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
Nov 29, 2019 • 4min
You Must Avoid The Orgy of Materialism and Greed
The podcast dives into the darker side of humanity, using the chaos of Black Friday as a backdrop. It contrasts the spirit of gratitude with a consumerist frenzy that turns families into mobs fighting for discounts. Listeners reflect on the dangers of materialism and the loss of civility when greed takes over. The discussion underscores the importance of compassion and community responsibility, urging us to prioritize meaningful connections over mindless shopping sprees.
9 snips
Nov 28, 2019 • 5min
Be Grateful for Everything—Even the Tough Stuff
This discussion dives deep into the concept of gratitude from a Stoic perspective. It challenges the conventional view of being thankful only for the good in life. The hosts explore how even the toughest experiences can lead to personal growth. Real-life examples, such as travel delays and family struggles, illustrate the idea of embracing all aspects of life gratefully. By reconsidering what we view as 'bad,' the conversation invites listeners to adopt a more inclusive and resilient mindset.
Nov 27, 2019 • 3min
Don’t Let Time Surprise You
Dive into the life of Queen Elizabeth I, a brilliant monarch who overlooked a crucial aspect of leadership: her mortality. Despite her achievements, she failed to plan for succession, reflecting a common human tendency to avoid facing aging and death. Reflecting on Seneca's wisdom, the discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging life's impermanence. Whether it's a CEO neglecting to mentor successors or individuals unwilling to accept their age, it's a call to live purposefully and confront our fears before life surprises us.
4 snips
Nov 26, 2019 • 3min
You Have The Power To Straighten Your Back
Discover the inspiring legacy of Stoicism and its champions who stood firm against tyranny. From Cato resisting Caesar to Marcus Aurelius serving Rome during a plague, hear how resilience manifests in the face of adversity. Delve into the power of conviction with powerful insights from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., urging us to stand tall against oppression. Are we ready to straighten our backs and refuse to yield, or will we succumb? Embrace your inner strength and learn how to effect change in the world.
Nov 25, 2019 • 2min
You Must Take All This in Stride
Life is a rollercoaster of adulation and criticism. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that some will love us while others will tear us down. We often receive unearned praise or harsh judgments that feel unjust. The secret? Embrace it all without arrogance or distress. Accept good times and bad with a Stoic mindset. Keep moving forward, focusing on personal growth and resilience. It's not about public perception but staying true to ourselves and our work.
Nov 22, 2019 • 3min
Set This Before Your Eyes Every Day
This discussion emphasizes the necessity of balancing positive thinking with the acceptance of life's darker realities. It explores how confronting discomfort, like death and loss, can lead to a deeper appreciation for the joys in life. By practicing premeditatio malorum, we prepare ourselves for disappointments, keeping our expectations grounded. This approach helps cultivate gratitude for every day we have, turning our focus from the absence of dark moments to the light that emerges despite them.
Nov 21, 2019 • 3min
How To Concentrate Like a Roman
Explore the art of concentration through ancient wisdom as lessons from Marcus Aurelius come to life. Learn how to tackle modern distractions by treating each task as if it's your last. Embrace the power of Memento Mori to enhance your focus and purpose. Discover strategies to prevent emotions from overshadowing your mind and how to approach your responsibilities with genuine seriousness. This is your guide to mastering focus in a chaotic world.
4 snips
Nov 20, 2019 • 3min
Thoughts and Prayers are not Enough
In a world filled with tragedy, mere thoughts and prayers fall flat. The discussion highlights the urgent need for actual action rather than just empty platitudes. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, it emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of taking initiative to create real change. Historical examples show that true leaders, like Marcus Aurelius, didn’t just offer condolences; they took action to protect their people and confront challenges head-on. It's a call to rise beyond helplessness and to seize the moment.
4 snips
Nov 19, 2019 • 2min
If You Want Tranquility, Here's How to Find It
Explore the quest for inner peace and tranquility by embracing stillness. Discover how the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius teaches us to stop worrying about others' opinions. Learn to focus solely on your own actions, letting go of distractions. Understand that true tranquility comes from within, as you calm the chaos of external judgments. This journey toward a fulfilling life starts with the simple act of stopping and turning your attention inward.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2019 • 3min
You'll Have to Beat Me First
Explore the indomitable spirit of the Spartans as they faced the threat from Philip of Macedon. Their legendary reply, just one word—'If'—captures a philosophy of resilience against overwhelming odds. The discussion unfolds to connect this tenacity to Stoic principles, highlighting figures like Cato and George Washington, who resisted against great power. The theme emphasizes that true strength lies in focusing on what we can control and in daring to seize even the faintest glimmers of hope.
