Ryan Holiday, a renowned author and media strategist, delves into the wisdom of ancient Stoicism, focusing on how it applies to modern life. He discusses the power of virtues like courage, wisdom, temperance, and justice, framing them against today's complex moral landscape. The conversation navigates the challenges of loyalty amidst cancel culture, explores the dynamics of media and power, and emphasizes the importance of personal integrity. Holiday illustrates how Stoicism can guide ethical living and enhance everyday interactions.
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Holiday's Introduction to Stoicism
Ryan Holiday was introduced to Marcus Aurelius's Meditations at 19 by Dr. Drew.
This book had a profound impact, offering a secular and logical framework for ethics and understanding the universe.
insights INSIGHT
Stoicism's Enduring Appeal
Stoicism resonated with Holiday throughout his life, unlike other philosophies he encountered at 19.
Stoicism's enduring appeal lies in its focus on applying philosophical principles to real-life situations.
insights INSIGHT
Core Tenets of Stoicism
Stoicism emphasizes controlling one's response to events, not the events themselves.
It promotes responding with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom.
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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.
Ask the Dust
John Fante
Set during the Great Depression, 'Ask the Dust' is a gritty and poignant tale of Arturo Bandini, a young writer in Los Angeles. The novel, told through Bandini's first-person narrative, explores themes of poverty, ambition, love, and despair. Bandini's struggles with writer's block, financial hardship, and his complex relationship with Camilla Lopez are vividly depicted against the backdrop of the era's harsh realities. The book is known for its spare, well-crafted prose and its influence on later writers, including Charles Bukowski[1][4][5].
Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler
Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.
Right Thing, Right Now
Justice in an Unjust World
Ryan Holiday
In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives[1][3][4].
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Ryan Holiday
In 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' Ryan Holiday exposes the inner workings of the online media system, detailing how rumors and false information can quickly spread from low-level blogs to major news outlets. The book highlights the role of marketers and media manipulators in this process, driven by the toxic economics of the news business. Holiday shares his own experiences as a media manipulator and provides insights into the social science behind why this system is so vulnerable to manipulation. He also offers advice on how to spot and combat these manipulative tactics[1][3][5].
In the 2010s, Ryan Holiday was the head of marketing for the controversial clothing brand American Apparel, and the sought-after media strategist for people like the womanizing blogger Tucker Max. Then he wrote an exposé called Trust Me, I’m Lying, which lifted the veil on his world of media manipulation.
Now, he is an advocate of the ancient philosophy of stoicism, which he roughly defines as the idea that we do not control what happens but we do control how we respond, and that it’s best to respond with four key virtues: courage, wisdom, temperance, and justice.
His series of books on stoic virtues have sold over three million copies worldwide. His latest book, Right Thing, Right Now, is about the necessity of living justly—even when it is hard.
Today: why power corrupts, how ego can destroy you, whether we should remain loyal to people even when they do abhorrent things, the limits of free speech, and how to treat people in our everyday lives.
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Honestly with Bari Weiss 
