The Daily Stoic

Elliot Ackerman on Storytelling and the Cyclical Nature of History

Sep 17, 2022

Elliot Ackerman, an acclaimed author, journalist, and former Marine, delves into his new book about the Afghanistan war and the art of storytelling. He shares gripping insights from his experiences evacuating refugees and reflects on the cyclical nature of history. The conversation explores how narratives shape our understanding of war and its psychological impacts, along with the importance of remembering and connecting through personal stories. Ackerman also discusses the nuances of today's geopolitical tensions and the need for thoughtful policy.

01:15:29

Episode guests

Elliot Ackerman

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Cyclical vs. Linear History

01:59

Storytelling and Meaning-Making

00:52

Intro

4min

Reflecting on Connections and the Impact of War

2min

The Flow of Time in Writing

21min

The Art of Storytelling: Making Meaning from Chaos

4min

The Weight of Storytelling: War, Nostalgia, and Generational Cycles

23min

The Legacy of Historical Pensions and Shifts in Global Power Dynamics

5min

Navigating Geopolitical Turbulence

19min

Engaging Discussions and Industry Insights

2min

Ryan talks to author and journalist Elliot Ackerman about his new book The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan, the origins of storytelling, his experiences evacuating hundreds of refugees in Afghanistan, and more.

Elliot Ackerman is a former White House Fellow and Marine, and served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. Elliot’s books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and non-fiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize among others. His writing often appears in Esquire, The New Yorker, and The New York Times where he is a contributing opinion writer, and his stories have been included in The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Travel Writing.

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