The Daily Stoic

What's the point? What is philosophy for?

After their interview, Ryan and Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, headed into The Painted Porch to talk about their favorite books and swap recommendations.

This is what Stoicism has done throughout history. It's made people the best they could be.

You're not lazy, you're just losing the debate in your own head. In today's episode, Ryan talks with Jay Heinrichs, bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing and one of the world's leading experts on rhetoric and persuasion. Jay has spent decades studying how we influence others, but in this conversation, he flips that lens inward to show how we can use the same tools to influence ourselves.Ryan and Jay talk about the fascinating overlap between Stoicism and rhetoric, how Marcus Aurelius used rhetoric to his advantage, and why self-persuasion might actually be more powerful than raw willpower. They discuss the rhetorical tricks Jay used on himself and what the best tools are for getting unstuck.Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

The Stoics were not passive. They did impressive things. They were impressive people. They were fighters. But you know what? They, like the rest of us, sometimes got carried away, sometimes hung on too long, went after the wrong things.

History isn't something that other people lived through and we get to read about. We all live through history and we all can make it if we choose.

We can avoid being swept up in the newest fad or the oldest con. We can stop reliving the same mistake.

Will you be ​brave​ or afraid? Selfish or ​selfless​? ​Strong​ or weak? ​Wise​ or stupid? Will you cultivate a good habit or a bad one? Courage or cowardice? The bliss of ignorance or the challenge of a new idea? Stay the same…or grow? The easy way or the right way? Is it easy to make these choices? Of course not.

Running isn't just good exercise, it's Stoicism in motion. In part two of Ryan's conversation with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, they talk about how running mirrors the daily discipline of Stoic philosophy, the decline of expertise in modern life, the one decision Marcus Aurelius made that changed history, and what the Stoics might have gotten wrong.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

Today is Halloween here in America, a holiday of fun and mischief for children—masks, candy, and staying up late. But tomorrow, in Mexico, begins Día de los Muertos, a holiday more aimed at adults and with deeper philosophical roots.

Every time you chase approval, you trade a piece of who you really are. Today's bonus episode is a clip from Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a physician, author, TV presenter and podcast host of Feel Better Live More where he talks with leading health experts who offer easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths. Be sure to check out Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's latest book Make Change That Lasts and grab signed copies of his other books: Feel Better in 5, Feel Great Lose Weight, and Happy Mind, Happy Life at The Painted Porch. You can follow Dr. Rangan on Instagram @DrChatterjee, on X @Dr.ChatterjeeUK, and on YouTube @DrChatterjeeRangan

In a world of hypocrites, status worship, and fools masquerading as wise men, we need the clarity and courage the Stoics embodied.

Nick Thompson couldn't change his father's story, but he found a habit that helped him make sense of his own. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Nick, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground. Ryan and Nick talk about why running is the ultimate teacher of focus and resilience, how to build discipline, and how running helped Nick process his complicated relationship with his father.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

Life is hard. Life is complicated. Will you make the most of this time you have here?

What made Marcus Aurelius different? What were his secrets to success, resiliency, and productivity? How did he master his emotions and maintain such self-control?

Things will go wrong. Fortune will turn on you. You will make mistakes. Plans will be disrupted. Dreams will be dashed. This is life.

It's been six years since Ryan and his longtime editor and collaborator, Stephen Hanselman, first dreamed up the Stoic Virtues Series. In this bonus episode, they reflect on where the idea started, how each book built on the last, and why the four virtues are so deeply connected. Stephen Hanselman has worked for over three decades in publishing as a bookseller, publisher and literary agent. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Master's degree while also studying extensively at Harvard's philosophy department.

How do we persevere well? How do we persevere happily? Thankfully, we can look to the Stoics. The Stoics not only wrote about how to persevere, they used Stoicism to persevere in the face of plagues, exiles, imprisonment, and wars. You can read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/perseverance/

What happens when brilliance goes unchecked? In today's episode, Ryan and his research assistant Billy Oppenheimer dig into the cautionary side of genius, from Elon Musk's unraveling to why so many smart people end up making dumb decisions. They talk about how success can warp reality, why intelligence without wisdom becomes dangerous, and how even the brightest minds can lose their way when they stop listening, stop learning, and stop taking care of themselves.Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday's research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.

What watching the news these days does to you is indisputable. It disrupts your focus. It disturbs your sanity. It changes your mood. But what does it change in the real world?

Elon Musk is smart. Yet would anyone describe Elon Musk as happy?

The bad guys might get away with it. But that's not going to stop us from doing what we're supposed to do, from being who we are supposed to be.

What does six years of studying and writing about the Stoic virtues really teach you? In today's episode, Ryan sits down with longtime research assistant Billy Oppenheimer to look back on how the Stoic Virtues Series came together, from the first hike where the idea was born to the final chapter of Wisdom Takes Work. They talk about what it means to grow up alongside your own work, how each book became the lesson Ryan needed at that moment, and why wisdom can't be outsourced.Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday's research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.

Wisdom Takes Work, the final book in the Stoic Virtues Series, is out TODAY! To celebrate, Ryan's sharing a special preview: a full chapter from the audiobook.

No one will be able to do this for you. You can't outsource it. You can't fake it. There are no hacks.

Being smart is knowing facts. Being intelligent is having a mind that can solve hard problems or do complex things. Being creative is the ability to generate new and beautiful art. This is all wonderful and important, but we know it is not the same thing as wisdom.

Why do smart people fall for dumb ideas? In this episode, Ryan explains how ego and overconfidence can trip up even the smartest minds and how Stoicism can help you avoid the same trap.

The difference between panic and power comes down to a few simple rules. In today's episode, Ryan dives into Les Snead's philosophy on “panic rules” and why it's stuck with him ever since they first talked. Ryan and Les discuss how these rules help leaders stay calm under pressure, make hard decisions, and mentor the next generation. Then, they wrap up the conversation at The Painted Porch, where Ryan shares some book recommendations with Les and his wife Kara.Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers' perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Whether we're a slave or an emperor, wisdom helps us rise above our limitations. It gives us clarity, it gives us perspective.

If you've ever thought, “What if I had just gone for it?” today's bonus episode is for you.

We come into existence—by some impossible, unbelievable set of circumstances—and then come out of it. Why? How? No one can say for certain.

This Stoicism thing—you've been practicing it for a while, but how do you know it's working?

As a leader, what do you do when your team is falling apart? Or when success comes faster than you expected? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead, the man who helped build a Super Bowl–winning team. They talk about what Les calls his “panic rules,” the principles he leans on when things get chaotic, and how he and coach Sean McVay have learned to play to win instead of not to lose. Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers' perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Those that don't, or those that think they can go it alone, almost always fail.

They knew the costs of ego. They knew that happiness was never about externals. Yet they did chase it, didn't they?

After recording their episode for The Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan took Pete Holmes on the usual post-interview tour of The Painted Porch. Let's just say Pete had some thoughts about a few of Ryan's book picks...Here is the FULL list of books Ryan recommended to Pete: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/pete-holmes

Comedian Pete Holmes is back for Part 2 and in full philosopher mode. He and Ryan dive into success, psychedelics, and why it's not egotistical to say you're “one of the greats.” They talk about how to find peace when life feels out of control, why laughter might be the highest form of enlightenment, and what it really means to “make it.”Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!

When we react emotionally, we rarely make things better. When we get angry? We always make things worse—for ourselves and others.

There is no wisdom without experience. But experience does not necessarily translate into wisdom, does it?

Feeling anxious lately? In this bonus episode, Ryan and author Chris Guillebeau break down what your anxiety is really trying to tell you, why fighting it makes it worse, and how to finally feel calm without forcing it.

We've all known these people. They say one thing and do another. They virtue signal but act without virtue.

In this hilarious and surprisingly deep episode, Ryan sits down with comedian, actor, and podcaster Pete Holmes to talk about why so many of us are trapped in the cult of productivity. They discuss Mark Wahlberg's 4 a.m. hustle routine, the myth of “selfless work,” why we confuse being busy with being good, and more. Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!

There is no technology that can do it for you. There is no app. No teacher who can simply download everything into your brain.

There is so much to worry about. There is so much to be stressed about. Or so you think…

In honor of Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl, Ryan shares the surprising Stoic lessons hidden in her music and career.

In the past, character wasn't just admired, it was expected. People demanded integrity, and even fought duels over questions of honor. But today, does character still matter?General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams.

Moral challenges have existed throughout history, and we all handle them in our own way. In today's Part 2 episode, Ryan continues his conversation with former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi. They discuss the ethical dilemmas that have endured for 2,000 years, the role of compromise, and the complexity of loyalty and sacrifice.John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE

Self-awareness is not something you just magically get. It's something, like any form of wisdom, that you have to work at.

View the ENTIRE list of books mentioned in this video here: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/joe-rogan-picksListen to Ryan and Joe's conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VbGyix7GOozgg8sry2Tmr

No one can take away what you've learned. No one can make you forget philosophy.

We are how we treat the vulnerable. We are how we treat people who can't do much for us anymore. We are who we take care of.