Ryan Holiday, an acclaimed author and marketer, dives into the world of Stoicism, illuminating its relevance today. He shares his top three Stoic philosophers and discusses how their teachings resonate amid modern challenges like the pandemic. The conversation reveals why ancient Athens, though philosophically rich, posed living difficulties. Ryan also explores how Stoic values apply to leadership and ethical accountability today. With practical insights like journaling, he advocates for a blend of personal excellence and self-compassion in our busy lives.
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insights INSIGHT
Stoicism's Popularity
Stoicism's modern popularity stems from its focus on dealing with adversity.
It resurfaces during difficult times, offering guidance.
insights INSIGHT
Timeless Relevance of Stoicism
Stoic texts feel modern because they discuss timeless human problems.
These personal writings weren't originally intended for publication.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Wasting Time Complaining
Ryan Holiday and another person wasted time complaining about someone on a call.
Stoicism emphasizes focusing on what's within our control, not complaining.
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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].
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.
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.
Why Buddhism is True
The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
Robert Wright
In this book, Robert Wright argues that Buddhism offers a secular, Westernized approach to mindfulness meditation that can help individuals and society by reducing suffering and increasing empathy. He draws on evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience to support Buddhist teachings, such as the concept of 'no-self' and the nature of human suffering. The book is a personal journey that began with Wright's work on evolutionary psychology and deepened through his practice of meditation and conversations with skilled meditators. It aims to show how Buddhist principles can be applied in a secular age to improve individual and societal well-being.
The Moral Animal
Why We Are the Way We Are
Robert Wright
In 'The Moral Animal', Robert Wright delves into the world of evolutionary psychology to explain human behavior, emotions, and moral conduct. The book uses Charles Darwin's life and personal conduct in Victorian England as a case study to illustrate how evolutionary forces shape human behavior. Wright discusses topics such as jealousy, altruism, and social class, arguing that many of our actions are driven by subconscious genetic strategies aimed at survival and the propagation of our genes. The book also explores the paradox of how moral and responsible actions can emerge from a strictly Darwinian interpretation of human behavior, suggesting that understanding our evolutionary past can help us override our primitive programming and develop a more common moral outlook[1][2][4].
Ryan Holiday is a marketer and an author.
Stoicism is the hot new girl in school. Increasingly we're being exposed to the lessons of ancient Athens 2000 years ago but without the context of knowing the lives that these philosophers lived, our insights can hit a ceiling.
Expect to learn Ryan's 3 favourite stoics of all time, why the stoic writings still sound so relevant today, why ancient Athens was an ideal place for philosophy but an awful place to live, what the stoics would be most upset by in modern society and much more...
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