The book follows a young boy's journey as he learns valuable lessons from his sensei, Sensei Akira, about the importance of doing simple tasks over a long period. The phrase 'chop wood, carry water' symbolizes the daily efforts necessary to build a strong foundation for success. The book offers practical strategies and emphasizes the significance of consistent good habits, daily tasks, and embracing the process to achieve long-term goals[1][4].
This book gathers the best of Cheryl Strayed's 'Dear Sugar' advice columns, initially published on The Rumpus. Strayed, writing under the pseudonym Sugar, provides deeply personal and frank responses to queries on various subjects such as professional jealousy, relationship issues, and coping with loss. The book is rich with humor, insight, and compassion, making it a balm for the challenges of life. It includes never-before-published columns and a new introduction by Steve Almond. Strayed's advice is grounded in her own personal experiences, offering a unique blend of memoir and advice that resonates deeply with readers[1][4][5].
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness[2][4][5].
Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles. Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace. Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living. They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.
The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living[1][5].
In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws. These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation. Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
In 'Mastery', Robert Greene argues that mastery is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed through a rigorous process. The book outlines several key stages: finding your life's task, undergoing an ideal apprenticeship, finding the right mentor, acquiring social intelligence, and fusing intuitive with rational thinking. Greene draws on the lives of historical and contemporary masters such as Mozart, Einstein, and Temple Grandin to illustrate his points. He emphasizes the importance of deep practice, self-directed learning, and the ability to read and navigate social dynamics. The book challenges the conventional notion of genius as a genetic gift and offers practical steps for anyone to achieve mastery in their chosen field.
In 'Bravey,' Alexi Pappas shares her experiences as an Olympic athlete, actress, and filmmaker. The book is a memoir-in-essays that delves into her life, including her childhood, her Olympic debut in 2016, and her battle with post-Olympic depression. Pappas discusses the importance of embracing pain, celebrating victories, and finding joy and loyalty in teammates. She offers practical advice on how to be brave, overcome hardships, and achieve one's dreams through hard work and determination.
It’s easy to assume an Olympian would be all about external achievements, but Alexi Pappas has redefined what success means to her by letting go of goals altogether. Alexi joins Ryan to talk about falling in love with the process vs. achieving a goal, simplifying life’s decisions, and how losing her mom led her to seek mentorship everywhere.
Alexi Pappas is an Olympic athlete, filmmaker, author of Bravey, and podcast host of Mentor Buffet. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and The Atlantic, and she’s been featured in outlets like Rolling Stone and New York Magazine. Alexi co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in Tracktown and starred in Olympic Dreams with Nick Kroll. She holds the Greek national record in the 10,000 meters and competed in the 2016 Olympics.
Follow Alexi on Instagram and X: @AlexiPappas
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