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.
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.
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.
Written in 1896 and first published in 1910, 'If—' is a poem that advises on how to rise above adversity and live a life of integrity. The speaker, addressing his son, outlines various scenarios and virtues necessary to 'be a Man,' including the ability to keep one's head in chaos, trust oneself despite doubt, and treat triumph and disaster equally. The poem is structured as a series of conditional 'if' clauses leading to a final 'then' clause, emphasizing a quintessentially British brand of stoicism and the importance of maintaining a strong will and moral character.
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness[2][3][5].
A Psalm of Life is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written in 1838, that emphasizes the importance of living life with purpose and meaning. It encourages readers to act in the present and leave a lasting legacy. The poem is known for its inspirational message and didactic style, urging readers to strive for greatness and make their lives sublime.
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[1][3][5].
The Cost of These Dreams is a collection of stories that delve into the lives of sports figures like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Pat Riley, exploring the personal costs of their achievements. Thompson's work is celebrated for its vivid detail and insight into the human side of sports.
CAUTION ADVISED: This podcast contains swearing.
Today's conversation takes a deep dive into an ancient philosophy and comes out with some practical strategies that really couldn't be more useful for these uncertain times. My guest is Ryan Holiday, someone who I've been really keen to speak with, ever since a close friend of mine gifted me his incredible book, The Obstacle Is The Way. Ryan is someone who's making timeless ancient wisdom accessible to millions of people all over the world through his books and blogs. And he's making a strong case that stoicism, the ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, is a viable life hack for our busy 21st century lives.
Whether you are familiar with stoic philosophy or not, I think you'll get a lot of value from today's conversation. Ryan explains that it's not what happens to us in life that really matters, it's how we react to it. We can all learn from unwelcome challenges and, more often than not, become better as a result of them. He also explains how these ancient ideas can be applied to our busy modern lives and how we can use them to build resilience and humility, and how we can use simple tools such as journaling, to help us find more stillness.
I think you'll find this conversation full of powerful advice and my hope is that you find it engaging, accessible and inspiring.
Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/171
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