#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.

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Mentioned in 12 episodes

Recommended by
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Ryan Holiday
to A.J. Jacobs as relevant to his work on the US Constitution.
86 snips
AJ Jacobs on His Year of Living Constitutionally (Muskets and Tricorne Hats Included)
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Ryan Holiday
, discussing Ricks's book on the founding fathers.
84 snips
Paul Kix On The Civil Rights Movement And What It Means To Be Courageous
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Ryan Holiday
as a book exploring the Stoic influences on the American Founding Fathers.
63 snips
Mick Mulroy on the Beauty of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the Collective Need For Philosophy
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Ryan Holiday
in the context of Jim Mattis's reading habits.
59 snips
Steven Pressfield On Work Without Attachments (Part 1)
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Ryan Holiday
as a book exploring the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution.
49 snips
How The Greats Pursue Happiness | Jeffrey Rosen
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Robert Gilbert
as a book describing the Christ being and the solar logos.
29 snips
The Secret Science of Angels, Crystals, Colors, and Metals with Dr. Robert Gilbert #471
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Ryan Holiday
as a book that discusses the philosophical influences on the founders.
18 snips
This Is What Freedom Requires | Ask DS
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Ryan Holiday
as a highly recommended book on first principles.
15 snips
Winning Isn’t As Fun As It Seems | Find Yourself a Cato
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Ryan Holiday
as a book about the philosophical readings of the founders.
Ann Wroe On The Real Story Of Pontius Pilate, And His Connection To Stoicism
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Ryan Holiday
as an incredible book and one of the few new titles added to The Painted Porch.
Thomas Ricks on the Greatest War in American History
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Ryan Holiday
as an author whose book on first principles is referenced.
Lt. General H.R. McMaster on Strategic Empathy and Seneca’s Contradiction
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Ryan Holiday
in relation to the concept of first principles.
Economist Emily Oster On Rationality and Risk
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Paul Anleitner
in the context of C.S. Lewis's theological perspectives.
Did C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy predict Elon Musk, AI, & Aliens? | Annie Crawford
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Paula Fredriksen
for its creativity, clarity, and systematic approach to Christian theology.
Episode 357: 'On First Principles' by Origen
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Ryan Holiday
, who was sent the book by his agent and co-writer, Steve Hanselman, because it connects to the topics discussed on The Daily Stoic.
Historian Thomas Ricks on Stoicism and the Founders
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Steve Matthews
as a book used in evangelism by the International Churches of Christ and the International Christian Church, with different versions over the years.
Part 1: Kip McKean & the ICC
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Ryan Holiday
as a book about the founding fathers' beliefs and principles.
Daily Dad and Emily Oster on Rational Parenting
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Ryan Holiday
as one of his favorite books, highlighting its insights on the founding fathers and their connection to Stoic philosophy.
Thomas Ricks on the Wisdom of the Classics and Balancing Power | This Is What It Means To Be “Well-Read”

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