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
4 snips
Jun 28, 2019 • 4min
You Have To Take Care of Yourself
Delve into the extravagant life of King George IV, whose self-indulgence resulted in a tragic end. His shocking breakfast choices and disregard for health starkly contrast with Stoic wisdom. Discover the importance of caring for oneself through a cautionary tale that emphasizes the need for balance and discipline. Plus, learn about the 21-day Daily Stoic Freedom Challenge designed to kickstart healthier habits, promoting both physical well-being and mental resilience.
6 snips
Jun 27, 2019 • 4min
Justice Doesn't Have To Be Angry
Exploring the pursuit of justice, this discussion highlights how individuals can overcome adversity with calm resolve instead of anger. It delves into Seneca's views on motivation, emphasizing that duty can drive virtuous actions. Real-life examples illustrate that achieving justice doesn't require rage; rather, it can stem from a desire to act rightly. The conversation challenges the notion that only anger fuels significant change, showcasing resilience as a powerful alternative.
4 snips
Jun 26, 2019 • 3min
What Do You Live By?
Dive into the intriguing reflections of William Alexander Percy, a Southern Stoic who hosted literary giants in his Mississippi mansion. Discover how his deep questions about love and purpose shaped not only his life but the Stoic tradition. Explore the essence of self-reflection and its role in understanding what truly drives us. FromPercy's personal inquiries to the foundational questions of Stoicism, this discussion invites you to ponder: What do you love? What do you live by? What gives life its meaning?
4 snips
Jun 25, 2019 • 3min
Never Attribute To Malice…
The discussion delves into the principle of Hanlon's Razor, emphasizing that often people's unkind actions stem from ignorance rather than malice. It encourages listeners to reconsider their reactions to frustrating behaviors by recognizing the gap in knowledge and upbringing. The conversation also introduces a 21-day challenge to promote personal growth and better responses to negativity. This perspective aims to foster empathy, reminding us that not everyone shares our experiences or awareness, helping to prevent daily frustrations from overshadowing our lives.
Jun 24, 2019 • 4min
Break Out and Break Free
Despite living in an era of unprecedented freedom, many feel trapped by modern vices and societal expectations. Insights from Marcus Aurelius reveal that true tranquility comes from doing less and focusing on what truly matters. A transformative 21-day challenge is introduced to help break free from distractions, bad habits, and excessive decision-making. The discussion encourages listeners to ask themselves what is essential, aiming for a more fulfilling and impactful life.
Jun 21, 2019 • 2min
It’s About The Paring Down
Discover the essence of Stoic philosophy as it teaches us to pare down our concerns to what truly matters. By recognizing what is within our control, we can free ourselves from the burdens of the past and future. Explore how self-imposed limitations can be dismantled through introspection and wisdom. Embrace a life of peace, courage, and liberty by focusing on perspective and priorities. This journey towards clarity reveals the power of simplified living.
Jun 20, 2019 • 2min
Practice These Virtues
Dive into the multifaceted world of virtue, where doing the right thing becomes a daily challenge. Explore how Marcus Aurelius grappled with his own flaws while emphasizing the importance of visible actions over mere words. Discover practical virtues like honesty, patience, and moderation that can guide your decisions every day. Instead of aiming for perfection, learn to focus on what you can demonstrate in the moment, reminding us that true virtue is a journey of consistent, meaningful actions.
4 snips
Jun 19, 2019 • 4min
You Must Think It
Explore the profound intersection of Stoic philosophy and Shakespearean themes as we confront our fears of betrayal. Delve into the poignant line "I cannot think it" and understand how naivety can lead to disillusionment. Unpack Marcus Aurelius’ insights on anticipating deceitful behaviors in others. Discover how sports analogies reflect our social interactions and the importance of not taking betrayal personally. This discussion invites listeners to embrace discomfort and prepare for life's inevitable challenges.
5 snips
Jun 18, 2019 • 2min
Do You Want To Be Less Angry?
Discover why seeking out offense can fuel your anger. Instead of letting every slight get under your skin, learn to cultivate peace by ignoring minor provocations. Embrace the wisdom of Seneca and RBG, who suggest that sometimes, being a little deaf can lead to a happier life. Find out how asking fewer questions and forgiving more can help you reduce conflict and embrace a calm mindset.
5 snips
Jun 17, 2019 • 4min
Tell The Truth, Even If They Hate You For It
Exploring the age-old tension between truth and popularity, this discussion highlights historical figures like Cassandra and Demosthenes, who faced backlash for their honesty. They remind us of the costs of speaking truth to power. Cato the Elder's relentless warnings about Carthage illustrate how a commitment to honesty can provoke hostility. The episode challenges listeners to consider the value of integrity, even when it risks alienating others, reinforcing the age-old struggle of being the inconvenient truth-teller.
