Kermit Roosevelt III, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and great-great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, discusses the decline of cultural literacy and shared values in society. He highlights how many people know Marcus Aurelius from the film Gladiator, reflecting on the fragmentation of cultural references. The conversation dives into the challenges of leadership, political dysfunction, and the importance of historical context in constitutional law. Roosevelt also shares insights on fostering creativity and the complexities of judicial appointments that impact civil rights.
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Growing Up Roosevelt
Kermit Roosevelt III discusses his upbringing, noting that discussions about his famous ancestors were surprisingly normal.
He mentions having books about Theodore Roosevelt around and being teased by classmates who elected him class president.
insights INSIGHT
Choosing Your Lineage
Ryan Holiday notes that family lineage isn't solely determined by blood but by chosen influences.
He suggests individuals can select which parts of their family tree to emulate, even choosing figures beyond biological kin.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mentorship Beyond Blood
Ryan Holiday discusses the Roman tradition of adopting prominent figures to carry on family traditions, including Seneca's brother.
He emphasizes that mentorship can come from figures one has never met, but whose works they study deeply.
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In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.
Areté
Activate Your Heroic Potential
Brian Johnson
In *Areté*, Brian Johnson combines ancient philosophy, modern science, and practical tools to help readers activate their heroic potential and live a life of excellence. The book offers 451 short insights across seven disciplines, providing a roadmap for personal growth and transformation. It is designed to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
The claim of reason
Wittgenstein, skepticism, morality, and tragedy
Stanley Cavell
Stanley Cavell's "The Claim of Reason" is a significant work in 20th-century philosophy, reworking his PhD thesis after many years. It delves into the nature of skepticism and the importance of ordinary language in understanding philosophical problems. Cavell engages with thinkers like Wittgenstein, exploring how our everyday language shapes our understanding of the world. The book challenges traditional philosophical approaches, emphasizing the role of human experience and communication. Its dense and challenging style reflects Cavell's commitment to rigorous thought and his unique approach to philosophical inquiry. The book's impact lies in its innovative approach to philosophical problems and its influence on subsequent thinkers.
Bury the chains
Adam Hochschild
Bury the Chains chronicles the late 18th- and early 19th-century anti-slavery movement in the British Empire, highlighting key figures like Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. The book explores the campaign's tactics and setbacks, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery in 1838. It also draws parallels with modern social justice movements, showcasing the pioneering methods used by the abolitionists.
Die with Zero
Bill Perkins
Die with Zero presents a provocative philosophy and practical guide on how to get the most out of your money and your life. Bill Perkins argues against over-saving and under-living, advocating for investing in experiences early and maximizing positive life experiences. The book introduces concepts like 'time-bucketing,' 'net worth curve,' and 'fulfillment curve' to help readers optimize their life stages and make the most of their resources. Drawing from his own life experiences and insights from psychological science and behavioral finance, Perkins makes a compelling case for living large and accumulating memorable experiences rather than wealth.
The Nation That Never Was
Reconstructing America’s Story
Kermit Roosevelt III
In 'The Nation That Never Was', Kermit Roosevelt III challenges the traditional narrative of American history by suggesting that the country's core values, such as equality and liberty, were not established by the Founding Fathers but rather during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. He argues that the Reconstruction Amendments, particularly the Fourteenth Amendment, represent a repudiation of the original political order and a new foundation for modern America.
On this episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan talks with American author, lawyer, and legal scholar Kermit Roosevelt III on Honoring and doing what is right, Why peoples values and sense of honor are collapsing, How many people know who Marcus Aurelius is because of Gladiator, and his book The Nation That Never Was.
Kermit is an American author, lawyer, and legal scholar. He is a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a great-great-grandson of United States President Theodore Roosevelt and a distant cousin of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt worked as a lawyer with Mayer Brown in Chicago from 2000 to 2002 before joining the Penn Law faculty in 2002. Roosevelt's areas of academic interest include conflicts of law and constitutional law. He has published in the Virginia Law Review, the Michigan Law Review, and the Columbia Law Review, among others, and his articles have been cited twice by the United States Supreme Court and numerous times by state and lower federal courts.
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