A new book reinterprets ancient philosophies to guide readers toward a better life.

Illustration by Febrina Tiara

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Beyond Stoicism, a new book co-authored by Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez, and Meredith Alexander Kunz, sets out to introduce timeless philosophical lessons to modern audiences. Beyond Stoicism, implies a departure from traditional Stoic doctrine, the book in fact weaves together ideas from a range of philosophical traditions to encourage thoughtful self-examination and personal development. As readers confront both sense and contradiction in ancient texts, the authors advocate for an adaptive, pragmatic approach to philosophy—cherry-picking what works while discarding what doesn’t.

The book doesn’t limit itself strictly to Stoicism. Instead, the three authors—each with modern Stoic credentials—guide readers through what they describe as a voyage through three philosophical ports: pleasure, character, and doubt. This framework offers an accessible, albeit simplified, lens through which to explore ideas from ten major thinkers. Along the way, the authors also introduce readers to lesser-known figures such as Pythagoras, Stilpo, and Hypatia—not for their direct practical value but for their broader historical significance.

Revisiting ancient ideas with modern flexibility

In Beyond Stoicism, the authors position themselves more like enthusiastic cruise lecturers than philosophical rigorists. Their approach echoes the question Nietzsche once raised about reading practices: are the best readers those who embrace every idea a text offers, or those who, like careful scavengers, salvage only what they find useful? The authors of Beyond Stoicism lean toward the latter, not out of disrespect, but in recognition of the complex, sometimes contradictory legacies left behind by ancient philosophers.

Take Epicurus, for instance. Known for promoting a version of hedonism that emphasizes calm over indulgence, Epicurus advised his followers to withdraw from society and embrace a life of simplicity—no sex, little food beyond bread and cheese, and an almost monastic retreat from public life. Instead of urging readers to fully embrace this lifestyle, the authors of Beyond Stoicism offer a more moderate challenge: reflect on which pleasures are necessary, natural, or neither. This diluted form of Epicurean practice maintains the spirit of reflection without demanding radical life changes.

The treatment of Cynicism is equally cautious. While ancient Cynics like Diogenes took pride in rejecting societal conventions—living in poverty, shunning possessions, and acting without shame in public—the book encourages readers to merely question which conventions are worth keeping. The wilder aspects of Cynicism are left untouched, likely to maintain accessibility for contemporary readers.

Strengths in Aristotle and Socrates

Where the book truly shines is in its presentation of Aristotle and Socrates. With Aristotle, the authors focus on his "doctrine of the mean," a concept that remains both relevant and practical today. This doctrine proposes that virtues lie between extremes: courage lies between cowardice and recklessness, temperance between gluttony and asceticism. Readers are encouraged to find balance in their actions—an approach that is both intuitive and actionable.

Socrates’ method of constant questioning also receives well-earned praise. Instead of dogmatic belief, Socrates championed philosophical humility, beginning from a place of acknowledged ignorance and engaging others in dialogue to test and refine ideas. By urging readers to imitate this method—challenging their own beliefs and assumptions—the book offers a valuable antidote to today’s polarized and reactive discourse.

A pragmatic, if selective, philosophy primer

The authors are transparent about their approach, openly admitting that the philosophical lives practiced by the ancients required deep commitment—far more than most modern readers can afford. They note that their book does not present “simple life hacks” or comprehensive systems. Instead, they offer brief introductions and lightly adapted exercises inspired by the ancients’ more enduring lessons.

But this honesty also underscores one of the book’s limitations. The approach in Beyond Stoicism sometimes feels too cautious, avoiding more challenging or uncomfortable teachings in favor of palatable insights. The reader is not asked to change much, only to think a bit differently. While this may enhance the book’s mass appeal, it risks stripping these ancient philosophies of their depth and transformative power.

A new philosophy of self-help

What saves Beyond Stoicism from superficiality is its guiding purpose: not to make readers happier or more successful, but better. The authors reject one-size-fits-all doctrines and instead present philosophy as a resource—a wellspring of ideas that may suit different people in different ways. They’re not urging readers to become Stoics, Cynics, or Epicureans, but to engage thoughtfully with the ideas these schools offer.

This flexible, pluralistic approach is rare in the self-help genre, which often promises universal solutions. By contrast, Beyond Stoicism suggests that wisdom requires discernment, humility, and ongoing reflection. Even if readers do not adopt a full philosophical framework, they might still find value in the questions raised and the exercises proposed.

The shadow of Nietzsche and the modern reader

Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of readers as “plundering troops” hangs over the entire premise of Beyond Stoicism. Yet the authors challenge that view, suggesting that thoughtful selection may be the best response to philosophical texts that are, by nature, a mix of enduring wisdom and outdated ideology. In this way, Beyond Stoicism is not a betrayal of philosophical rigor, but a pragmatic attempt to bridge ancient thought and modern life.

This makes the book especially timely. In an age where people are constantly searching for meaning amid complexity and uncertainty, returning to the foundational questions—what is the good life, how should I live, what should I value—has never felt more relevant. Beyond Stoicism doesn’t provide definitive answers, but it does equip readers with tools to begin asking those questions in earnest.

A modest but meaningful journey

Though the book falls short of offering a transformative philosophy in itself, it succeeds as an engaging introduction to the diverse ways humans have grappled with life's fundamental problems. Its practicality, clarity, and emphasis on introspection make it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to add depth to their daily lives.

In the end, Beyond Stoicism lives up to its name—not by abandoning Stoicism, but by inviting readers to explore a broader landscape of philosophical thought. Whether as a gentle nudge toward reflection or a springboard into deeper study, it serves as a reminder that ancient wisdom still has a place in our fast-paced, modern world.