In this engaging conversation, Patrick Dempsey, the beloved 'McDreamy' from Grey’s Anatomy and a competitive race car driver, reveals how he weaves Stoicism into his dual passions. He discusses the emotional resilience required in both acting and racing, emphasizing mental focus under pressure. Dempsey shares how journaling and mindfulness prepare him for challenges, transforming obstacles into growth opportunities. He reflects on the importance of adaptability, and how understanding emotions enhances performance, whether on screen or the racetrack.
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Jungian Acting
Patrick Dempsey prepares for roles by considering them ritualistically and symbolically, embodying the character deeply.
He believes this Jungian approach helps him explore the persona he presents to the world and avoid being trapped by identity.
insights INSIGHT
Limited Actor Control
Actors have limited control over a project's success, influenced by directors, producers, and cultural context.
The lead actor's work ethic and the team's harmony are crucial for a positive set tone.
insights INSIGHT
Film vs. Play Acting
Film acting requires intense concentration in short bursts, unlike the continuous flow of a play.
Recreating spontaneity and truth amidst fragmented shooting is a challenge.
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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.
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.
American Bloomsbury
Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Margaret Fuller, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau: Their Lives, Their Loves, Their Work
Susan Cheever
American Bloomsbury delves into the personal lives and intellectual contributions of prominent American writers and thinkers in the mid-19th century. The book highlights their interactions, debates, and romantic entanglements, set against the backdrop of Concord, Massachusetts. It explores how these figures shaped American thought on individualism, nature, and social reform.
You may know Patrick Dempsey as “McDreamy” from Grey’s Anatomy or from one of his many leading roles in films like Enchanted, Sweet Home Alabama, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Ferrari, and countless others. In addition to being an incredible actor, Patrick is also a competitive race car driver and founder of Dempsey Racing. His first competitive race back on the track since 2015 was actually on the same day he came to the Daily Stoic studio!
Patrick talks to Ryan about how he applies Stoicism for both of his passions, emotional control, being adaptable in high-pressure situations, and more. He shares how he discovered Stoicism, how The Obstacle is the Way has helped him reframe difficult situations, and the mental training that he’s used to build resilience.
Connect with Patrick Dempsey on Instagram & X: @PatrickDempsey
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