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#128 Ryan Holiday: A Stoic Life

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Jan 11, 2022

Guest

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday, a New York Times bestselling author and modern philosopher, shares insights on Stoicism's practicality for achieving success and emotional balance. He discusses his disciplined writing process, the importance of journaling for self-reflection, and the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism. Holiday emphasizes the dichotomy of control, the significance of swift decision-making, and learning from mistakes. His engaging perspective on balancing ambition and fulfillment in modern life makes for an enlightening conversation.

01:11:19

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ADVICE

Weighing Opportunity Costs

Consider opportunity costs when making decisions.
Weigh the potential gains of a new opportunity against the potential losses from neglecting existing commitments.

insights

INSIGHT

Stoicism: A Practical Philosophy

Stoicism is a practical philosophy for active professionals, originating in ancient Athens.
It was founded by a merchant and developed in the marketplace.

insights

INSIGHT

The Dichotomy of Control

Stoicism emphasizes focusing on what you can control: thoughts, opinions, actions, and beliefs.
It teaches that we don't control what happens, but we control our responses.

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Navigating the Writer's Journey

04:32 • 15min

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The Timeless Wisdom of Stoicism

19:37 • 22min

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The Significance of Forward Momentum in Decision Making

41:16 • 3min

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Navigating Emotional Realities: Stoicism and Decision-Making

44:09 • 17min

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The Power of Journaling for Self-Reflection

01:01:34 • 6min

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Embracing Mistakes and the Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism

01:07:37 • 4min

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#22

• Mentioned in 339 episodes

The Daily Stoic

366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Ryan Holiday

Stephen Hanselman

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.

#11

• Mentioned in 425 episodes

The obstacle is the way

Ryan Holiday

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.

#385

• Mentioned in 69 episodes

Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

#129

• Mentioned in 141 episodes

Courage Is Calling

Ryan Holiday

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.

#4704

• Mentioned in 9 episodes

It's Better to Be Feared

The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness

Seth Wickersham

In 'It’s Better to Be Feared,' Seth Wickersham provides a comprehensive and revealing look at the New England Patriots dynasty. Based on hundreds of interviews conducted since 2001, the book delves into the tactical ingenuity of Bill Belichick and the unique mentality of Tom Brady. It also covers their divergent paths in 2020, including Brady’s successful run to the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The book is praised for its unvarnished and definitive narrative, making it an instant classic of American sportswriting.

#15105

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Letters of a Stoic

Seneca the Younger

Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" offers a personal and practical guide to Stoic philosophy. Through intimate letters to his friend Lucilius, Seneca explores various aspects of Stoic living, including managing emotions, dealing with adversity, and finding inner peace. The letters provide relatable examples and insights into Seneca's own life experiences. They offer a blend of philosophical reflection and practical advice, making them accessible and relevant to modern readers. The collection remains a timeless source of wisdom for those seeking self-improvement and a more fulfilling life.

Stoic philosopher and author Ryan Holiday shows us how to use the ancient philosophy to calm our mind and create a foundation for lasting success. Listen as Holiday takes us behind the scenes, revealing how he not only reads books and what he looks for, but his process for writing and retaining information he can later put to use. He also discusses what he writes and reads, why he journals, and the four virtues of Stoicism. Holiday is a New York Times bestselling author. He has written a combined 10 books, covering both the fundamentals of Stoicism as well as key elements of modern-day marketing and media, and his books have sold more than 2 million copies in 30 languages. His most recent release is entitled Courage is Calling. --
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