Why Justice Is The Cornerstone Of The Stoic Virtues | Billy Oppenheimer (Pt. 2)
Jun 15, 2024
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Ryan and Billy discuss justice as a Stoic virtue, American Apparel's downfall, personal responsibility, success cycles, and justice stories. They explore coaching trees, justice in coaching, personal growth in art, leadership qualities, cultivating talent for success, courageous choices by ordinary people, justice and courage in history, and serving others according to Seneca.
Stoicism encourages active engagement in pursuing justice, blending personal growth with political activism.
Challenging societal norms and advocating for change exemplify stoic principles of resilience and courage.
Individual decisions guided by justice and courage can lead to significant societal transformations, challenging entrenched injustices.
Deep dives
The Importance of Building a Strong Coaching Tree
Building a strong coaching tree, like Greg Popovich does with coaches like Becky Hammond, Mike Brown, and Steve Kerr, involves identifying diverse talent and helping them thrive, rather than creating replicas of oneself. A robust coaching tree is a sign of generosity and a willingness to support and develop individuals who challenge and elevate the team.
Challenging Injustices and Taking Action
Stoicism is not about passive acceptance but about using personal development skills to engage politically and pursue justice. Figures like Thomas Wentworth Higginson demonstrate stoicism's blend of inward growth and outward activism, using rationality to manage oneself in the midst of fighting against societal injustices.
Revolutionary Acts and Insanity of Change
The American founders' revolutionary acts and the creation of a new nation exemplify the stoic willingness to challenge the status quo and push for change, even in the face of daunting odds and societal norms. Stoicism is not about resigning to the world's injustices but about using inner strength to navigate and impact the chaos of external challenges.
Impact of Individual Actions on History
Individual decisions and actions, often driven by a sense of justice and courage, can significantly alter the course of history. The podcast discusses examples like Thomas Clarkson, a college student at Oxford who led the abolition movement, and a group of 12 individuals who successfully abolished slavery despite the system benefiting their society economically. These instances highlight how seemingly ordinary people, through their resolve and dedication, can challenge entrenched systems of injustice and bring about significant societal change.
The Importance of Making Ethical Decisions
The podcast emphasizes the significance of making ethical decisions, even in challenging situations. It delves into the concept of integrity and the impact of choices on one's character. Drawing parallels from historical figures like Seneca serving under Nero and modern-day dilemmas, the discussion underscores the importance of prioritizing values over personal gain. By examining the complexities of moral courage and ethical behavior, the episode prompts reflection on the role of individual integrity in shaping personal and societal narratives.
Ryan is the one answering questions today as his research assistant, Billy Oppenheimer, joins him for part 2 on what the Stoic virtue of justice is actually about. In this episode, Ryan and Billy talk about the downfall of American Apparel, accepting personal responsibility, the cycle of success and self-destruction, and the powerful stories of justice in Right Thing, Right Now.
Don't forget to tune into part 1 of Billy and Ryan's conversation if you missed it!
Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday’s research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.