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 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.
This journal is designed to help readers embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and inner transformation. Based on highly effective therapeutic practices, it guides users through the hidden aspects of their psyche to confront and embrace their shadow self. The journal includes personal commitment contracts, interactive shadow work exercises, over 30 profound journaling prompts, and guided pages to face shadows. It aims to help readers develop greater self-awareness, cultivate self-love and acceptance, and find a deeper connection with their authentic self. Benefits of using the journal include improved interactions with others, healing generational trauma, setting personal boundaries, building compassion, and gaining clarity and insight into the world around them.
Atomic Habits by James Clear provides a practical and scientifically-backed guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones. The book introduces the Four Laws of Behavior Change: make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying. It also emphasizes the importance of small, incremental changes (atomic habits) that compound over time to produce significant results. Clear discusses techniques such as habit stacking, optimizing the environment to support desired habits, and focusing on continuous improvement rather than goal fixation. The book is filled with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and stories from various fields, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their habits and achieve personal growth[2][4][5].
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.
The novel follows a 24-year-old fact-checker for a highbrow magazine as he navigates the early 1980s yuppie party scene in New York City. His life is marked by cocaine use, nightclubbing, and the recent departure of his wife, Amanda. The story, written in the second person, delves into themes of grief, materialism, and the protagonist's gradual realization of the superficiality of his life. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the excesses and disillusionments of the 1980s urban culture.
In 'Perennial Seller', Ryan Holiday explores the principles behind creating works that endure and thrive long after their initial release. He argues that these 'perennial sellers' are not flukes but are built to last from the outset. The book is divided into four parts: the creative process, positioning, marketing, and platform. Holiday uses examples from various industries, including music, restaurants, and literature, to illustrate how creators can ensure their work remains relevant and continues to attract new customers over time. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to both the creation and marketing of the work, as well as the need for patience, dedication, and a strong platform of loyal supporters[2][3][4].
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].
In 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Ryan Holiday presents a framework for turning obstacles into successes. Drawing from the philosophy of Stoicism and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Holiday outlines three disciplines: perception, action, and will. He illustrates these principles with historical anecdotes from figures such as John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Steve Jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of perception in shaping one's response to obstacles, the need for intentional and creative action, and the cultivation of will to persist through challenges. Holiday argues that by adopting these Stoic principles, individuals can transform their obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
The Book of Shadow Work by Keila Shaheen offers a contemporary approach to Carl Jung's concept of shadow work, guiding readers to confront and integrate their unconscious selves. This book provides insights into how shadow work can reveal hidden strengths, connect individuals with their life's purpose, and foster deeper relationships. It also explores the historical and cultural contexts of shadow work.
Journaling allows us to release our thoughts and feelings, but shadow work journaling takes it to a much deeper level. Shadow work is based on Carl Jung's idea that we all have a “shadow self” which holds our repressed thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This side of us is hidden in our subconscious, but impacts how we show up in all areas of life.
Keila Shaheen, author of the viral sensation The Shadow Work Journal, joins Ryan to talk about what shadow work is, why shadow work journaling reveals hidden aspects of yourself, and how the Stoics spoke about the benefits of journaling. Keila also talks about navigating the unexpected viral success after self-publishing The Shadow Work Journal and what she has personally discovered about her own “shadow self”.
📚 Grab a copy of The Shadow Work Journal by Keila Shaheen
Keila is also the creator of Zenfulnote which is a variety of books, journals, and a card game | https://zenfulnote.com/
You can follow Keila on Instagram @keilashaheen and on X @zenfulnote
🎙️ Former NFL player, Tony Gonzalez, introduced Ryan to The Shadow Work Journal - listen in to Tony’s interview on The Daily Stoic!
📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living: https://store.dailystoic.com/
✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail
🏛 Get Stoic inspired books, medallions, and prints to remember these lessons at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/
📱 Follow us: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.