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The pursuit of a virtuous life has captivated human minds for millennia. Self-help books, motivational speakers, and life coaches have all promised the secret to living ethically and purposefully.
Ancient Stoic philosophy has experienced a modern renaissance—offering practical wisdom for navigating our complex world. But is this resurgence a panacea for our moral crises or a simplistic reduction of timeless teachings?
My guest today is Ryan Holiday, a New York Times bestselling author, modern Stoic philosopher, and creator of The Daily Stoic, whose iconoclastic work has influenced millions worldwide. He has written for leading publications, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and TIME. Back for his fourth appearance on the show (episodes 168, 239, 470, and 636), he’s here to share fresh insights from his latest book, “Right Thing, Right Now,” which offers a researched yet personal exploration of Stoic justice in today’s world.
Today, we discuss Ryan’s exploration of Stoic virtues and their contemporary applications. Ryan illuminates the challenges of differentiating yet interconnecting courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance, revealing how these principles shape individual decisions and societal progress. We examine the broader perspective of justice in Stoicism, canvassing its pivotal role in ethical decision-making and its relationship to other virtues.
“Discipline is doing the right thing, no matter how difficult.”
– RYAN HOLIDAY
Through historical examples and contemporary scenarios, Ryan illustrates the complexities of pursuing justice and the societal attitudes that often resist virtuous action. We also explore the application of Stoic principles in business, the intrinsic rewards of personal rectitude, and the nuanced considerations required when making ethical choices that ripple beyond our immediate sphere.
Ryan combines historical knowledge, practical wisdom, and personal vulnerability in a powerful presentation. He shares candid reflections on his struggles with balance, the impact of his work on his family life, and the ongoing challenge of living up to Stoic ideals.
Throughout our conversation, Ryan challenges us to examine our choices, confront our shortcomings, and strive for a life of greater morality and impact.
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether you’re a Stoic practitioner grappling with ethical dilemmas or wanting to learn more about living virtuously in our increasingly polarized world, this is a must-listen conversation.
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- Connect with Ryan: Website | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTok
- The Painted Porch: Ryan’s July Reading
- Book: Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds.
- Book: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
- Book: Ego Is the Enemy
- Book: Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave
- Book: The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
- CNN: He wore a toga and spoke Latin. This ancient philosopher can help you survive the anxiety of the 2024 election
- The Standard: Meet Ryan Holiday: the author who says we need more grit
- CEO Magazine: Ryan Holiday: Do modern-day Stoics make the best leaders?
- The Times: Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday review — how to live like a Roman stoic
- The Australian: Be more Stoic? This guru thinks so
- LitHub: How Stoicism Guided Me Through Opening a Small Town Bookstore in the Midst of the Pandemic
- Trailrunner: Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday Runs Trails to Embody Stoic Philosophy
- Body+Soul: How NYT bestseller Ryan Holiday uses stoicism to deal with life’s sh*t
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