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
May 3, 2019 • 4min
Be Sure To Love Them While You Still Can
Explore the profound insights of Epictetus on the fleeting nature of life and relationships. The discussion challenges listeners to embrace mortality as a means to deepen connections with loved ones. Understand the importance of not taking relationships for granted, as well as the urgency in expressing love and appreciation before it's too late. This reflective journey encourages a meaningful reevaluation of how we show our care and affection to those who matter most.
May 2, 2019 • 2min
Do Your Duty, Every Day, Everywhere
Explore the philosophy of duty and moral integrity inspired by a modern thinker’s grueling travel routine. Discover how fulfilling responsibilities applies to every aspect of life, echoing ancient wisdom from Marcus Aurelius. Consider the excuses we often make for not doing good and how maintaining integrity matters, regardless of circumstances. Life's challenges don't exempt us from our obligations. Embrace the mindset of being 'emerald,' shining steadily in both routine and travel.
May 1, 2019 • 2min
You’ll Never Get To Perfect
Rosanne Cash shares a poignant story about a performance with George Harrison, emphasizing that even rehearsals can’t guarantee perfection. Life, much like music, is filled with unexpected flaws. Embracing imperfection is crucial, and we must recognize that constant self-improvement is more realistic than aiming for perfection. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the discussion reflects on the importance of resilience, accepting our limitations, and focusing on progress rather than a flawless ideal.
5 snips
Apr 30, 2019 • 3min
You Can Admit You Were Wrong
Embrace the power of admitting you were wrong. Adaptability and humility are vital traits in Stoic philosophy, showcasing how acknowledging our fallibility leads to personal growth. Historical examples highlight that changing one's mind isn't weakness but a sign of an open mind. A former belief can evolve with time, reflecting wisdom over stubbornness. True strength lies in welcoming new perspectives and avoiding the fear of losing face. Growth and maturity come from being receptive to change.
6 snips
Apr 29, 2019 • 2min
Make Beautiful Choices
Discover the transformative power of making beautiful choices in everyday life. Each decision, big or small, shapes who you are. Explore how choices reflect your values, whether it's opting for kindness over selfishness or serenity over anger. Embrace the discipline behind effective decision-making, akin to a fitness regimen, and witness the breathtaking results of your efforts. Ultimately, your choices define you—make them count!
4 snips
Apr 26, 2019 • 4min
Do This For Your Future Self
Derek Sivers shares how journaling transformed his life, emphasizing the power of reflecting on daily experiences. He believes that writing about feelings and thoughts helps future decisions by providing a clear picture of past emotions. This practice connects to Stoic philosophy, where self-awareness is key to personal growth. Sivers suggests that our future selves will appreciate this insight into our current lives, making us better decision-makers. It's an invitation to look back and learn from our daily journeys.
6 snips
Apr 25, 2019 • 4min
Always Think Of Their Intentions
In this discussion, the focus is on the danger of quick judgments about others and the importance of understanding their intentions. It highlights how we often label people and situations without knowing the full story, leading to a negative view of humanity. The idea is presented that we should pause and reflect before deciding who someone is based on limited interactions. By considering the unseen motives behind actions, we can foster a more compassionate perspective toward others.
5 snips
Apr 24, 2019 • 4min
Difficulty Is Forging Us Into Who We Need To Be
Life is full of challenges, and nobody enjoys hard times. However, facing adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience, as illustrated by Clementine Churchill's transformation from a timid girl to a wartime leader. The Stoics believed that difficulties are not just obstacles but opportunities for virtue and strength. Embracing hardships can teach us invaluable lessons about ourselves, proving that even in moments of disaster, we can find the chance to shine and grow.
Apr 23, 2019 • 3min
We All Share This Thing Together
The discussion dives into the rich history of Earth Day, celebrating its 49th anniversary and tracing its roots to counterculture and environmental activism. It emphasizes the profound interconnectedness between humanity and the planet, urging a collective responsibility to respect all living things. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, particularly the idea of sympatheia, the conversation encourages listeners to recognize our shared existence and the moral obligation we hold towards nature and each other.
Apr 22, 2019 • 3min
When You're Having A Bad Day
Comparison can often steal our joy, but is it possible for it to inspire gratitude? Insights from Theodore Roosevelt and DJ Mick Batyske reveal that while feeling bad about bad days is common, many would envy even those tough moments. Embracing our unique journeys can lead to resilience and growth. Acknowledging that challenges come with new opportunities can shift our perspective from disappointment to gratitude. The Stoics teach us to welcome obstacles as part of the path to a richer life.
