

Build The Life You Want | Arthur Brooks
Arthur Brooks, an author and public intellectual known for his insights on happiness and Stoic philosophy, dives deep into building a fulfilling life. He discusses the transformative journey from self-obsession to genuine self-reflection and emphasizes the importance of serving others to find purpose. The conversation also explores the challenges of transitioning from busyness to fulfillment, drawing parallels between personal growth and the hero's journey. Lastly, they highlight the power of diverse philosophical perspectives in navigating life's adversities and enhancing personal happiness.
01:12:33
Interconnected Virtues
- Understand how the four Stoic virtues—courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom—interrelate.
- See them as interconnected, supporting each other.
The Value of Contracts
- Embrace the structure of commitments, like book deadlines, to maintain productivity.
- This structure can provide clarity and motivation, even if it feels demanding.
Gradual Retirement
- When reducing workload, transition gradually instead of stopping abruptly.
- Find a sustainable schedule with fewer commitments to avoid burnout and relationship strain.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Exploring Happiness and Personal Development Through Correspondence
04:01 • 2min
Navigating Cardinal Virtues in Writing
06:28 • 3min
Navigating Success and Retirement
09:41 • 17min
The Hero's Journey: Choices and Challenges
26:29 • 4min
Exploring Wisdom Through Eclectic Philosophies
30:55 • 5min
Exploring Meaning in Adversity
36:11 • 16min
Finding Purpose Through Service and Connection
52:03 • 5min
The Pilgrimage of Life
57:11 • 8min
Strategic Spontaneity and Stoic Insights
01:04:41 • 13min
Philosophical Tensions: Stoicism and Christianity
01:17:22 • 3min

#1911
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Yes to Life in Spite of Everything

Viktor E. Frankl
This book is based on a series of public lectures Viktor E. Frankl gave in Vienna eleven months after his liberation from Nazi concentration camps.
Frankl discusses his central thoughts on meaning, resilience, and the importance of embracing life even in the face of great adversity.
He explores the maxim 'Live as if you were living for the second time' and argues that every crisis contains opportunity.
Despite the horrors of the camps, Frankl learned from his fellow inmates that it is always possible to 'say yes to life', a profound and timeless lesson for all.

#407
• Mentioned in 42 episodes
Build the Life You Want
The Art and Science of Getting Happier

Arthur C Brooks


Oprah Winfrey
In 'Build the Life You Want,' Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey offer a research-based approach to improving one's life by focusing on emotional self-management.
The book emphasizes building the four pillars of happiness: family, friendship, work, and faith.
It provides practical, science-backed strategies to manage emotions, turn challenges into opportunities, and find inner peace.
The authors share their own experiences and those of others who have found joy despite hardships, highlighting the importance of enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose in achieving a happier life.

#88
• Mentioned in 112 episodes
Mastery


Robert Greene
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.

#53
• Mentioned in 143 episodes
Letters from a Stoic

Seneca
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.

#3
• Mentioned in 731 episodes
Meditations


Marcus Aurelius
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.

#112
• Mentioned in 100 episodes
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.

#103
• Mentioned in 103 episodes
The Enchiridion

Epictetus


Tony Darnell


Thomas Wentworth Higginson
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.

#29
• Mentioned in 200 episodes
The 48 laws of power


Robert Greene
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.

#5
• Mentioned in 418 episodes
Man's Search for Meaning


Viktor Frankl
The book is divided into two parts.
The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945.
He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners.
The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure.
Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering).
The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.
📘 Grab a copy of Arthur's book Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier.
📺 Listen to Arthur's last appearance on The Daily Stoic Podcast.
IG: @arthurcbrooks
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