Adam Nicolson, an award-winning author known for his works on history and literature, dives into the rich landscape of Greek mythology and philosophy. He discusses how early Greek thinkers tackled profound questions about existence and ethics. The conversation also explores the timeless narratives of the Odyssey, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery. Nicolson encourages reflection on personal identity amid life’s changes, linking ancient wisdom to modern challenges. He advocates for kindness and community in philosophical inquiry, highlighting their relevance today.
01:05:11
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Deer Rescue
Ryan Holiday shares a story about rescuing a deer caught in a fence.
The deer, severely injured, was given to neighbors, highlighting a circle-of-life experience.
insights INSIGHT
Odyssey's Enduring Appeal
The Odyssey's enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes.
It explores universal human experiences like travel, homecoming, and the encounter of self and world.
insights INSIGHT
Two Stories in One
The Odyssey combines two fundamental stories: a stranger's arrival and a journey elsewhere.
Odysseus returns home as a stranger, making the story uniquely resonant.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
Die with Zero
Bill Perkins
Die with Zero presents a provocative philosophy and practical guide on how to get the most out of your money and your life. Bill Perkins argues against over-saving and under-living, advocating for investing in experiences early and maximizing positive life experiences. The book introduces concepts like 'time-bucketing,' 'net worth curve,' and 'fulfillment curve' to help readers optimize their life stages and make the most of their resources. Drawing from his own life experiences and insights from psychological science and behavioral finance, Perkins makes a compelling case for living large and accumulating memorable experiences rather than wealth.
How to be here
Rob Bell
In 'How to Be Here', Rob Bell provides concrete steps to pursue and realize one's dreams. The book interweaves engaging stories, lessons from biblical figures, insights from science, art, and business, as well as practical advice from Bell's personal experiences. It aims to help readers silence their critics, take action on their ideas, find joy in their work, persevere through challenges, and surrender to the outcome. The book inspires readers to seek the lives they were created to lead and live fully in the present moment.
On this episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan talks with English author Adam Nicolson on greek mythology, real meaning of the oceans, travel, the grand question about philosophy, that what really matters more? to understand the higher things above you, or the material actualities, along with his new book How To Be: Life Lessons from the Early Greeks
Adam is an English author who has written about history, landscape, great literature and the sea. He is noted for his books Sea Room, God’s Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible, The Mighty Dead, and Life between the Tides. He is also the winner of the Somerset Maugham Award, the W. H. Heinemann Award, and the Ondaatje Prize.
The Daily Stoic 
