Skip to main content

The philosophy of Stoicism - Massimo Pigliucci

  • 9,010,492 Views
  • 21,611 Questions Answered
  • TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

What is the best life we can live? How can we cope with whatever the universe throws at us and keep thriving nonetheless? The ancient Greco-Roman philosophy of Stoicism explains that while we may not always have control over the events affecting us, we can have control over how we approach things. Massimo Pigliucci describes the philosophy of Stoicism.


Customize this lesson448

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Massimo Pigliucci
  • Director Asparuh Petrov
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Producer Vessela Dantcheva
  • Animator Asparuh Petrov
  • Designer Asparuh Petrov
  • Illustrator Asparuh Petrov
  • Composer Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Daniel, Alexander Evtimov, Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Sound Designer Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Daniel, Alexander Evtimov, Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Wondering how to be a Stoic? Here is a blog devoted to a continuous exploration of Stoic theory and practice. For a longer source on this topic, read this book: How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life.

Stoicism 101, a one-hour video on the basics of Stoicism is also a terrific place to start. There is a free downloadable version of Epictetus' Manual here Seneca's Moral Letters to his friend Lucilius are also available online with a free downloadable version. Click here to find them. Finally, here is a link to The Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius.

For both modern and ancient sources, click here. Here is an advanced introduction to Stoicism from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Visit Modern Stoicism, where you can sign up for the annual Stoic Week initiative, as well as find out information about the annual Stoicon meeting. 

Interested in a whole course on the basics of Stoicism? Click here for free online course.


Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Massimo Pigliucci
  • Director Asparuh Petrov
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Producer Vessela Dantcheva
  • Animator Asparuh Petrov
  • Designer Asparuh Petrov
  • Illustrator Asparuh Petrov
  • Composer Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Daniel, Alexander Evtimov, Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Sound Designer Ivailo Stefanov, Alexander Daniel, Alexander Evtimov, Big Banda Soundscapers
  • Associate Producer Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from The Big Questions