The Daily Stoic BONUS | Where Service Meets Stoicism — U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Joe Byerly & Ryan Holiday
In this engaging dialogue, Joe Byerly, a recently retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and author, teams up with Ryan Holiday to explore the intersection of Stoicism and service. They discuss the earned nature of wisdom, emphasizing that it's not innate but cultivated through discipline. Joe shares insights on how writing clarifies thought processes, and they examine the risks of equating wealth with wisdom. Their conversation also touches on critical thinking, the importance of research, and how to enhance one's writing skills for clearer communication.
01:08:10
Wisdom Is Earned, Not Defined
- Ryan Holiday defines wisdom as multifaceted and largely ineffable, not something you can neatly define or inherit.
- He argues wisdom must be earned through a repeatable method of hard work and lived experience.
Montaigne As A Model For Ongoing Learning
- Ryan highlights Montaigne as a model combining self-education, travel, and moral development into wisdom.
- He uses Montaigne to show wisdom arises from unconventional learning and continual self-work.
Elon Musk As A Cautionary Arc
- Ryan contrasts Elon Musk's technical genius with recent risky behavior as a cautionary arc.
- He frames Musk as an example of intelligence without the tempering force of wisdom.
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Intro
00:00 • 8min
Why Joe and Ryan Are Collaborating
07:48 • 1min
How Ryan Approaches Writing Multiple Books
09:18 • 1min
Why the Four Virtues Are Interrelated
10:19 • 1min
Defining Wisdom as Earned Work
11:46 • 4min
Wealth vs. Wisdom: Plutarch's Lesson
15:55 • 1min
Historical Models of Wisdom
17:25 • 2min
When Intelligence Becomes Foolishness
19:10 • 6min
Ad break
24:55 • 2min
Writing's Role in Forming Thought
26:42 • 4min
Seeing What You Think by Writing
30:21 • 3min
Writing for an Audience Refines Ideas
33:23 • 1min
Writing Skills Improve Reading Judgment
34:40 • 2min
Belief Systems and the Bricks We Accept
36:28 • 44sec
How to Spot Bad Information and AI Errors
37:12 • 5min
The Value of Persistent Research
41:44 • 1min
Notetaking Systems of Leaders
43:00 • 3min
Paper, Notebooks, and Long-Term Access
45:31 • 5min
How Research Skills Pay Off Later
50:01 • 3min
Ad break
53:31 • 3min
Finding Time to Process Notes
56:16 • 3min
What Joe Is Learning from the Collaboration
59:40 • 5min
Developing Research Instincts and Falsifiable Leads
01:04:23 • 6min
How Social Intelligence Shapes Wisdom
01:10:38 • 3min
Progress on the Stockdale Project
01:13:33 • 3min
Outro
01:16:42 • 58sec
#31187
My Green Notebook, Know Thyself Before Changing Jobs
Joe Byerly
#40535
The Leader's 90-Day Notebook
A Journal For Leaders Too Busy
Joe Byerly
The Leader's 90-Day Notebook is a guided journal format created by Joe Byerly to help leaders establish a sustainable journaling practice.
Published in August, the notebook provides an easy daily format that Byerly himself followed throughout his time in command.
It is designed to help leaders discover who they are through action and reflection, paying attention to what fills their cup, what drains their energy, and how they respond to challenges, ultimately helping them show up as the best version of themselves.
#9
• Mentioned in 389 episodes
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.
#35
• Mentioned in 222 episodes
Discipline is Destiny
The Power of Self-Control
Ryan Holiday
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power.
The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend.
Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations.
The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.
#127
• Mentioned in 119 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.
#30
• Mentioned in 246 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.
#56
• Mentioned in 187 episodes
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.
#1172
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks
#103
• Mentioned in 135 episodes
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.
#201
• Mentioned in 87 episodes
Wisdom Takes Work
Ryan Holiday
#41
• Mentioned in 211 episodes
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.
In this bonus episode, Ryan sits down with his friend and collaborator, Joe Byerly, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, writer, and host of From the Green Notebook. The two talk about the overlap between Stoicism and service, the discipline it takes to think clearly, and why wisdom isn’t something you’re born with.
Joe Byerly is a recently retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with 20 years of service, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and command of a cavalry squadron in Europe. He’s earned multiple honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
In 2013, he founded From the Green Notebook, a platform that helps leaders reflect, grow, and share their experiences. Joe’s passionate about the power of reading, writing, and self-reflection—and he’s the author of The Leader’s 90-Day Notebook and co-author of My Green Notebook: “Know Thyself” Before Changing Jobs.
Follow Joe on Instagram @FromTheGreenNotebook and on X @jbyerly81
Check out Joe’s podcast From The Green Notebook on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Spotify
See more of Joe’s work on his website: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/
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