The Daily Stoic Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan Talks Social Media, Social Distancing, and Stoicism with Congressman Mike Gallagher
Apr 25, 2020
Ryan speaks with Congressman Mike Gallagher, a prominent figure in global affairs and a representative from Wisconsin. They dive into how to avoid distractions from social media and explore Stoic wisdom in the context of challenges like pandemics. Gallagher discusses maintaining mental composure in politics, the importance of self-reflection, and the struggles of navigating truth in today’s misinformation landscape. This engaging conversation highlights how Stoicism can guide us through modern crises while fostering personal growth.
59:36
A Stoic Connection
- Mike Gallagher recounts how he and Ryan Holiday became friends after Holiday noticed his book in a magazine article.
- This led to further book discussions and sharing within Gallagher's team.
Routines, Plural
- Maintain routines but remain adaptable.
- Holiday uses different schedules for home and travel, prioritizing creative work in the mornings.
Taleb's Scheduling Philosophy
- Nassim Taleb argues that rigid schedules create fragility.
- He suggests not reading anything recent, prioritizing older historical works.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Stoicism and Politics: Navigating Challenges
02:02 • 10min
Friendship through Literature
11:56 • 5min
Navigating Chaos: Routines and Reflection
17:03 • 20min
Navigating Truth in Pandemic Reporting
37:02 • 7min
Navigating the Digital Footprint and Its Consequences
43:46 • 3min
Stoicism in Modern Crisis
47:16 • 17min
Wrapping Up with Reflections on Law and Podcast Promotions
01:04:37 • 2min
Deep Work
Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
Cal Newport
In 'Deep Work', Cal Newport argues that the ability to perform deep work—professional activities in a state of distraction-free concentration—is becoming increasingly valuable in our economy.
The book is divided into two parts: the first part explains why deep work is valuable, rare, and meaningful, while the second part presents four rules to transform your mind and habits to support this skill.
These rules include 'Work Deeply', 'Embrace Boredom', 'Quit Social Media', and 'Drain the Shallows'.
Newport provides actionable advice and examples from various successful individuals to help readers master the skill of deep work and achieve groundbreaking results.
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Sir Michael Howard
The Republic
Plato
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.
Boyd
The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War
Robert Coram
This book tells the story of John Boyd, a fighter pilot who had a profound impact on military strategy and aviation.
Boyd is credited with saving fighter aviation from the Strategic Air Command, developing the 'Energy–maneuverability theory' that influenced the design of fighter planes like the F-16, and creating the 'Aerial Attack Study,' which became the standard tactics manual for air forces worldwide.
He also developed the OODA (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) loop, a strategic concept that has been applied in various fields beyond military aviation.
The book details Boyd's abrasive yet principled personality, his challenges against Pentagon bureaucracy, and his lasting legacy in military and business strategy.
Self-Reliance
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Published in 1841, 'Self-Reliance' is one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays.
It advocates for individualism, urging readers to trust their own unique powers and intuition rather than conforming to societal norms.
Emerson argues that true happiness and fulfillment come from living an authentic, self-reliant life, free from the pressures of conformity and institutionalized religion.
The essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing themes such as nonconformity, the authority of the individual, and the importance of personal growth and self-trust.
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors.
The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
Nicomachean Ethics
Aristotle
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life.
The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life.
Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence.
The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.
The diary of a young girl
Anne Frank
The Diary of a Young Girl is the personal diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who chronicled her family's two years in hiding during the German occupation of the Netherlands.
The diary begins on Anne's 13th birthday in 1942 and ends shortly before her capture by the Gestapo in 1944.
It details her daily life in the 'Secret Annex' above her father's office, where she lived with her family and another family, the van Daans, and a dentist, Mr. Dussel.
The diary includes her thoughts on her relationships with the people in the annex, her feelings of isolation and loneliness, and her reflections on the war and her own identity.
It is a powerful and poignant account of a young girl's experience during one of the most horrific periods in history.
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.
Cincinnatus
The Secret Plot to Save America
Rusty McClure
David Stern
The story follows Matt Thurman, a golfer framed for murder, and Espy Harper, a DOJ attorney, as they unravel a complex plot involving fixed golf tournaments and a secret society linked to the Continental Army.
Their quest delves into America's past and leads them to a private Bahamian island and the mysterious Coral Castle.
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success.
The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives.
Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers.
The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
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.
The obstacle is the way
Ryan Holiday
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.
Antifragile
Things That Gain from Disorder
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Albino Santos Mosquera
Genís Sánchez Barberán
In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the concept of antifragility, arguing that some systems not only withstand stress and disorder but actually benefit from them.
The book builds on ideas from his previous works, such as 'Fooled by Randomness' and 'The Black Swan', and is part of his five-volume philosophical treatise on uncertainty, 'Incerto'.
Taleb provides examples from various fields, including science, economics, and history, to illustrate how antifragility can be achieved and how it contrasts with fragility and robustness.
He also discusses strategies like the barbell strategy and optionality, and critiques modern society's attempts to eliminate volatility, which he believes are harmful.
The book is praised for its revolutionary ideas and multidisciplinary approach, though it has also received criticism for its style and some of the author's views on mental health and other topics.
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.
Dear Reader
The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il
Michael Malice
Flow
The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.
' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback.
The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.
Stillness is the Key
Ryan Holiday
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more.
The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body.
Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life.
He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.
Way, the Enemy, and the Key
Ryan Holiday
This collection offers insights into Stoic philosophy, helping readers find inner peace, clarity, and effectiveness.
It includes the 10th anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle is the Way', along with 'Ego is the Enemy' and 'Stillness is the Key', providing a comprehensive guide to overcoming obstacles, managing ego, and cultivating inner stillness.
Maker vs. Manager
Maker vs. Manager
How Your Schedule Can Make or Break You
Paul Graham
Paul Graham's essay explores how makers, such as programmers and writers, require large blocks of uninterrupted time to be productive, while managers operate on schedules filled with meetings and short tasks.
This distinction highlights the challenges when these two types of schedules intersect.
In this episode, Ryan speaks with US Representative Mike Gallagher from the 8th District of Wisconsin. They talk how not to be distracted by social media and disinformation, how Stoics dealt with plagues both past and present, and how anyone can implement the lessons of Stoicism.
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