Book Review: The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom by Joseph Piercy, Narrated by Michael Page

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Life: The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom by Joseph Piercy, Narrated by Michael Page 

Review by Charles Francis


Advanced audiobook copy provided by NetGalley
 and Tantor Media | Tantor Audio

Estimated Read Time: ~4 minutes


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5 stars)

I'd like to begin with my gratitude to NetGalley and Tantor Media | Tantor Audio for providing an advance copy of the audiobook. Piercy's book is another in a collection of books that I am reading as I continue my Stoic journey—tracing from the greats like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and Seneca through contemporary guides like Ryan Holiday, Massimo Pigliucci, Donald Robertson, Eric Cloward, and Jonas Salzgeber—I found that The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom stands out as both a true beginner's manual and a timely refresher for seasoned practitioners.

Joseph Piercy delivers a classical primer on what Stoicism really is—with simplicity and immediacy that cuts through centuries of misunderstanding. Piercy is a freelance writer who holds a Master of Philosophy degree in English Studies and studied Russian Literature and Creative Writing at university. A regular contributor to various magazines and journals, he has authored numerous books on subjects ranging from English language and literature to history and popular philosophy, including The Story of English, Life Lessons from Literature, The 25 Rules of Grammar, and 1000 Words You Should Know. His versatility as a writer shows in how he makes Stoicism accessible without diluting its power. At its heart, Stoicism is a practical philosophy that values actions and deeds over theoretical contemplation. Although thinking things through before acting is paradoxically part of the process, this is a "can do" philosophy rather than a "why can't I do" approach to life. Piercy makes this distinction clear from the opening pages.

The core insight Piercy articulates—and that the ancient Stoics understood profoundly—is that it isn't things themselves (whether people, situations, or circumstances) that cause our distress. It's how we view them, our judgments about them. In this sense, it's all in the mind. If we can train ourselves to make better judgments, we can eliminate much of the pain, hurt, and anxiety that beleaguer us. Piercy makes it clear that Stoicism is not about hocus pocus mind games; rather, Stoicism seeks to show you how one can control negative emotions such as fear, anger, or jealousy not only because they are based on flawed judgment but also because they do not help one live a stress-free life—and they often lead to bad outcomes and strife.

One of the key points that Piercy excels at getting across is what the Stoics called "externals"—circumstances or things commonly considered good in themselves or as necessary prerequisites to living a happy life: money, good health, social status, material possessions, and so on. These are externals, things really outside our true control. Sure, we all would like to live in a nice house and not worry about paying bills; however, these external things do not in themselves guarantee happiness, contentment, and a joyful life. Piercy makes it clear that the Stoics understood that all we have control over is our thoughts and character. A mind that functions according to reason and a virtuous character are all that are needed to live a good life—to live, as the Stoics say, as the best version of ourselves.

Piercy translates these ancient maxims into everyday language and real-world examples. Drawing from the core Stoics—Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius—he shows how their disciplines of judgment, emotion, nature, and community apply in modern life. What's particularly impressive is how Piercy brings in a variety of figures across eras: business leaders and founders like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, athletes like Rory McIlroy, and historical leaders such as Theodore Roosevelt. He notes that while figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson may have studied Stoic concepts, their lives also reveal the tension between philosophy and imperfect practice—for example, as slave owners. This honest caveat adds integrity rather than detracting from the message.

Piercy further identifies contemporary figures—including Elon Musk—who at one point adopted Stoic habits but have since drifted. He uses this not as criticism but as a lesson: the discipline of Stoicism requires consistency, not headlines. One memorable tactic he offers is the "gap" strategy: stop—strip away the immediate reaction—see what is truly within your control before responding. It's a reminder that the Stoic path isn't passive; it is deliberate, intentional work.

Michael Page's narration elevates the work considerably. Page, who has recorded nearly 500 audiobooks since the mid-1980s and won two Audie Awards and several AudioFile Earphones Awards, brings a warmth and clarity to the text that draws you into the Stoic world. His voice transforms philosophical concepts into lived moments. I found myself listening at every moment I could - in the car, walking between meetings, doing yard work, and his tone made the philosophy feel deeply personal and immediately usable. For anyone experiencing Stoicism through audio, Page's performance is masterful.

This book matters because it closes the gap between reading Stoicism and living it. It doesn't assume previous knowledge, yet it offers enough depth to satisfy practitioners who are always on the hunt for foundational texts to help in our Stoic journey. Piercy understands that "the art of living well" isn't reserved for philosophers in togas—it's for all of us navigating the complexities of modern existence. His accessible style, combined with rigorous attention to the source material, makes this an essential addition to any Stoic library.

For anyone curious about Stoicism—or anyone seeking a practical guide to living well with greater equanimity, resilience, and wisdom—The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom is both accessible and profound. It demonstrates how Stoic principles survive and thrive across millennia, remaining as relevant in our anxious, hyperconnected age as they were in ancient Rome.

Final thought: If you've ever thought Stoicism was only for the distant past, this book shows how its principles not only survive but flourish in contemporary life. It remains a guide worth returning to. I will certainly listen to it again annually, just as I do reading Ryan Holiday's The Daily Stoic. Highly recommended for your shelf, your commute, and your internal dialogue.

This review is based on an advanced audiobook copy provided by NetGalley and Tantor Media | Tantor Audio. The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom was published by Michael O'Mara Books in February 2025. Audiobook published September 2025.

This is a review of the audiobook.