The Daily Stoic When Good People Lose Themselves to Tyrants | James Romm (PT. 1)
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Aug 13, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, James Romm, an esteemed classics professor at Bard College, delves into the puzzling trend of principled individuals aligning with tyrants throughout history. He reflects on thinkers like Seneca and Plato, exploring the seductive nature of power and the erosion of integrity. Romm highlights the complexities of navigating political environments while maintaining personal values. The conversation also contrasts leaders like Marcus Aurelius and Nero, shedding light on how their upbringings impacted their moral choices and philosophies.
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Book Discovery And Personal Resonance
- Ryan found James Romm's book Dying Every Day while walking past Skylight Bookstore and it deeply affected his view of Seneca.
- The book connected to Ryan's own experience advising American Apparel during its collapse and felt eerily relevant.
Ancient Turmoil Shapes Philosophy
- Ancient Athens and Rome were far less peaceful than we imagine, filled with wars and sudden calamities.
- Philosophers lived amid real-world instability, which shaped their political anxieties and writings.
Doing vs. Writing In Philosophy
- Philosophers often feel compelled to act, not just write, to avoid being labeled mere talkers.
- That urge to practice philosophy in politics can lead them into dangerous entanglements.
