Robert Greene and Ryan Holiday on Ego and Power | LIVE in LA

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.

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.

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

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].

Written by Thucydides, this work is a detailed and insightful historical account of the Peloponnesian War. It chronicles the conflict between the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta, and the Athenian Empire, emphasizing the significant impact of this war on Greek society. Thucydides outlines the historical context leading up to the war, tracing the evolution of Greek society and detailing the tensions and incidents that led to the conflict. The narrative examines key events, alliances, and the complex interplay of human ambition and political motivations during the war.

In this book, Steven Weinberg describes the first three minutes of the universe's existence, detailing the Planck Epoch, Einstein's Theory of Relativity, the Hubble Red Shift, and the detection of the Cosmic Microwave Background. These discoveries form the foundation of the standard model of the universe's origin. The book is an accessible explanation of cosmology and particle physics, making it a classic in popular science.

In 'What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions', Randall Munroe uses his background in physics to answer a variety of bizarre and humorous hypothetical questions. The book includes detailed analyses and often humorous responses to questions such as what would happen if everyone on Earth jumped at the same time or if someone's DNA suddenly vanished. The book is interspersed with cartoons and stick figures, adding to its entertaining and informative nature.

Plato's Dialogues are a series of philosophical works that examine a wide range of subjects including justice, virtue, happiness, and the nature of reality. These dialogues are characterized by their use of the Socratic method, where Socrates engages in conversations with other characters to explore and challenge different viewpoints. Key dialogues include 'The Apology', 'Crito', 'Phaedo', 'Symposium', and 'The Republic', each addressing distinct philosophical questions and themes. The dialogues are known for their literary grace, humor, and ability to engage readers in philosophical inquiry[3][4][5].

In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

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].

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.

Epictetus's teachings, preserved in the "Enchiridion" and "Discourses," are cornerstones of Stoic philosophy. He emphasized the importance of inner freedom, achieved through self-control and acceptance of what we cannot change. His focus on reason and virtue as paths to happiness continues to resonate with modern readers. Epictetus's work offers practical guidance for navigating life's challenges and finding contentment amidst adversity. His emphasis on living in accordance with nature and focusing on what we can control remains highly relevant today.

Chuck Klosterman's "The 90s" offers a witty and insightful look at the decade's cultural landscape. Klosterman examines various aspects of 90s culture, from music and fashion to social trends and politics, with his signature blend of humor and sharp observation. The book delves into the complexities of the era, exploring its contradictions and lasting impact. Klosterman's analysis is both entertaining and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reconsider their own memories and perceptions of the 1990s. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural significance of this pivotal decade.