The Daily Stoic
Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures
For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.Support the podcast and go deeper with Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content (coming soon): dailystoic.com/premium
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 16, 2020 • 3min
You Must Work Your Hardest at This
In this enlightening discussion, the importance of cultivating calmness amid chaos is explored. Drawing on the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, it emphasizes the need for emotional stability and inner peace. Practical tips like journaling are highlighted as essential tools for maintaining composure during turbulent times. The conversation reminds us that while many tasks demand our attention, the most crucial effort is directed towards achieving a sense of calm.
Sep 15, 2020 • 4min
This Is How You Learn
Explore how Seneca and Plutarch teach us to glean moral lessons from history instead of just memorizing facts. Dive into the importance of character-driven biographies and how they can transform our understanding of life. The discussion emphasizes the value of deeply learning from the past and highlights the upcoming book 'Lives of the Stoics,' which promises to enrich our journey through Stoic philosophy.
Sep 14, 2020 • 2min
You Do Not Need This
Explore the often overlooked concept of doing good for its own sake. Delve into the dangers of seeking external validation and recognition. Ryan emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and self-contentment, encouraging listeners to act virtuously without the need for gratitude. Drawing on insights from Marcus Aurelius, the discussion highlights how true altruism enriches the soul and fosters deeper fulfillment.
Sep 13, 2020 • 10min
Daily Stoic Sundays: Five Life-Changing Quotes From Seneca
Explore the timeless wisdom of Seneca as five transformative quotes are dissected for modern life. Embrace adversity and learn the art of living fully in the moment. Discover the urgency of pursuing your desires, as fortune can change at any time. Reflect on the virtues of courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance and turn philosophical insights into practical life lessons. This discussion encourages listeners to find personal growth amidst life's challenges.
Sep 12, 2020 • 1h 1min
Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and Lacrosse Legend Paul Rabil On What It Takes to Become the Best
Paul Rabil, a lacrosse legend and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League, shares his captivating journey from athlete to entrepreneur. He discusses the unique mental hurdles faced by professional athletes and the intricacies of launching a sports league. Rabil dives into finding personal purpose through lacrosse, the importance of emotional regulation, and maintaining individual identity amidst contract pressures. He also touches on the complexities of activism and the search for fulfillment beyond societal success, offering a deep reflection on the athlete experience.
Sep 11, 2020 • 5min
Is This Really What’s Important Right Now?
The conversation dives into humanity's curious tendency to focus on trivial matters during global crises, like the obsession with sensational stories rather than pressing issues. It highlights the importance of stoic wisdom in maintaining perspective. Drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius, the discussion encourages listeners to practice self-awareness and control over their reactions. Additionally, there's a reveal of an upcoming book that explores the philosophical contributions of significant Stoic figures.
Sep 10, 2020 • 2min
It’s a Double Standard, but So What?
The discussion dives into the Stoic philosophy of strict self-discipline contrasted with leniency towards others. Listeners learn how figures like Marcus Aurelius exemplified this double standard, showing the balance between hard truths and compassion. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how Stoics held themselves to high standards while advocating for forgiveness in their judgments of others. Tune in for insights that challenge the way we think about accountability and empathy in our lives!
6 snips
Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 10min
Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and Niki Papadopoulos Go Inside Writing About Stoicism
In this engaging discussion, Niki Papadopoulos, Editorial Director at Penguin Random House, shares insights from her decade-long collaboration with author Ryan. They delve into the editing process and the evolution of Ryan's works, including his latest, 'Lives of the Stoics.' Niki highlights the balance between originality and market expectations in publishing. The duo reminisces about their journey, emphasizing the emotional challenges writers face and the importance of genuine connections to their material, all viewed through the lens of Stoicism.
Sep 9, 2020 • 3min
It’s Good to Be Beaten Up From Time to Time
Life can be tough, filled with struggles and disappointments. Yet, embracing these challenges is crucial for personal growth. The discussion highlights how rejection and failure foster resilience and self-awareness. Rather than feeling defeated, one can find strength in adversity. This perspective encourages listeners to rethink their hardships and recognize the value of overcoming life's obstacles.
Sep 8, 2020 • 4min
You've Been Doing It All Wrong
Philosophers throughout history may have missed the mark by focusing too much on theory. It's not what they wrote, but how they lived that truly counts. Discover the critical difference between theoretical ideas and practical application in daily life. Dive into insights on how ancient Stoics can inspire modern living and learn about a new book highlighting their lives. The real essence of philosophy is found in actions, not words, offering valuable lessons for better living.
