The Daily Stoic ESPN's Wright Thompson On What Makes Us Great… And Human
Dec 2, 2020
Join Wright Thompson, an acclaimed writer and journalist for ESPN, as he shares his unique insights into the intersection of sports and culture. He delves into the emotional complexities of ambition and identity, revealing how these themes resonate in both writing and athletics. Thompson discusses the profound impact of personal relationships on success, emphasizing character over achievement. He also reflects on the journey of storytelling and the timeless struggles that connect us all, illustrating the unified human experience through his captivating anecdotes.
56:35
Cost of Dreams
- Driven individuals often have a mix of arrogance and insecurity.
- They seek to understand their motivations, even if they don't articulate them publicly.
Public Ambition
- Writers, like the athletes they profile, are driven by personal ambitions.
- Public figures face amplified pressure due to their visibility.
Measurable Success
- Sports provides measurable success, unlike writing, creating external validation.
- This can be both a relief and a curse, leading to a constant chase for more.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 5min
The Melancholy of Ambition and Understanding
04:40 • 2min
Ambition and Identity in Writing and Sports
06:24 • 9min
Legacy and Ambition: The Price of Greatness
15:13 • 17min
Breaking Patterns: The Influence of Family and Partnerships
32:42 • 5min
The Intersection of Gratitude and Creativity
37:44 • 4min
The Journey of Storytelling and Success
42:06 • 17min
Timeless Struggles: Our Shared Humanity Through History
58:53 • 4min
The Cost of These Dreams
Wright Thompson
The Cost of These Dreams is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Pat Riley, exploring the personal costs of their achievements.
Thompson's work is celebrated for its vivid detail and insight into the human side of sports.
Pappyland
Wright Thompson
Pappyland is a story that intertwines the history of the Van Winkle family with the art of bourbon-making.
It explores themes of tradition, family, and the challenges of maintaining a legacy in a changing world.
Through Wright Thompson's storytelling, the book delves into Julian Van Winkle III's struggles and triumphs in preserving his family's iconic bourbon brand.
A Confederacy of Dunces
John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces is a picaresque novel that tells the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, an overweight, unemployed, and intellectually arrogant man living with his mother in New Orleans.
The novel is a rich satire that critiques modern society through Ignatius's interactions with a diverse cast of characters, including his mother Irene, his girlfriend Myrna Minkoff, and various eccentric figures from New Orleans.
Written in the early 1960s while Toole was in the army, the book was published posthumously in 1980 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981.
It is celebrated for its witty and absurd portrayal of life in New Orleans and its memorable protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly.
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.
Lancelot
Walker Percy
Lancelot by Walker Percy is a dark and provocative novel that follows the story of Lancelot Andrewes Lamar, a disillusioned lawyer who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about his wife's infidelity.
His quest leads him down a path of moral decay and violence, culminating in a tragic event that lands him in a mental institution.
Through Lancelot's narrative, Percy explores themes of existential crisis, moral ambiguity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
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.
The Legend of Bagger Vance
Steven Pressfield
In the Depression year of 1931, on the golf links at Krewe Island off Savannah's windswept shore, golf legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen meet for a mesmerizing thirty-six-hole showdown.
They are joined by a local unsung opponent, the troubled war hero Rannulph Junah, who is guided by his caddie and mentor, the mysterious and charismatic Bagger Vance.
Vance holds the secret of the Authentic Swing and his mysterious powers guide the play, leaving a lasting imprint on the lives he touches.
The story is a sports fable that reveals that, in life as well as golf, the real battle is not with outside opponents but with oneself.
The Moviegoer
Walker Percy
Walker Percy's "The Moviegoer" is a philosophical novel that explores themes of alienation, meaning, and the search for authenticity in modern society.
The story follows Binx Bolling, a young stockbroker in New Orleans, as he grapples with existential questions and the search for meaning in his life.
Percy's writing is characterized by its wit, intelligence, and insightful exploration of human nature.
The novel blends elements of Southern Gothic and existentialism, creating a unique and thought-provoking narrative.
It's a story about finding one's place in the world and the challenges of living a meaningful life.
Gates of fire
Steven Pressfield
Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle.
The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire.
The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture.
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.
A psalm of life
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A Psalm of Life is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in 1838, that emphasizes the importance of living life with purpose and meaning.
It encourages readers to act in the present and leave a lasting legacy.
The poem is known for its inspirational message and didactic style, urging readers to strive for greatness and make their lives sublime.
Marcus Aurelius
The Stoic Emperor
Donald Robertson
The Great Influenza
The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History
Amelia Pérez de Villlar
John M. Barry
Amelia Pérez de Villlar
The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic.
It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic.
The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.
William Faulkner's works
null
William Faulkner
William Faulkner's works are characterized by their complex characters, intricate plots, and exploration of the American South.
His novels often delve into themes of race, class, and the legacy of the past.
Faulkner's innovative use of narrative techniques, such as stream of consciousness and multiple perspectives, creates a rich and immersive reading experience.
His novels often feature morally ambiguous characters grappling with their own internal conflicts and the complexities of their social environment.
Faulkner's profound impact on American literature is undeniable, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their literary merit and enduring relevance.
Birchbark Canoe Maker
Birchbark Canoe Maker
John McPhee
Robert Greene
Robert Greene
Robert Greene
St. Thomas Aquinas
None
G.K. Chesterton
G. K. Chesterton's "St.
Thomas Aquinas" is a biography of the influential medieval philosopher and theologian.
Chesterton presents Aquinas's life and thought in a clear and engaging manner, making the complex ideas of the philosopher accessible to a wider audience.
The book explores Aquinas's contributions to philosophy and theology, highlighting his synthesis of faith and reason.
Chesterton's own unique perspective and writing style bring a fresh perspective to the life and work of Aquinas.
The book is a valuable resource for those interested in medieval philosophy, theology, and the history of ideas.
Pocket Thomas Merton
Pocket Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton
Robert Inchausti
North toward home
Willie Morris
North Toward Home is a memoir by Willie Morris that recounts his childhood in Mississippi, his education at the University of Texas, and his career as a writer in New York.
The book explores themes of desegregation, the rise of Lyndon Johnson, and Morris's experiences as the editor of Harper's Magazine.
It is praised for its vivid storytelling and insightful observations of a country in transition.
What Do You Think of Ted Williams Now?
Richard Ben Cramer
This book is based on Richard Ben Cramer's acclaimed 1986 Esquire article, which delves into the life of Ted Williams, revealing not just a baseball legend but a complex and multifaceted individual.
The book includes new material about Williams' later years, offering a deeper understanding of his personal life and contributions to the sport.
Brother to a Dragonfly
Will D. Campbell
In 'Brother to a Dragonfly', Will D. Campbell recounts his upbringing in rural Mississippi during the 1930s and his complex relationship with his brother, Joe. The book intertwines personal narratives with historical events, offering insights into the Jim Crow South and Campbell's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
It explores themes of family, race, and redemption.
Ryan speaks with writer Wright Thompson about what drives an author to cover a topic, the similarity between writing and sports, their differing writing processes, and more.
Wright Thompson is an author and journalist who covers the intersections of sports and culture. Thompson has written for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine on topics like auto racing, MMA, bullfighting and more. Thompson wrote The Cost of These Dreams and recently released the New York Times bestselling Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last.
This episode is brought to you by Optimize, the membership that guides you on the path to living right. Optimize offers services like Philosopher Notes, six-page condensed reviews of insightful nonfiction books like Epictetus’s Discourses, Ryan’s The Obstacle Is the Way, and more. Members also get access to 101 video Master Classes, each one an intensive taught by experts about a particular topic. Visit optimize.me/dailystoic and get your first fourteen days free, plus 10% off your membership with discount code STOIC.
This episode is also brought to you by the Jordan Harbinger Show. Jordan's podcast is one of the most interesting ones out there, with guests like Kobe Bryant, Mark Manson, Eric Schmidt, and more. Listen to one of Ryan's episodes right now (1, 2), and subscribe to the Jordan Harbinger Show today.
***
If you enjoyed this week’s podcast, we’d love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps with our visibility, and the more people listen to the podcast, the more we can invest into it and make it even better.
Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: http://DailyStoic.com/signup
Follow @DailyStoic:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dailystoic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dailystoic/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dailystoic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dailystoic
Follow Wright Thompson:
Homepage: https://wrightthompson.com/index.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wrightthompsonbooks
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.