In this insightful discussion, novelist Meg Mason talks about developing taste as a writer, while Adam Hochschild emphasizes how history can energize modern activism. Jack Carr shares how personal character shapes one's narrative, and Robert Greene reveals our human inclination towards the path of least resistance in decision-making. Steven Pressfield dives into overcoming creative resistance and the necessity of discipline in writing. Together, they explore the messy journey of creativity, encouraging authenticity and persistence in the writing process.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Maintain Momentum, Edit Later
Focus on consistent writing, not immediate perfection.
Edit later; the priority is maintaining momentum and avoiding writer's block.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Embrace Imperfect First Drafts
Write a couple of imperfect pages daily.
Start with "The bad version is..." to overcome fear and perfectionism.
insights INSIGHT
Perfectionism as Resistance
Perfectionism and the desire to "get it right" often stem from fear.
Staying on the surface can be a form of resistance, hindering deeper exploration.
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Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steven Pressfield
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
The 48 laws of power
Robert Greene
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.
Sorrow and Bliss
Meg Mason
King Leopold's Ghost
A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
Adam Hochschild
This book by Adam Hochschild explores the period from 1885 to 1908 when King Leopold II of Belgium exploited the Congo Free State, committing large-scale atrocities. The narrative includes the lives of key figures such as Henry Morton Stanley, George Washington Williams, William Sheppard, and Edmund Morel, who played crucial roles in exposing and challenging Leopold’s regime. The book also delves into the broader context of European colonialism and its lasting impacts, as well as the early media campaigns against humanitarian crises. Hochschild’s work provides a nuanced view of colonial dynamics and the struggles of African voices during this era.
Ryan looks back on some of the best interviews of 2022 about writing. Featuring Steven Pressfield on what it takes to build discipline and why it’s so important, Robert Greene on our natural tendency as humans to take the path of least resistance, Jack Carr on how your character impacts your work, Meg Mason on how important it is to develop taste as a writer, and Adam Hochschild on how history can inform the push for change in the present.
The Daily Stoic 
