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 1, 2019 • 3min
There is Only One Place to Look
The tale of Diotimus highlights the drastic consequences of his slander against Epicurus, prompting a deeper look at how one can recover from significant mistakes. The discussion emphasizes the Stoic approach of learning from past errors and urges listeners to focus on moving forward. It draws inspiring parallels to contemporary figures, like Lance Armstrong, encouraging resilience and self-improvement. Ultimately, the message is clear: while we can't undo our past, we can choose our next steps wisely.
4 snips
Oct 31, 2019 • 4min
Which Founder Will You Be?
Discover the untold truths behind America's Founding Fathers, revealing their flaws and struggles rather than a glossy hero narrative. Delve into the contrasting qualities of historical figures like Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and Washington. Learn how Washington's commitment to a personal code elevated him above the rest. Reflect on which founder’s strengths resonate with you and how their lessons can inspire your own life. It's a captivating exploration of the messy reality behind legendary accomplishments.
5 snips
Oct 30, 2019 • 4min
Don’t Follow The Mob
Explore the dangers of mob mentality and the timeless wisdom of resisting the crowd. Discover how historical examples highlight the repercussions of following the masses, from the Bible to Stoic philosophy. Learn the importance of independent thought and the moral courage needed to stand firm against societal pressures. The insights urge listeners to prioritize their values over conforming to popular opinion, emphasizing that true integrity often requires swimming against the tide.
4 snips
Oct 29, 2019 • 3min
You Must Live Below Your Means
Explore the lavish lifestyles of Roman elites, with figures like Cicero and Seneca living beyond their means. Discover the Stoic philosophy advocating for financial prudence and the wisdom found in ancient texts like Cato the Elder’s teachings. Learn how Seneca’s pursuit of wealth compromised his morals and reputation. Unpack the dangers of excessive consumption and the lasting value of saving and wise investments, offering timeless lessons on managing finances and living a fulfilling life.
4 snips
Oct 28, 2019 • 4min
It All Rests on Pillars of Sand
Experience the dramatic decline of royalty through the tales of Joseph Bonaparte and Achille Murat, who went from power to obscurity. Their journeys underscore the unpredictability of fortune, illustrating the Stoic belief in embracing fate. Discover how historical figures like Zeno and Cato faced sudden reversals, reminding us of the importance of humility and the dangers of letting ego define our worth in a world of constant change.
Oct 25, 2019 • 3min
You Are Mortal. You Don’t Have To Be Stupid.
The podcast explores Stoic philosophy on mortality and health. It highlights the inevitability of death while encouraging proactive lifestyle choices. Seneca's experiments with diet and exercise illustrate the balance between accepting fate and taking charge of one's well-being. Discussions include the impact of genetics and the importance of decisions we control, like diet and safety. Listeners are reminded that while some circumstances are beyond our control, we still have the power to shape our lives through informed choices.
Oct 24, 2019 • 4min
It’s True: You’re Exactly Where You’re Supposed To Be
Keanon Lowe shares his challenging journey from childhood struggles to setbacks in his athletic career. He navigated disappointments in college football and the NFL, facing the harsh reality of getting cut from teams. Despite the struggles, he discovers his purpose through unexpected twists and a significant act of heroism as a school coach and security guard. The podcast explores how Stoic philosophy teaches us to find meaning in adversity and embrace the notion that we are exactly where we need to be.
4 snips
Oct 23, 2019 • 3min
Let This Humble You
Prepare for a humbling journey into the realities of life and death. Even the most celebrated figures have their critics waiting in the wings. With humor, the discussion dives into the importance of staying grounded, reminding us that no matter our success, there will always be someone rejoicing in our absence. Embracing Stoic philosophy is key to preventing ego from taking over. It’s an eye-opening reminder to cherish authenticity and humility before our time runs out.
Oct 22, 2019 • 3min
You Must Read to Lead
The discussion highlights a common misconception about intelligence, suggesting that mere trivia knowledge doesn't equate to true wisdom. Seneca's critique of literary snobs emphasizes the importance of meaningful knowledge over pointless facts. Leadership is framed as an act of continuous growth through reading, urging listeners to choose literature that fosters real-world applications. A practical reading challenge inspired by Stoic principles is introduced, promoting personal development and genuine leadership.
Oct 21, 2019 • 3min
Just Shrug It Off
Discover the fascinating tale of Walker Percy and his breakthrough novel, The Moviegoer, which became a National Book Award winner against all odds. Despite its success, his publisher was consumed by jealousy, spreading rumors about the award's legitimacy. The podcast dives into themes of resilience and accepting criticism, highlighting how Percy stayed true to his vision amidst adversity. Tune in for a narrative that emphasizes the importance of perseverance and focusing on personal goals over external negativity!
