You Are Never Excused From This | Ask Daily Stoic

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Sep 25, 2025

Exploring the timeless relevance of the Four Stoic Virtues—justice, temperance, wisdom, and courage—highlights their importance in living a fulfilling life. Marcus Aurelius serves as an example of lifelong learning, emphasizing that education is a continuous responsibility. The discussion also reveals insights into defining justice through Stoic lenses and the origins of these virtues. Plus, the announcement of an upcoming book invites listeners to delve deeper into the wisdom required for personal growth.

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ANECDOTE

Marcus Aurelius Returns To School

Marcus Aurelius, an old and wise emperor, left the palace to study with Sextus and carry his books.
The French called it marvelous: the king of the Romans taking up his tablets and going to school.

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ADVICE

Never Stop Being A Student

Keep identifying as a student and never stop learning, even at the highest rank.
Do not think you've learned all there is or that you're too important to keep challenging yourself.

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ADVICE

Own Your Ongoing Education

Make your education your lifelong responsibility regardless of age or rank.
Continue exploring new lessons and rediscovering old ones to deepen understanding.

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Marcus Aurelius Models Lifelong Learning

00:56 • 1min

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Study Is a Lifelong Obligation

02:03 • 36sec

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Wisdom Takes Work — New Book Announcement

Defining Justice in Stoic Terms

08:00 • 2min

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Will I Write Beyond Stoicism?

09:31 • 1min

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Origin of the Four Cardinal Virtues

10:51 • 3min

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Communicating Stoic Ideas to Modern Audiences

14:13 • 1min

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Closing Thanks and Premium Offer

• Mentioned in 211 episodes

Discipline is Destiny

The Power of Self-Control

Ryan Holiday

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.

• Mentioned in 842 episodes

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.

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• Mentioned in 112 episodes

Right Thing, Right Now

Justice in an Unjust World

Ryan Holiday

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.

#100

• Mentioned in 126 episodes

Courage Is Calling

Ryan Holiday

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

#422

• Mentioned in 47 episodes

Wisdom Takes Work

Ryan Holiday

#289

• Mentioned in 61 episodes

Conspiracy

Ryan Holiday

In 'Conspiracy', Ryan Holiday chronicles the intricate and ambitious plot by Peter Thiel to take down Gawker Media. The book is based on interviews with key players and delves into the strategic and philosophical underpinnings of Thiel's actions. It examines the intersection of power, privacy, and free speech in the digital age, highlighting the ruthless and brilliant tactics employed by Thiel. The narrative transcends a simple tale of a billionaire vs. a media empire, offering insights into the broader implications for culture and society.

It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private or a president, a CEO or a summer intern. THIS is your responsibility.

📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, Courage, are timeless keys to living your best life. The Daily Stoic is releasing a limited collector’s edition set of all four books signed and numbered, with a title page identifying these books as part of the only printing of this series. PLUS we're including one of the notecards Ryan used while writing the series. Pre-order the Limited Edition Stoic Virtues Series Today! | https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/stoic-virtues

📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work

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