

Stoicism with Ryan Holiday - Part 2
16 snips Jul 30, 2025
In this segment, Ryan Holiday, a bestselling author and Stoicism expert, dives into the dark side of influence and public persona. He discusses the dangers of audience validation, examining figures like RFK Jr. and Tucker Carlson as case studies. The conversation touches on how power often blinds self-awareness and the fine line between honesty and manipulation. Both Ryan and James reflect on their roles as communicators and the importance of maintaining integrity in a world dominated by noise. It's a thought-provoking exploration of narrative and responsibility.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Historical Stories as Persuasion
- Using historical stories is a powerful "cheat code" to persuade and illustrate complex ideas effectively.
- These stories are chosen by history for their significance and can overcome the weakness of personal anecdotes.
Comparing Jesus and Seneca
- Jesus and Seneca share similar life stories presenting philosophical challenges in their final tests.
- Stoicism might offer a more accessible philosophy than the mystical elements often found in religious texts like the Bible.
Myth Survival and Cultural Relevance
- Many religious and cultural myths existed, but only some persisted due to continual retelling and reinterpretation.
- Survival of a story depends heavily on its perpetual cultural relevance and adaptation across generations.