The Four Stoic Virtues | Real-Life Role Models to Inspire You

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Dec 25, 2024

Guest

Join Martha McSally, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and former senator, as she discusses cultivating courage in the face of fear. Basketball coach Buzz Williams emphasizes daily discipline and consistent effort for success. Sharon McMahon, a former teacher, highlights the impact of historical justice actions, while Mark Matousek explores personal growth through wisdom and self-reliance. Together, they illustrate how the four Stoic virtues remain vital in shaping our lives today.

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ANECDOTE

McSally's First Flight

Martha McSally, despite feeling fear, chose to fly an A-10 for the first time.
This act demonstrated courage as a triumph over fear, not its absence.

INSIGHT

Courage and Fear

Courage requires the presence of fear.
An action isn't courageous if the actor doesn't experience fear.

ANECDOTE

McSally's Lawsuit

Martha McSally sued the Secretary of Defense, a multi-year journey she hadn't initially planned.
This act stemmed from her conviction to fight for change, even when facing opposition and potential career consequences.

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Representative men

Ralph Waldo Emerson

In 'Representative Men,' Ralph Waldo Emerson delivers a series of lectures and writings that examine the lives and principles of six significant historical figures. Emerson discusses Plato as the philosopher, Swedenborg as the mystic, Montaigne as the skeptic, Shakespeare as the poet, Napoleon as the man of the world, and Goethe as the writer. The book reflects Emerson's meditations on individual greatness and the everyday virtues of these 'Representative Men,' highlighting their impact on Western civilization and the collective human consciousness. Emerson's work contrasts with Thomas Carlyle's 'On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History' by portraying great men as lenses through which people can see themselves, rather than as divinely gifted individuals above the common person[2][3][4].

New York Times bestsellers

Mark Batterson

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[1][3][4].

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 Daily Dad

Premium Leatherbound Edition

Ryan Holiday

Lessons from an American Stoic

How Emerson Can Change Your Life

Mark Matousek

An Unfinished Love Story

A Personal History of the 1960s

Doris Kearns Goodwin

In this book, Doris Kearns Goodwin artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history to recount the emotional journey she and her husband, Richard (Dick) Goodwin, embarked upon in the last years of his life. The book is based on over 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents, and memorabilia that Dick had saved from his time in public service, working with John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Robert Kennedy. The Goodwins' exploration of these archives reveals a personal time capsule of the 1960s, highlighting public and private moments of a decade marked by struggles for racial and economic justice and significant political events.

Dare to Fly

Simple Lessons in Never Giving Up

Martha McSally

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.

The Daily Stoic

366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

This book provides 366 meditations on Stoic wisdom, featuring new translations of passages from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and other Stoic philosophers. Each day, readers are presented with a Stoic lesson explained in modern language, along with advice on how to apply these lessons in everyday life. The book is organized temporally and thematically across the twelve months of the year, making it a daily resource for practicing Stoicism[4][5][6].

The Small and the Mighty

Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement

Sharon McMahon

In *The Small and the Mighty*, Sharon McMahon highlights the stories of ordinary Americans who, through their courage and resilience, shaped the course of American history. The book features a diverse cast of characters, including a woman riding a white horse down Pennsylvania Avenue, a young boy detained at a Japanese incarceration camp, and a formerly enslaved woman on a mission to reunite with her daughter. McMahon’s thorough research and engaging storytelling bring these untold histories to light, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of background, can make a significant impact on the nation’s future.

Supercommunicators

How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection

Charles Duhigg

In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the secrets of 'supercommunicators' who excel at connecting with others. He delves into the three distinct types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and provides practical strategies and case studies to illustrate how to recognize and navigate these conversations effectively. The book includes examples from various contexts, such as jury deliberations, CIA recruitments, and workplace interactions, to demonstrate how communication can be improved. Duhigg emphasizes the importance of active listening, identifying complex emotions, and matching the type of conversation to enhance connection and understanding.

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[2][4][5].

Right Thing, Right Now

Justice in an Unjust World

Ryan Holiday

Book of wisdom

Ishopanishad

Rama Swami

This book is Swami Rama's insightful commentary on the Ishopanishad, one of the key Upanishads in Hindu scripture. It serves as an introduction to yoga and spiritual thought in India, providing readers with a deeper understanding of these ancient teachings. The book is designed to guide readers on their spiritual journey, offering practical wisdom and philosophical insights.