

Why Amanda Knox Turned To Stoicism After Being Wrongfully Convicted of Murder
Rutilius Rufus
- Ryan Holiday tells the story of Rutilius Rufus, a Stoic governor who refused to be corrupt.
- Falsely accused of corruption, he chose exile in the province he governed, where he was welcomed.
Story vs. Evidence
- Amanda Knox discusses how the stories spun in court mattered more than actual evidence in her case.
- She points out the focus on her appearance and minor details while crucial exonerating evidence was overlooked.
Mob Mentality
- Ryan Holiday notes how events can take on a life of their own and how humans can form mobs.
- He quotes Chrysippus: "If I wanted to be part of the mob, I would never have become a philosopher."






























In November, 2007, Amanda Knox was 20 years old and had been studying abroad in Italy when her roommate, Meredith Kercher, was brutally murdered. Around the world, all eyes (and cameras) were on Amanda as the main suspect and she was wrongfully convicted of the murder. After spending four years in an Italian prison, the verdict was overturned and Amanda was able to come home to the United States.
In 2013, a new trial was ordered by the Italian court and ultimately Amanda was found not guilty a second time. Then just a couple of months ago in June, she had to return to the same courtroom for a re-trial on charges of slander.
Today, Amanda talks with Ryan about how being introduced to Stoicism and The Obstacle is the Way completely changed her perspective while navigating her unimaginable situation.
“In the eyes of other people, I was the girl accused of murder and I felt like they didn't really say anything true or real about me as a human being. And I had to really think about that idea, the obstacle is the way, to understand how that played a role in my life. It is a very defining part of my life, but also how I've reacted to it is even more defining about my life and how I've chosen to exercise my agency” - Amanda Knox
Follow Amanda Knox on Instagram: @AMamaKnox and on X: @AmandaKnox
🎙️ Listen to Amanda’s Podcast: Labyrinths with Amanda Knox | Apple Podcasts, Spotify
📚 Pick up a copy of Amanda’s memoir: Waiting to Be Heard
📕 Check out our premium leather edition of The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday at dailystoic.com/obstacleleather
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