The Daily Stoic BONUS: The Man Behind The Daily Stoic (Not Ryan Holiday)
In this conversation, Stephen Hanselman, a publishing professional and Harvard Divinity School grad, shares insights about the genesis of the Stoic Virtues Series. He delves into the interconnectedness of the four cardinal virtues and the challenges of sequencing them. The duo discusses the importance of courage and its overlap with justice and wisdom, emphasizing that wisdom is an ongoing pursuit. Stephen also reflects on the editorial process and using historical figures to illustrate vital lessons in virtue.
58:35
How The Daily Stoic Began
- Ryan credits Stephen Hanselman as the originator of The Daily Stoic project and translator for source texts.
- Hanselman proposed the daily-page format and offered to do translations from his knowledge of Greek and Latin.
Cardinal Virtues Are Interconnected
- The four cardinal virtues are interrelated and were debated fiercely within Stoicism about their distinctness and teaching order.
- Choosing which virtue to emphasize first affects interpretation and presents logistical challenges for exposition.
Courage Frequently Dominates Examples
- Courage frequently appears first historically and often overlaps with justice and wisdom in example and practice.
- This overlap creates difficulty when isolating one virtue for focused discussion in a book series.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
How The Daily Stoic Began
03:52 • 4min
Why Focus on the Four Cardinal Virtues
08:18 • 7min
Choosing the Order: Why Start with Courage
15:08 • 5min
Ad break
19:56 • 3min
Interplay of Courage, Justice, and Wisdom
22:46 • 5min
Practical Wisdom and Changing Your Mind
27:42 • 3min
Seeking and Receiving Editorial Feedback
30:41 • 3min
Using Historical Figures to Teach Virtue
33:55 • 7min
Balancing Praise and Critique: Writing About Musk
40:56 • 8min
Why Wisdom Comes Last in the Series
49:14 • 9min
Wisdom as Continuous Work
58:20 • 5min
Applying Virtue: Actions Over Labels
01:03:42 • 45sec
Outro
01:04:26 • 21sec
#239
• Mentioned in 74 episodes
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Confessions of a Media Manipulator
Ryan Holiday
In 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' Ryan Holiday exposes the inner workings of the online media system, detailing how rumors and false information can quickly spread from low-level blogs to major news outlets.
The book highlights the role of marketers and media manipulators in this process, driven by the toxic economics of the news business.
Holiday shares his own experiences as a media manipulator and provides insights into the social science behind why this system is so vulnerable to manipulation.
He also offers advice on how to spot and combat these manipulative tactics.
#35
• Mentioned in 219 episodes
Discipline is Destiny
The Power of Self-Control
Ryan Holiday
In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power.
The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend.
Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations.
The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.
#1088
• Mentioned in 26 episodes
The Daily Stoic
366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
'The Daily Stoic' offers daily insights and exercises drawn from Stoic philosophy, designed to cultivate wisdom, resilience, and mindfulness.
Each entry provides a quote from a Stoic philosopher, followed by Ryan Holiday's reflections and actionable advice.
It encourages readers to embrace challenges, practice self-control, and find meaning in everyday life.
The book is structured as a year-long guide, with each day offering a new opportunity for reflection and growth.
Its practical approach makes Stoicism accessible and relevant for modern readers seeking to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
#101
• Mentioned in 131 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.
#3
• Mentioned in 870 episodes
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
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.
#1210
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
Seneca's Letters
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Seneca
Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic' is a collection of personal letters offering philosophical guidance and reflections on life.
Written to his friend Lucilius, these letters cover a wide range of topics, including virtue, happiness, death, and the importance of living in accordance with nature.
Seneca's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex philosophical ideas understandable to a wider audience.
The letters provide practical advice and encouragement for navigating life's challenges and cultivating inner peace.
Their enduring relevance stems from their timeless wisdom and their focus on personal growth and self-improvement.
#126
• Mentioned in 115 episodes
Right Thing, Right Now
Justice in an Unjust World
Ryan Holiday
In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy.
He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty.
The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us.
Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.
#100
• Mentioned in 134 episodes
Lives of the Stoics
The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius
Ryan Holiday
Stephen Hanselman
This book presents the fascinating lives of twenty-six ancient Stoics, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius, organized in digestible mini-biographies.
It vividly brings to life the stories of key Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Cicero, and demonstrates how their philosophies shaped their actions and legacies.
The authors intertwine historical context with philosophical insights, making the book both educational and entertaining.
It shows how Stoic principles can be applied to modern life, emphasizing virtues like Courage, Justice, Temperance, and Wisdom.
#5765
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Daily Drucker
366 Days of Insight and Motivation for Getting the Right Things Done
Peter Drucker
The Daily Drucker distills Peter Drucker's teachings into 366 daily readings, covering topics such as leadership, innovation, decision-making, and time management.
Each entry includes a Drucker proverb, a teaching, and an action point to apply his insights in practice.
The book is designed to inspire and guide managers, entrepreneurs, and business professionals in their daily work.
#246
• Mentioned in 73 episodes
Wisdom Takes Work
Ryan Holiday
#8
• Mentioned in 380 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.
It’s been six years since Ryan and his longtime editor and collaborator, Stephen Hanselman, first dreamed up the Stoic Virtues Series. In this bonus episode, they reflect on where the idea started, how each book built on the last, and why the four virtues are so deeply connected.
Stephen Hanselman has worked for over three decades in publishing as a bookseller, publisher and literary agent. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Master’s degree while also studying extensively at Harvard’s philosophy department.
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