

#2128
Mentioned in 12 episodes
John Adams
Book • 2002
This biography by David McCullough is a comprehensive and engaging account of John Adams' life.
It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams.
The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time.
McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.
It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams.
The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time.
McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.
Mentioned by


















Mentioned in 12 episodes
Mentioned by 

as an influential historical biography, highlighting its narrative momentum and psychological realism.


Cal Newport

2,200 snips
Ep. 325: Simple Focus Protocols
Mentioned by 

as a book he read in college that changed his view on history.


Tim Urban

315 snips
Tim Urban: Stop Procrastinating and Make Your Writing Fun | How I Write Podcast
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a great book that rescues historical reputations.

Peggy Noonan

118 snips
How to Save America with Peggy Noonan
Recommended by 

for their succinct and engaging writing style.


David Senra

98 snips
#168 Larry Miller (Driven: An Autobiography)
Mentioned by 

as an author whose work on John Adams and Truman is appreciated.


Ryan Holiday

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

as a book he listened to with his brother-in-law, enhancing his appreciation for historical accounts.


Hank Smith

26 snips
Voices of the Restoration 4 • Emma Smith • Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat • March 17 - 23 • Come Follow Me
Mentioned by 

in the context of discussing parenting challenges across different eras.


Ryan Holiday

17 snips
Austin Kleon On Maintaining Healthy Habits, Growing As Parents, And Interrogating The Stoic Virtues
Mentioned by 

when discussing John Adams's views on lifelong learning and the pursuit of wisdom.


Ryan Holiday

13 snips
Do This. It’s Enough. | Ask Ds
Recommended by 

as an inspiring book about John Adams and his son.


Greg McKeown

12 snips
Greg McKeown ON: Essentialism & Doing Less To Get The Most Out Of Your Life
Mentioned by Bishop Barron as the basis for the HBO series starring Paul Giamatti.

11 snips
What Is Faith?
Mentioned by 

when discussing John Adams' inspiration from a shoemaker's joyful singing.


Ryan Holiday

Joy Even So (Part 2) | Pretend Today Is The End
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as one of his favorite history books, highlighting Adams's crucial role in shaping American democracy.

Steve Pagliuca

20VC: Boston Celtics' Steve Pagliuca on The Future of Sports Team Ownership; What Happened with the Chelsea Acquisition | Why More Money is Pouring Into Sport Than Ever & Do These Assets Keep Increasing in Value
Mentioned by 

as the last book he read.


Greg McKeown

Greg McKeown on How To Think Like An Essentialist
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of books that celebrate John and Abigail Adams, but argues that they don't fully address the threat to democracy posed by the Sedition Act.

Corey Brettschneider

Corey Brettschneider, "The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It" (W. W. Norton, 2024)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

among the books he is currently reading.

Brad Whitbeck

Is BYU No Longer Part of the Covenant Path?
Mentioned by 

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in the context of discussing his role in the American Revolution and his views on politics and philosophy.


Ryan Holiday

Thomas Ricks

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

when discussing John Adams and his relationship with his son.


Ryan Holiday

This Is Something You Should Do
Mentioned in the context of successful historical depictions of the American Revolution.

Repetitive strains: SARS-CoV-2 variants
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a recently finished read, highlighting its insights into the parallels between 1776 and the current situation.

Michele Tafoya

Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and Sunday Night Football’s Michele Tafoya Talk Stoicism and Making the Most of Each Day
Mentioned by 

, highlighting his rules of writing history and his approach to historical figures.


Greg McKeown

12. What's Essential: Ryan Holiday on A Conviction of Excellence