They Are Not Your Rivals | Ask DS

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Feb 23, 2023

Explore the intriguing contrast between Stoicism and Epicureanism, especially their views on pleasure and virtue. Discover how Stoic philosophy serves as an essential guide for modern leadership amidst a culture that often celebrates ego. Delve into the challenges leaders face in managing ego and humility, particularly in social media. The discussion also highlights the importance of learning from history to navigate leadership challenges effectively and promote a healthier organizational culture.

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INSIGHT

Stoicism and Epicureanism

Stoicism and Epicureanism, seemingly opposing philosophies, share common ground.
Both emphasize prudence, honor, justice, and a pleasant life, not just fleeting pleasures.

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ADVICE

Stoicism for Modern Leadership

Stoicism offers a practical operating manual for modern leadership.
Stoic philosophers were active participants in the real world, applying their philosophy to daily life.

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INSIGHT

Media's Ego Bias

Media amplifies egotistical individuals, creating a skewed perception of prevalence. Most successful leaders prefer to operate discreetly, without drawing excessive attention.

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The Pragmatic Wisdom of Stoicism in Modern Leadership

04:05 • 2min

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The Contrast of Ego and Humility in Leadership

05:48 • 2min

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Navigating Ego and Leadership in Organizations

07:53 • 3min

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Leadership In Turbulent Times

Doris Kearns Goodwin

In this book, Doris Kearns Goodwin examines the leadership skills of four U.S. presidents through their experiences during significant crises. The book is organized into three parts: the early days and ambitions of each president, their overcoming of significant early obstacles, and their leadership strategies during their presidencies. Goodwin delves into how each president—Lincoln during the Emancipation Proclamation, Theodore Roosevelt during the coal strike, Franklin Roosevelt during his first 100 days, and Lyndon Johnson during the Civil Rights Act—demonstrated unique leadership qualities that enabled them to surmount challenges and make significant impacts on the nation.

The Great Influenza

The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History

Amelia Pérez de Villlar

John M. Barry

Amelia Pérez de Villlar

The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic. The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.

Antifragile

Things That Gain from Disorder

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Albino Santos Mosquera

Genís Sánchez Barberán

In 'Antifragile', Nassim Nicholas Taleb delves into the concept of antifragility, arguing that some systems not only withstand stress and disorder but actually benefit from them. The book builds on ideas from his previous works, such as 'Fooled by Randomness' and 'The Black Swan', and is part of his five-volume philosophical treatise on uncertainty, 'Incerto'. Taleb provides examples from various fields, including science, economics, and history, to illustrate how antifragility can be achieved and how it contrasts with fragility and robustness. He also discusses strategies like the barbell strategy and optionality, and critiques modern society's attempts to eliminate volatility, which he believes are harmful. The book is praised for its revolutionary ideas and multidisciplinary approach, though it has also received criticism for its style and some of the author's views on mental health and other topics.

The Black Swan

The Impact of the Highly Improbable

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

David Chandler

Nassim Taleb

The Black Swan is a landmark book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that investigates the phenomenon of highly improbable events with massive impacts. These events, termed Black Swans, are unpredictable, have a significant impact, and are rationalized after the fact to appear less random. Taleb argues that humans are hardwired to focus on specifics rather than generalities, leading to a failure to consider what we don’t know. The book delves into cognitive biases, the limitations of mathematical models, and the importance of robustness and antifragility in navigating a world filled with uncertainty. The second edition includes a new essay, 'On Robustness and Fragility,' offering tools to navigate and exploit a Black Swan world.

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

The War of Art

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.

What’s the opposite of Stoicism, this austere philosophy based on toughness and resilience, virtue and service? Well, in the ancient world, it was Epicureanism–a philosophy that said that pleasure was the highest good. Could there be anything more different than Stoicism?

As it happens, the Epicureans got a bad rap in the ancient world and in today’s.

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And in today's Ask Daily Stoic, Ryan presents part three of his Q&A at the Young President's Organization West Michigan chapter in which he discusses why the Stoics are an "operating manual for modern leadership", why it can be difficult to discourage ego in leadership during a time when it is promoted so heavily in the media, and more.

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