Just Keep Hammering Away | The Color of Your Thoughts

Apr 1, 2021

Explore the determination of historical figures like Ulysses S. Grant, emphasizing the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles. Discover how your thoughts shape your reality and the significance of positive thinking for mental well-being. Delve into Stoic philosophy, highlighting Marcus Aurelius's insights on resilience and the benefits of personal rituals to foster an optimistic mindset. This engaging discussion reveals how emotional control and consistent effort can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

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ANECDOTE

Grant's Simple Strategy

Ulysses S. Grant's approach to war was simple: relentless attack.
He just kept hammering away at problems until they yielded.

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ADVICE

Just Keep Hammering

Solve problems through persistent action, step by step.
Don't be deterred by difficulty; if it's humanly possible, commit and know you can do it.

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ADVICE

The Color of Your Thoughts

Your mind is shaped by your thoughts.
Focus on positive thoughts to avoid a negative outlook.

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The Impact of Thought on Reality

04:13 • 2min

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The Power of Positive Thought in Stoicism

06:27 • 2min

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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.

Letters from a Stoic

Seneca

Seneca's "Letters from a Stoic" comprises a collection of personal letters offering practical advice on living a virtuous life according to Stoic principles. Written to Lucilius, a friend and student, the letters cover a wide range of topics, including dealing with adversity, managing emotions, and finding inner peace. Seneca's writing style is engaging and relatable, making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a wider audience. The letters offer timeless wisdom on self-improvement and ethical living. They remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance on navigating life's challenges.

Hymns of the Republic

The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War

S.C. Gwynne

Hymns of the Republic offers a comprehensive narrative of the last year of the American Civil War, focusing on key military campaigns and political events. The book delves into the roles of figures like Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Tecumseh Sherman, while also highlighting the impact of slavery and the contributions of African American soldiers. Gwynne's work synthesizes current scholarship to provide a balanced view of this pivotal period in American history.

In Love and War

The Story of a Family's Ordeal and Sacrifice During the Vietnam Years

Sybil Stockdale

James Stockdale

In Love and War is a compelling memoir co-authored by James B. Stockdale and his wife Sybil. The book recounts James' harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam and Sybil's courageous efforts to raise awareness about the plight of American POWs. The narrative alternates between James' time in captivity and Sybil's battles with bureaucracy and her role in founding the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.

The Enchiridion

Epictetus

Tony Darnell

Thomas Wentworth Higginson

The Enchiridion is a concise summary of the basic ideas of Stoic philosophy and provides techniques for transforming these principles into a way of life. It was compiled by Arrian from the teachings of Epictetus and is notable for its practical advice on moral conduct in various life situations. Unlike the Discourses, which present Epictetus' teachings in a more dynamic and situational context, the Enchiridion is a more structured and concise guide to Stoic living.

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.

Personal memoirs of U.S. Grant

Ulysses Grant

The Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant is a two-volume autobiography that primarily details Grant's military experiences. Written in the last year of his life, the memoirs cover his participation in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Despite his severe illness and financial struggles, Grant maintained a clear and concise writing style, which has been praised for its clarity and effectiveness. The work avoids detailed discussions of his childhood and presidency, instead focusing on his military career and offering insights into his strategic decisions and personal observations during the wars.

“There is something delightfully simple about Ulysses S. Grant. Napoleon seems like some sort of larger than life figure, a peerless genius like the freak athletes we see on television. The same for the incredible heroism of Admiral Stockdale. Their accomplishments are impressive, but not exactly relatable.”

Ryan explains why you must keep your emotions under control to continue the work, and reads The Daily Stoic’s entry of the day, on today’s Daily Stoic Podcast.

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