, following Aurelius’s life story and illustrating how his Stoic beliefs shaped his actions and decisions. Robertson’s engaging writing style makes ancient wisdom accessible to modern readers.
Similarities between the books:
Both explore the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius.
They emphasize applying Stoic principles in everyday life.
Both advocate self-discipline and emotional resilience.
They share a focus on personal growth and moral integrity.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
6. ‘How to Be a Stoic’ by Massimo Pigliucci
Massimo Pigliucci’s ‘How to Be a Stoic’ emphasizes that Stoicism is a philosophy of life focused on rational living and self-improvement. Pigliucci identifies three core disciplines of Stoicism: desire, action, and assent, and guides readers in mastering emotions, ethical behavior, and rational thought.
The book provides practical exercises to help readers apply Stoic principles in everyday life, emphasizing Stoicism as the art of living with purpose and self-discipline, thus promoting the Stoic life.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize rational living and self-improvement.
They advocate mastering emotions and ethical behavior.
Both provide practical exercises for applying Stoic principles.
They share a focus on self-discipline and personal growth.
How to Be a Stoic
7. ‘Discourses and Selected Writings’ by Epictetus
Epictetus’s ‘Discourses and Selected Writings,’ which were deeply influenced by Greek Stoicism, focus on living a virtuous life through Stoicism.
He emphasizes the importance of inner strength and endurance, encouraging acceptance of what we cannot control.
Epictetus teaches that true happiness is derived from our thoughts and responses rather than external circumstances, advocating for living in accordance with nature to achieve peace.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize inner strength and resilience.
They advocate accepting what cannot be controlled and focusing on one’s actions.
Both stress true happiness comes from within, not from external circumstances.
They share a focus on Stoic principles and moral excellence.
Discourses and Selected Writings
8. ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ by Mark Manson
Mark Manson’s ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ aims to guide readers toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life by prioritizing important values and goals. Manson uses a casual, potty-mouthed writing style to convey his messages, making them relatable and engaging.
The book addresses the challenge of modern distractions and the difficulty of reflecting on true desires and goals.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize prioritizing important values and goals.
They advocate focusing on what truly matters in life.
Both challenge modern distractions and superficial pursuits.
They share a focus on finding fulfillment and meaning.
9. ‘On the Shortness of Life’ by Seneca
Seneca’s ‘On the Shortness of Life’ emphasizes that many individuals waste their time on trivial matters, contributing to the perception that life is fleeting. As ancient Rome's leading intellectual, he argues that those who chase status or power often miss the joy of living in the moment.
Seneca critiques the mindset of perpetual preparation and advocates for living meaningfully in the present.
Similarities between the books:
Both critique the pursuit of status and power.
They emphasize living meaningfully in the present moment.
Both advocate focusing on what truly matters in life.
They share a focus on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of self-awareness.
On the Shortness of Life
10. ‘The Daily Stoic’ by Ryan Holiday
‘The Daily Stoic’ by Ryan Holiday offers daily quotes and modern analyses of Stoic philosophy, making it an ideal entry point for beginners, structured with one page per day.
This book provides daily doses of wisdom and insights into Stoicism and its roots, dating back to Socrates' times, helping readers incorporate Stoic principles into their everyday lives.
Similarities between the books:
Both provide daily reflections on Stoic philosophy.
They emphasize incorporating Stoic principles into everyday life.
Both advocate self-discipline and personal growth.
They share a focus on practical wisdom and moral integrity.
The Daily Stoic
11. ‘The Inner Citadel: The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius’ by Pierre Hadot
Pierre Hadot’s ‘The Inner Citadel’ offers a detailed analysis of Marcus Aurelius’s thoughts, emphasizing the importance of inner strength and self-reflection. Hadot interprets ‘Meditations’ as a guide for personal development rather than merely a philosophical treatise.
The book highlights the concept of the ‘inner citadel’ as a metaphor for the mental fortitude needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize inner strength and self-reflection.
They advocate personal development and moral integrity.
Both highlight the concept of mental fortitude in facing life’s challenges.
They share a focus on Stoic principles and personal growth.
The Inner Citadel
12. ‘The Enchiridion’ by Epictetus
‘The Enchiridion’ by Epictetus is a concise compilation of his core teachings that emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s own actions and accepting what is beyond one’s control.
Epictetus teaches that true freedom comes from not desiring things that depend on others or external circumstances and advises individuals to remain indifferent to external judgments.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize focusing on one’s actions and accepting what is beyond one’s control.
They advocate finding happiness within rather than from external validations.
Both highlight the importance of moral integrity and self-discipline.
They share a focus on practical philosophy and personal growth.
The Enchiridion
13. ‘Stoicism and the Art of Happiness’ by Donald Robertson
Donald Robertson’s ‘Stoicism and the Art of Happiness’ explores how Stoic philosophy can lead to a fulfilling and serene life. Robertson argues that ancient Stoicism laid the groundwork for modern self-help concepts and psychological therapies.
The book emphasizes maintaining calmness during adversity and living in harmony with the universe’s nature to achieve true happiness.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize the pursuit of virtue as the only true good.
They advocate emotional resilience and maintaining calmness during adversity.
Both highlight the importance of living in harmony with nature.
They share a focus on Stoic principles and personal growth.
Stoicism and the Art of Happiness
14. ‘The Complete Essays’ by Michel de Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne’s ‘The Complete Essays’ delves into personal anecdotes and reflections on various topics like friendship, education, and human nature.
Montaigne emphasizes self-exploration and understanding, advocating for self-education and personal experiences over traditional rote learning. His essays highlight the duality of human nature and the importance of accepting mortality to live authentically.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize personal reflection and self-improvement.
They advocate understanding human nature and accepting mortality.
Both highlight the importance of self-education and personal experiences.
They share a focus on philosophical musings and personal growth.
The Complete Essays
15. ‘That One Should Disdain Hardships: The Teachings of a Roman Stoic’ by Musonius Rufus
Musonius Rufus’s ‘That One Should Disdain Hardships’ focuses on the practical applications of Stoic philosophy, emphasizing noble behavior over theoretical discussions.
He believes enduring hardships strengthens the body and soul, advocating for a simple lifestyle and frugality. Musonius also supports gender equality in education, arguing that both men and women should study philosophy to cultivate virtue.
Similarities between the books:
Both emphasize enduring hardships and cultivating resilience.
They advocate a simple lifestyle and self-discipline.
Both highlight the significance of practical philosophy and noble behavior.
They share musings on Stoic principles and personal growth in the modern world.
That One Should Disdain Hardships
What makes 'Meditations' a timeless guide to inner strength?
‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal reflections written primarily for self-guidance and introspection. As a Roman Emperor and a Stoic philosopher, Aurelius penned these private thoughts during tumultuous times, reflecting on the responsibilities and virtues necessary for a fulfilling life.
The work serves as a practical guide that offers valuable wisdom through concise aphorisms and advice for navigating daily life’s challenges, emphasizing self-discipline, personal growth, and the acceptance of change.
The themes of ‘Meditations’ revolve around Stoic principles such as:
Humility
Patience
Empathy
Inner strength
Marcus Aurelius believed that true happiness and moral integrity stem from self-improvement and living in accordance with nature for a happy life. His reflections are not systematically organized but revisited repeatedly, underscoring their importance in the Stoic way of life.
At its core, ‘Meditations’ is a testament to the philosophical musings of a Stoic philosopher who valued self-discipline and personal integrity above all else. Aurelius teaches us to find peace and fulfillment by embracing the universal law of change amidst life’s inevitable challenges.
Continue your Stoic journey with Headway book summaries
Exploring books similar to ‘Meditations’ can deepen your understanding of Stoic philosophy and even draw parallels with ancient Chinese wisdom, offering new perspectives on self-discipline, resilience, and personal growth. From ancient texts like ‘Letters from a Stoic’ and ‘The Enchiridion’ to modern interpretations like ‘The Obstacle Is the Way’ and ‘Atomic Habits’, these works offer valuable insights into living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
By incorporating the teachings of these books into your daily practice, you can cultivate inner strength, embrace challenges, and navigate life’s complexities with grace and wisdom.
For those who seek to expand their Stoic wisdom but find themselves short on time, Headway provides an excellent solution. The app offers concise summaries of a wide range of books, allowing busy individuals to grasp important concepts and valuable insights quickly.
Get the Headway app to expand your knowledge and continue your path of self-improvement, guided by the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and other great thinkers.
Frequently asked questions about books like 'Meditations'
What are the main themes of Marcus Aurelius's ‘Meditations’?
The main themes revolve around self-discipline, personal growth, acceptance of change, and aligning life with nature. Marcus Aurelius emphasizes humility, patience, inner strength, and finding peace through embracing life's inevitable challenges. These Stoic insights guide us toward living with purpose and moral integrity.
How does ‘The Obstacle Is the Way’ by Ryan Holiday relate to ‘Meditations’?
Both books inspire you to see challenges as opportunities for growth and focus on what's within your control. They highlight patience, resilience, and courage while encouraging a mindset that embraces adversity. Holiday directly draws from Marcus Aurelius's Stoic teachings to illustrate modern applications of ancient wisdom.
What is the focus of Seneca's ‘Letters from a Stoic’?
The focus is on living a good, meaningful life through Stoic philosophy. Seneca emphasizes self-examination, genuine friendships, and practical wisdom for daily challenges. His letters provide timeless advice on virtue, resilience, and finding contentment regardless of external circumstances, making philosophy accessible and actionable.
How does ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear align with Stoic principles?
'Atomic Habits' aligns perfectly with Stoic principles by highlighting self-discipline and gradual improvement for personal growth. Both emphasize controlling what you can — your habits and responses — while accepting external circumstances. Clear's focus on small, incremental changes mirrors Stoicism's emphasis on daily practice and resilience building.
Why should I use the Headway app to read more books like ‘Meditations’?
Headway offers quick book summaries that let you absorb key insights efficiently, perfect for busy lifestyles. You can explore multiple Stoic philosophy titles in minutes, decide which deserve deeper reading, and track your progress. It's an ideal tool for expanding self-improvement knowledge while managing limited time.
