

#2119
Mentioned in 12 episodes
First Principles
What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country
Book • 2021
In this book, Thomas E. Ricks explores the educations and classical knowledge of the first four American presidents—George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Ricks delves into how their different exposures to classical literature and philosophy, including works by Aristotle, Epicurus, and Cicero, influenced their ideals and the formation of the United States.
The book follows these leaders from their youths to their adult lives, highlighting how their classical education shaped the country's constitution and government, and offers new insights into these legendary leaders.
Ricks delves into how their different exposures to classical literature and philosophy, including works by Aristotle, Epicurus, and Cicero, influenced their ideals and the formation of the United States.
The book follows these leaders from their youths to their adult lives, highlighting how their classical education shaped the country's constitution and government, and offers new insights into these legendary leaders.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 12 episodes
Recommended by 

as a great book.


Ryan Holiday

108 snips
This Is How Champions Are Made | Find Yourself a Cato
Recommended by 

to A.J. Jacobs as relevant to his work on the US Constitution.


Ryan Holiday

86 snips
AJ Jacobs on His Year of Living Constitutionally (Muskets and Tricorne Hats Included)
Mentioned by 

, discussing Ricks's book on the founding fathers.


Ryan Holiday

84 snips
Paul Kix On The Civil Rights Movement And What It Means To Be Courageous
Mentioned by 

as a book exploring the Stoic influences on the American Founding Fathers.


Ryan Holiday

63 snips
Mick Mulroy on the Beauty of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the Collective Need For Philosophy
Mentioned by 

in the context of Jim Mattis's reading habits.


Ryan Holiday

59 snips
Steven Pressfield On Work Without Attachments (Part 1)
Recommended by 

as a book exploring the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution.


Ryan Holiday

49 snips
How The Greats Pursue Happiness | Jeffrey Rosen
Mentioned by 

as a book describing the Christ being and the solar logos.


Robert Gilbert

29 snips
The Secret Science of Angels, Crystals, Colors, and Metals with Dr. Robert Gilbert #471
Mentioned by 

as a book that discusses the philosophical influences on the founders.


Ryan Holiday

18 snips
This Is What Freedom Requires | Ask DS
Mentioned by 

as a highly recommended book on first principles.


Ryan Holiday

15 snips
Winning Isn’t As Fun As It Seems | Find Yourself a Cato
Mentioned by 

as a book about the philosophical readings of the founders.


Ryan Holiday

Ann Wroe On The Real Story Of Pontius Pilate, And His Connection To Stoicism
Recommended by 

as an incredible book and one of the few new titles added to The Painted Porch.


Ryan Holiday

Thomas Ricks on the Greatest War in American History
Mentioned by 

as an author whose book on first principles is referenced.


Ryan Holiday

Lt. General H.R. McMaster on Strategic Empathy and Seneca’s Contradiction
Mentioned by 

in relation to the concept of first principles.


Ryan Holiday

Economist Emily Oster On Rationality and Risk
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of C.S. Lewis's theological perspectives.

Paul Anleitner

Did C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy predict Elon Musk, AI, & Aliens? | Annie Crawford
Recommended by 

for its creativity, clarity, and systematic approach to Christian theology.


Paula Fredriksen

Episode 357: 'On First Principles' by Origen
Recommended by 

, who was sent the book by his agent and co-writer, Steve Hanselman, because it connects to the topics discussed on The Daily Stoic.


Ryan Holiday

Historian Thomas Ricks on Stoicism and the Founders
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book used in evangelism by the International Churches of Christ and the International Christian Church, with different versions over the years.

Steve Matthews

Part 1: Kip McKean & the ICC
Mentioned by 

as a book about the founding fathers' beliefs and principles.


Ryan Holiday

Daily Dad and Emily Oster on Rational Parenting
Mentioned by 

as one of his favorite books, highlighting its insights on the founding fathers and their connection to Stoic philosophy.


Ryan Holiday

Thomas Ricks on the Wisdom of the Classics and Balancing Power | This Is What It Means To Be “Well-Read”