The Daily Stoic Kermit Roosevelt III on Theodore Roosevelt And Cultural Movements (PT 2)
26 snips
Jan 13, 2024 
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.
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.
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.
