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We all know what it means to be ‘stoical’: to have a stiff upper lip, to hide or suppress one’s emotions, to be indifferent to the outside world. Many people might reasonably think that this doesn’t sound like a good way to live. Who would want to feel nothing?

But what exactly is the difference between being 'stoic' and being a 'Stoic'? Are Stoics just naïve optimists? And is Stoicism really only for men?

Stoicism Is Not What You Think offers an invigorating corrective to one of philosophy’s most popular and most misunderstood traditions. Here philosopher John Sellars debunks all the major myths and misconceptions foisted on Stoicism by critics – and sometimes admirers too – and firmly puts them to rest. With vivid examples and fresh interpretations of ancient Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius to Epictetus to Seneca, Sellars shows why Stoicism is not only perennially relevant but essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.

© John Sellars 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026