Marcus Aurelius
Seneca
Letters to Lucilius Letters to Lucilius — the public-domain Stoic source text Dialogos draws on. Commentary on Seneca's 124 letters plus free original-text links. Read more → On the Shortness of Life On the Shortness of Life — the public-domain source Dialogos cites from Seneca. A commentary on wasted time and the length of life, with free original-text links. Read more →
Epictetus
Enchiridion Enchiridion — the public-domain Stoic source text Dialogos draws on. A plain-language guide to Epictetus's core ideas, with free original-text links. Read more → Discourses Discourses — the public-domain Stoic source text Dialogos draws on. Commentary on Epictetus's thought and a guide to free original texts. Read more →
Socrates
Plato's Meno Plato's Meno — the public-domain Greek philosophical source Dialogos cites. A guide to Meno's paradox and where to read the original for free. Read more → Plato's Euthyphro Plato's Euthyphro — the public-domain philosophical source Dialogos draws on. Commentary on Socrates' inquiry into piety, plus free original-text links. Read more → Plato's Apology Plato's Apology — the public-domain source for the Socratic courtroom defense that Dialogos quotes. Commentary and free full-text links. Read more →
Where to start — a reading path into Stoicism
You do not need to read all eight. If you are new, this is the order we suggest.
- Enchiridion · Epictetus The shortest, most practical book — the Stoic core of “what is up to you,” in one sitting.
- Meditations · Marcus Aurelius A Roman emperor’s diary to himself. The most widely loved entry point.
- On the Shortness of Life · Seneca A single short essay; it changes how you spend today.
- Discourses · Epictetus The lectures behind the Enchiridion — going one step deeper.
- Plato's Apology · Socrates The Socratic questioning Stoicism springs from — the archetype of philosophical courage.