Adam Kinzinger, an American former politician and CNN commentator, shares his insights on standing up for the truth beyond politics. He discusses the importance of open dialogue around sensitive topics like gender and race. Kinzinger connects Stoicism to addressing toxic masculinity and reflects on political integrity in chaotic times. He highlights how feelings of alienation can lead to radical movements, urging a reevaluation of morality and emotional expression in men. His perspective promotes personal growth and understanding in a divided society.
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Flying as Therapy
Adam Kinzinger found flying his small plane therapeutic.
It provided a sense of freedom and escape from the stresses of Washington D.C.
insights INSIGHT
Overview Effect
From space, all borders disappear, highlighting the shared humanity below.
This perspective minimizes the weight of earthly conflicts.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Space and Perspective
Adam Kinzinger reflects on the vastness of space and its humbling effect.
Suffering produces joy and strength, allowing for a bigger picture perspective.
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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.
Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison
In 'Invisible Man,' Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless black protagonist who navigates the surreal and often hostile world of 20th-century America. The novel begins with the narrator living in an underground room, reflecting on his life and the various ways he has experienced social invisibility. He recounts his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, involving experiences with racism, a brutal 'battle royal,' and his involvement with the Brotherhood, a civil rights group. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and the struggle for self-definition in a society that refuses to see him. Through his experiences, the narrator grapples with the complexities of being a black man in America, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of invisibility and the search for one's true self[1][4][5].
Renegade
Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country
Adam Kinzinger
Michael D'Antonio
In 'Renegade,' Adam Kinzinger captures one of the most transformative periods in recent political history. The book is a riveting, personal account from inside Congress, including the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol and his vote to impeach Donald Trump. Kinzinger takes readers through his journey from the small Illinois county board where he started, to his years in the Air Force flying tanker missions over Iraq, to his final tumultuous term in Congress. The book is both a searing examination of the rise of extremism and the GOP’s subsequent descent into a dysfunctional and destructive force, and a rousing call to return to unity.
Courage Is Calling
Ryan Holiday
In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.
Adam Kinzinger was 1 of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump back in 2021 following the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Now, as we head into the final days before the 2024 election, Adam joins Ryan to talk about looking beyond politics at the bigger picture of humanity. Adam shares his perspective on how Stoicism can be a solution for toxic masculinity, the impact that shame (or a lack thereof) has in shaping society, and why we shouldn’t be afraid to have conversations around sensitive topics.
Adam Kinzinger is an American former politician, veteran, and senior political commentator for CNN. He served as a United States representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023.
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