The Daily Stoic Why EVERY Generation Rediscovers Stoicism | Mark Manson & Ryan Holiday
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Dec 7, 2025 
Mark Manson, a renowned author known for his blunt take on personal development, joins Ryan Holiday to explore the enduring legacy of Stoicism. They discuss how this ancient philosophy resurfaces in times of crisis, revealing its appeal to leaders and thinkers throughout history. The conversation delves into Stoicism’s influence on early Christianity, its surprising presence in modern psychotherapy, and the risks of misinterpreting its teachings in today's digital age. Manson also highlights the need to adapt Stoic wisdom to contemporary issues.
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Why Stoicism Persisted Through History
- Stoicism persisted because elites used it as a governor for promising leaders and passed it person-to-person across generations.
- Its plain, practical wisdom made it a quiet cultural foundation rather than a flashy school of thought.
Cato Influenced The Founders
- The play Cato popularized Stoic lines among the American founders and influenced figures like George Washington.
- Washington repeatedly referenced Cato's call for calm, mild philosophy in his letters.
Stockdale's Epictetus In Combat
- James Stockdale read Epictetus before being shot down and later said he was "entering the world of Epictetus" as he parachuted into captivity.
- Stockdale used Stoic teachings directly to survive torture and imprisonment in Vietnam.
