Austin Kleon On Maintaining Healthy Habits, Growing As Parents, And Interrogating The Stoic Virtues

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Jul 22, 2023

Austin Kleon, a writer and artist known for his bestsellers on creativity, joins for a lively discussion on parenting and Stoicism. He shares how embracing a journaling habit transformed his life and creative process. The conversation explores indirect parenting—the idea that lessons are often caught rather than taught. Cleon reflects on balancing virtues in parenting, the quirky dynamics of family life, and encourages curiosity in engaging with children's interests. He delves into the impact of physical experiences on creativity and the importance of supporting each other in artistic pursuits.

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ADVICE

Reading Rut Solution

Overcome reading ruts by revisiting familiar, enjoyable genres.
Rereading favorite authors like Charles Portis can reignite reading momentum.

ADVICE

Lush Reading

Create a dedicated, screen-free reading environment, like by the pool.
Enhance the sensory experience with comfortable setups and minimize distractions.

ANECDOTE

Silly Studio Habits

Austin Kleon uses cigarette-shaped pencils while writing.
Ryan Holiday listens to the same song repeatedly, sometimes reaching extreme listen counts.

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Keep Going

10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad

Austin Kleon

In 'Keep Going', Austin Kleon offers ten simple yet profound rules to help creative individuals stay inspired, focused, and true to themselves. The book emphasizes the importance of daily routines, disconnecting from the world to connect with oneself, and finding inspiration in everyday life. It also delves into themes such as the value of tidying up, the importance of fresh air, and the need to leave things better than you found them. The book is filled with motivational quotes, anecdotes, and artwork, making it a unique and inspiring read for anyone looking to sustain their creative journey[1][3][5].

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

Show Your Work!

Austin Kleon

In 'Show Your Work!', Austin Kleon provides a manifesto for succeeding as any kind of artist or entrepreneur in the digital age. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity over genius, getting 'findable' by using the network, and self-discovery through sharing your creative process. It offers ten transformative rules for being open, generous, brave, and productive, including chapters on sharing something small every day, engaging with your audience, and the etiquette of sharing online. The book is filled with illustrations, quotes, stories, and examples to inspire and guide readers in their creative journeys[2][3][4].

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[2][3][5].

Steal like an artist

10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

Austin Kleon

This book, which began as a speech given by Austin Kleon to college students, expands into a manifesto for creativity. It outlines ten transformative principles such as 'Steal like an artist' (honoring, studying, and transforming ideas), 'Don’t wait until you know who you are to start making things,' and 'Use your hands' (emphasizing physical work). Kleon argues that creativity is not original but builds on what came before, and he provides practical tips and inspiring concepts for artists, writers, musicians, and anyone generating creative work[2][3][4].

The Daily Drucker

366 Days of Insight and Motivation for Getting the Right Things Done

Peter Drucker

The Daily Drucker distills Peter Drucker's teachings into 366 daily readings, covering topics such as leadership, innovation, decision-making, and time management. Each entry includes a Drucker proverb, a teaching, and an action point to apply his insights in practice. The book is designed to inspire and guide managers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals in their daily work.

A Calendar of Wisdom

Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul, Written and Selected from the World's Sacred Texts

Leo Tolstoy

This collection is a day-by-day guide that illuminates the path of a life worth living. It features gems of inspiration and wisdom from various historical figures including Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Lao-Tzu, Buddha, Pascal, Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius, Emerson, Kant, Ruskin, Seneca, Socrates, and Thoreau. Tolstoy considered this work his most important contribution to humanity, and it was widely read in pre-revolutionary Russia before being banned and forgotten under Communism. Recently rediscovered, it has been praised for its timeless wisdom and inspiration.

The Body Keeps the Score

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk

In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].

The Extended Mind

The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

Annie Murphy Paul

In 'The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain,' Annie Murphy Paul argues that our minds are not confined to the brain but extend into our bodies, surroundings, and social relationships. The book explores embodied, situated, and distributed cognition, providing practical advice on how to think better by utilizing 'extra-neural' resources such as bodily sensations, physical spaces, and the minds of others. Paul draws on research from neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and psychologists, as well as examples from artists, scientists, and leaders who have successfully used these mental extensions to solve problems and create new works[2][4][5].

The Daily Dad

Premium Leatherbound Edition

Ryan Holiday

Newspaper Blackout

Austin Kleon

Newspaper Blackout is a unique collection of poems by Austin Kleon, created by eliminating unwanted words from newspaper articles with a permanent marker. The book includes original poems by Kleon, submissions from readers, and an appendix on how to create your own blackout poetry. It has been praised for its innovative approach to poetry and has inspired a movement in blackout poetry across the internet.

Seneca's Letters

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Seneca

Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic' is a collection of personal letters offering philosophical guidance and reflections on life. Written to his friend Lucilius, these letters cover a wide range of topics, including virtue, happiness, death, and the importance of living in accordance with nature. Seneca's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience. The letters provide practical advice and encouragement for navigating life's challenges and cultivating inner peace. Their enduring relevance stems from their timeless wisdom and their focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

The Inner Game of Tennis

Timothy Gallwey

This book, first published in 1974, focuses on the 'Inner Game' played within the mind of the player, against obstacles such as self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses in concentration. Gallwey introduces the concept of two selves: Self 1, the thinking brain that analyzes and judges, and Self 2, the 'feeling and doing' brain that can master skills naturally if not interfered with by Self 1. The book provides strategies for achieving 'relaxed concentration' and overcoming internal mental and emotional obstacles, making it relevant not only to tennis but also to other areas of life such as music, writing, work, and personal relationships.

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.

John Adams

David McCullough

This biography by David McCullough is a comprehensive and engaging account of John Adams' life. It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams. The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time. McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

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].

Baby on the Fire Escape

Julie Phillips

In this book, Julie Phillips delves into the lives of renowned artists and writers such as Ursula K. Le Guin, Audre Lorde, Susan Sontag, and Angela Carter, among others. She examines how these women navigated the challenges of motherhood while pursuing their creative careers. The book highlights the varied struggles and strategies these women employed to balance their roles as mothers and artists, arguing that creative motherhood involves a constant renegotiation between work and care.

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

Plays of Euripides

Euripides

This collection includes some of Euripides' most renowned works, such as *Medea*, *Hippolytus*, and *Alcestis*. These plays are known for their exploration of human emotions, philosophical themes, and the portrayal of strong female characters, which were groundbreaking in ancient Greek theater.

True grit

Charles Portis

Set in the Old West of 1870s Arkansas and the Indian Territory, 'True Grit' tells the story of Mattie Ross, a determined and independent 14-year-old girl who seeks to avenge her father's murder. With the help of Marshal Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, Mattie embarks on a perilous journey to capture the killer, Tom Chaney. The novel explores themes of justice, vengeance, sacrifice, perseverance, and redemption, and is known for its vivid characters and its blend of humor, adventure, and historical context.

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.

Lost in the Cosmos

The Last Self-Help Book

Walker Percy

Lost in the Cosmos is a unique blend of satire, philosophy, and self-help. The book mocks conventional self-help texts while engaging readers in thoughtful contemplation of their existential situations. It uses multiple-choice questions, essays, and 'thought experiments' to explore the complexities of human identity and the search for meaning in a society plagued by moral and social ills. Percy argues that human consciousness is uniquely triadic, involving interactions between the sign user, the sign, and what the sign stands for, leading to a profound sense of alienation and the quest for transcendence[1][3][4].

Moomin The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip

Tove Jansson

This book is part of a series reprinting Tove Jansson's internationally syndicated Moomin comic strips. The strips, originally published in the London Evening News in 1954, are known for their whimsical humor and satirical undertones, appealing to both children and adults. The Moomins are depicted as a tight-knit family of hippo-shaped creatures navigating everyday life with a unique blend of innocence and wit.

To hell with all that

Loving and Loathing Our Inner Housewife

Caitlin Flanagan

This book delves into the complexities of women's lives, examining the tension between embracing modern feminism and the lingering appeal of traditional domestic roles. Flanagan offers a witty and incisive look at the multiple demands placed on women in contemporary society.

Ursula K. le Guin

Harold Bloom

Ursula K. Le Guin

Moonglow

Michael Chabon

Moonglow is a novel that blends elements of memoir and fiction, recounting the life story of the author's maternal grandfather. The narrative is rich with historical references, family secrets, and emotional depth, exploring themes of love, loss, and identity. The book is characterized by its vivid storytelling and complex characters.

The Fundamental Books of Epicurus

Principal Doctrines, Vatican Sayings, and Letters

Epicurus

This book contains the Principal Doctrines, Vatican Sayings, and letters to Menoeceus, Pythocles, and Herodotus, which are the core surviving writings of Epicurus. These texts provide insights into Epicurean philosophy, focusing on the pursuit of happiness through the absence of physical pain and mental disturbance. The letters summarize Epicurus' views on ethics and natural philosophy.

The Journal

1837-1861

Henry David Thoreau

The Journal is a comprehensive collection of Henry David Thoreau's personal writings, spanning from 1837 to 1861. It serves as a window into his philosophical reflections, natural observations, and contemplations on solitude and society. The journal was a source of inspiration for many of his published works and offers a deep insight into his life as a thinker, writer, and naturalist.

This Be The Verse

Philip Larkin

This Be The Verse is a poem by Philip Larkin that discusses the cycle of emotional trauma passed down through generations. It suggests that parents, often unintentionally, burden their children with their own faults and advises readers to break this cycle by not having children themselves. The poem is part of Larkin's collection 'High Windows'.