The Daily Stoic What Did The Stoics Get WRONG? | Nick Thompson (CEO of The Atlantic)
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Nov 1, 2025 
Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and competitive ultrarunner, dives deep into the synergy between running and Stoicism. He explores how daily disciplines in both running and Stoic philosophy can drive personal breakthroughs. The conversation touches on Marcus Aurelius's fateful decision regarding Commodus, the erosion of expertise in modern society, and the importance of active engagement versus passive acceptance. With insights on adapting in a rapidly changing world, Thompson emphasizes the balance between pushing limits and fostering understanding in journalism.
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Use Running As Daily Discipline
- Run when you don't want to run to build discipline and resilience.
- Use discomfort (heat, schedule, travel) as a training tool, not an excuse to skip workouts.
Runner CEO Who Runs To Work
- Nick Thompson runs to and from his office and set an American 45+ 50K record.
- His running habit underpins his leadership and writing life.
Global Competition Raises Social Skill Value
- Competition now includes the whole world, increasing pressure on credentials and manners.
- Success requires adapting skills like collaboration and politeness, not only raw expertise.
