The Daily Stoic You’ve Gotta Make Them Work For It | The Presidential Biographies You Can’t Afford to Skip
A brisk tour of presidential biographies and which reads are unmissable. Lists favorite authors and specific books for Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Truman, Grant, Johnson and more. Tosses in quick presidential trivia and surprising artifacts. Encourages resisting premature surrender of work and choice while choosing what to read next.
11:35
Don't Give Up Power Before It's Taken
- Don't surrender your freedom of thought or work prematurely because of fear about what might happen.
- Resist and hold your focus until force actually compels you to stop.
Stockdale: Make Captors Work For It
- James Stockdale told prisoners they would likely break under torture but must resist until that point.
- He urged them to "make their captors work for it" and hold out as long as possible.
Stoic Freedom Is A Present Practice
- The Stoics recognized tyranny and duress but emphasized present freedom of choice.
- Use the current freedom to hold out and not hand over focus until forced.
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Intro
00:00 • 14sec
Resist Preemptive Surrender
00:14 • 45sec
Make Adversaries Work For It
01:00 • 37sec
Stoic Freedom of Choice Now
01:36 • 29sec
Truman and Roosevelt Picks
02:06 • 25sec
Washington and Adams Observations
02:31 • 46sec
Lincoln Biographies Worth Reading
03:17 • 31sec
Grant: Memoirs Over Biography
03:48 • 52sec
The Robert Caro Lyndon Johnson Series
04:40 • 1min
Why Study Lyndon Johnson
05:49 • 1min
Other Roosevelt & Garfield Picks
06:54 • 51sec
Ad break
07:45 • 2min
Additional Presidential Recommendations
09:47 • 43sec
Quick Presidential Trivia Moments
10:30 • 28sec
More Favorite Biographies
10:59 • 57sec
Washington as Cincinnatus
11:55 • 13sec
Carter and FDR Recommendations
12:08 • 1min
Outro
13:21 • 19sec
#101519
Thirteen Days a Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Robert F. Kennedy
Thirteen Days recounts the thirteen critical days in October 1962 when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over nuclear missiles in Cuba, as experienced by Robert F. Kennedy, then Attorney General and key advisor to his brother, President John F. Kennedy.
The book describes the ExComm meetings, diverse opinions among advisors, the push for a naval blockade over airstrikes, and the high-stakes negotiations that averted nuclear war.
It highlights lessons on leadership, empathy in diplomacy, and the moral perils of nuclear brinkmanship, released posthumously in 1969.
#23761
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
A thousand days
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
#80605
President Lincoln
David Herbert Donald
#55568
An hour before daylight
memories of a rural boyhood
Jimmy Carter
In this poignant memoir, Jimmy Carter recounts his boyhood in Plains, Georgia, during the Great Depression, detailing the rhythms of farm life, sharecropping economy, family dynamics, and the complex racial segregation of the South.
He shares stories of his brilliant farmer father, strong-willed nurse mother, siblings, and black friends and workers who shaped his early years, highlighting values of hard work, resilience, and community amid poverty and social divides.
Carter evokes a simpler yet heartbreaking era that influenced his character and future presidency.
#1779
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
The River of Doubt
Candice Millard
Candice Millard's "The River of Doubt" recounts Theodore Roosevelt's perilous journey down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon.
The book details the physical and mental hardships faced by Roosevelt and his team, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Millard masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal diaries, and scientific research to create a gripping narrative.
The expedition's challenges and near-death experiences underscore Roosevelt's adventurous spirit and his ability to overcome obstacles.
The book offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Roosevelt's life and the exploration of the Amazon.
#8197
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The passage of power
Robert A. Caro
The Passage of Power is the fourth volume in Robert A. Caro's monumental biography of Lyndon B. Johnson.
It chronicles Johnson's most frustrating and triumphant years, from his powerful position as Senate Majority Leader to his powerless role as Vice President, and finally to his ascension to the presidency following JFK's assassination.
The book provides a detailed account of Johnson's political genius and his transformative impact on American history during his early presidency.
#9148
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Lincoln at Gettysburg
The Words That Remade America
Garry Wills
In this book, Garry Wills examines the profound impact of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on American history.
Wills argues that Lincoln's speech, delivered during the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery in 1863, was meticulously crafted and drew heavily from the Declaration of Independence.
The book compares Lincoln's speech to that of Edward Everett, also delivered on the same day, and explores how Lincoln's address reshaped Americans' views of their founding documents.
Wills also delves into Lincoln's rhetorical style, highlighting his use of precise language and rhetorical devices.
#2597
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
The rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Edmund Morris
This book is the first in a trilogy by Edmund Morris and details the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901.
It includes his family history, his turbulent childhood illnesses, his education at Harvard, and his early involvement in politics.
The biography explores Roosevelt's passion for learning, his various roles such as New York State Assemblyman, Civil Service Commissioner, New York City Police Commissioner, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
It also covers his leadership of the Rough Riders in Cuba and his eventual rise to the Vice Presidency, setting the stage for his future as President of the United States.
#15577
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Grant's memoirs
Ulysses Grant
Ulysses S. Grant's Personal Memoirs recount his experiences in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Written as Grant was battling throat cancer, the memoirs offer a candid and detailed account of his military career.
The narrative provides insights into Grant's leadership, strategies, and the human aspects of war.
Grant reflects on key battles, his relationships with fellow officers, and his evolving perspectives on conflict and peace.
The memoirs are celebrated for their straightforward prose and historical significance, providing valuable firsthand perspectives on pivotal moments in American history.
#2597
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
The rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Edmund Morris
This book is the first in a trilogy by Edmund Morris and details the life of Theodore Roosevelt from his birth in 1858 through to 1901.
It includes his family history, his turbulent childhood illnesses, his education at Harvard, and his early involvement in politics.
The biography explores Roosevelt's passion for learning, his various roles such as New York State Assemblyman, Civil Service Commissioner, New York City Police Commissioner, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
It also covers his leadership of the Rough Riders in Cuba and his eventual rise to the Vice Presidency, setting the stage for his future as President of the United States.
#2391
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
The Path to Power
The Years of Lyndon Johnson I
Robert A. Caro
This book retraces Lyndon Johnson's early life, from his childhood in the impoverished Texas Hill Country to his early years in Washington, D.C.
, first as a congressional aide and then as a congressman.
It explores Johnson's relentless ambition, his ability to mesmerize and manipulate powerful figures, and his complex relationships with family, contemporaries, and influential politicians like Sam Rayburn and FDR. The book also delves into Johnson's secret love affairs and his strategic cultivation of wealthy and powerful allies.
Caro's exhaustive research and immersive writing style provide a vivid portrait of Johnson's formative years and the environment that shaped his political career.
#7635
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Plain Speaking
Merle Miller
Plain Speaking is a unique oral biography that captures Harry S. Truman's candid thoughts on his life, military service, and presidency.
The book is based on taped interviews conducted by Merle Miller in the early 1960s, which were initially intended for a television series.
It provides a personal and reflective look at Truman's experiences, including his decisions during World War II and the Cold War, as well as his views on politics and leadership.
#1406
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Destiny of the republic
A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
Candice Millard
This book by Candice Millard delves into the life and assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.
It highlights the dramatic events surrounding his death, including the archaic medical treatments that ultimately led to his demise.
The narrative also explores the broader context of the time, including the national mood post-Civil War, the political struggles within Garfield's administration, and the roles of key figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Vice President Chester Arthur.
The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research.
#6527
• Mentioned in 8 episodes
Mornings on Horseback
The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt
David McCullough
This book is a brilliant biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt, covering his life from 1869 to 1886.
It explores his struggle with asthma, his family's influence, and his transformation into a robust and determined individual.
The narrative delves into the Roosevelt family's history, their social context, and the pivotal moments in American history that shaped Theodore's life.
McCullough's work is based on extensive research, including thousands of letters from the Roosevelt family, providing a deep insight into the life of a well-to-do Victorian American family and the formative years of one of America's most iconic presidents.
#561
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
Team of Rivals
The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Doris Kearns Goodwin
This book is a multiple biography centered on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of men and how it shaped the most significant presidency in the nation's history.
It explores how Lincoln, despite being a one-term congressman and prairie lawyer, rose to become president by incorporating his rivals—William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates—into his cabinet.
The book details Lincoln's extraordinary ability to understand and empathize with others, which enabled him to create an unusual but effective cabinet.
It also delves into the challenges Lincoln faced, including incompetent generals, hostile congressmen, and the internal dynamics of his cabinet, highlighting his political genius and managerial skills.
#3288
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Truman
David McCullough
This biography by David McCullough provides a detailed and engaging account of Harry S. Truman's life, from his early days in Missouri to his presidency.
The book explores Truman's military service in World War I, his rise in politics, and his pivotal decisions as president, including the atomic bombing of Japan, the Potsdam Conference, the Marshall Plan, and the Korean War. McCullough's narrative is enriched by extensive research, including interviews with Truman's family and colleagues, and his own letters and diaries.
The book portrays Truman as a courageous and determined leader who embodied 19th-century midwestern ideals of honesty and integrity.
#3735
• Mentioned in 13 episodes
Master of the Senate
Robert A. Caro
Master of the Senate is the third volume in Robert Caro's biography series, The Years of Lyndon Johnson.
The book focuses on Johnson's rapid ascent in the U.S.
Congress, especially his time as Senate majority leader from 1949 to 1960.
It explores how Johnson transformed the Senate through his political acumen, manipulating Senate rules, building coalitions, and securing legislative victories.
The book also delves into Johnson's battle to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1957, his relationships with other senators, and his strategies for maintaining power within the Senate.
It provides a comprehensive look at how legislative power works in America and Johnson's role in shaping the Senate into a more effective legislative body.
#5253
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
Means of Ascent
The Years of Lyndon Johnson II
Robert A. Caro
In 'Means of Ascent,' Robert A. Caro delves into the life of Lyndon Johnson during his most challenging years, from his 1941 defeat in a special election for the U.S.
Senate to his controversial victory in the 1948 senatorial election.
The book highlights Johnson's relentless ambition, his service in World War II, and the foundation of his fortune.
The central drama revolves around the 1948 election, where Caro reveals the true story of how Johnson, with significant political chicanery and vote fraud, won by just 87 votes.
This volume is part of Caro's comprehensive series on Lyndon Johnson and is characterized by its detailed investigation and engaging narrative style.
#3198
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
Lincoln's Virtues
An Ethical Biography
William Lee Miller
This book by William Lee Miller is an ethical biography that traces the development of Abraham Lincoln's moral and intellectual virtues.
It highlights Lincoln's strong opposition to slavery, his thorough research for speech preparation, and his commitment to moral principles despite the political realities of his time.
Miller argues that Lincoln's moral realism, derived from Max Weber's ethics of responsibility, guided his actions and decisions.
The book also explores Lincoln's rise as a politician and how his conduct became more virtuous as he gained power, making him a rare example of a great man who was also a good man.
It’s discouraging. It’s distracting. All the stuff that’s happening in the world. But you know what you can’t do? You can’t give up your work, your freedom of thought, your freedom of choice pre-emptively.
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