Best-selling author Ryan Holiday discusses the benefits of Stoicism in managing stress and anxiety. The podcast explores the resurgence of this ancient philosophy, the challenges of caring too much, and the importance of focusing on what you can control. It also delves into therapy, creativity, personal growth, and the impact of societal expectations on preventable suffering.
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Quick takeaways
Stoic philosophy promotes focusing on what can be controlled to reduce stress and anxiety.
Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of balancing personal values with professional success.
Society's apathy towards significant global issues highlights a lack of empathy and moral responsibility.
Deep dives
Ryan Holiday's Success in Marketing Stoic Philosophy
Ryan Holiday, a bestselling author and marketing expert, has successfully popularized ancient Greek stoic philosophy to millions of new followers worldwide. Despite initial low expectations for his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way', Holiday's strategic marketing efforts led to its widespread success, selling millions of copies.
Stoicism's Resonance in Current Cultural Moment
Stoicism, once considered obscure, has gained immense popularity in contemporary times, attracting millions of followers who resonate with its teachings. The alignment of stoic philosophy with present-day challenges and the emphasis on personal control amidst external uncertainties have contributed to its widespread appeal.
Challenges of Maintaining Stoicism Amidst Success
Ryan Holiday acknowledges the shift in applying stoic philosophy as he achieved success, highlighting the necessity of principles like dealing with ego, ambition, and self-mastery amidst accomplishments. The philosophy's relevance extends beyond adversity to addressing the complexities of success and maintaining ethical integrity.
Reflections on Prioritizing Personal Life Over Professional Demands
Holiday discusses the challenges of balancing personal values with professional demands, emphasizing the importance of being present and actively engaging in family life. By consciously choosing to prioritize familial duties over professional accolades, Holiday reflects on the evolution of his perspective on work-life balance.
Care Discrepancy: Society's Selective Concern and Indifference
In scrutinizing societal behaviors, Holiday underscores the prevalent tendency of people to care excessively about irrelevant matters while displaying indifference towards significant global issues. He confronts the disconcerting reality where preventable suffering and systemic injustices are largely ignored, signaling a critical lack of empathy and moral responsibility in society.
There’s an ancient philosophy that could actually help you give fewer f*cks, and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of it.
Stoicism has been helping people manage their stress and anxiety for thousands of years and today, it’s more relevant than ever.
@ryanholiday is the New York Times Bestselling author of multiple books on Stoicism. He believes that Stoicism is the framework that can help you be a normal person in an increasingly crazy world.
Today’s episode dives into the life-altering benefits of following a philosophy that encourages you to focus on what you can control, and fuck the rest.