Taking Wisdom From The Lives Of The Stoics | Ryan Holiday | Modern Wisdom Podcast 226

Extracting Modern Wisdom from Ancient Stoicism: Lessons with Ryan Holiday

Introduction: Ryan Holiday, a prominent figure in modern Stoicism, delves into the resurgence of this ancient philosophy on the "Modern Wisdom Podcast". As an author and speaker, Holiday explores how Stoic principles can guide us in facing contemporary challenges, emphasizing the timeless relevance of Stoic wisdom.

Core Concepts and Philosophies:

Holiday attributes the modern appeal of Stoicism to its practical approach to adversity. He highlights that Stoicism thrives during challenging times because it offers tools for dealing with stress and uncertainty. Stoicism teaches control over one's response to external circumstances rather than the circumstances themselves.

Practical Strategies and Advice:

• Focus on what you can control, not on what you cannot.
• Use obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Maintain a reflective practice to gain perspective and clarity.

Supporting Evidence:

Holiday discusses how historical figures like Marcus Aurelius applied Stoic principles during the Antonine Plague, drawing parallels to contemporary issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, to demonstrate the practicality of Stoic practices in managing crises.

Personal Application:

Ryan Holiday shares his personal journey of implementing Stoic principles to overcome personal challenges and professional pressures, illustrating the personal benefits of Stoicism in his daily routine.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques:

Holiday recommends daily journaling, particularly through the practice of morning and evening reflections, as a way to cultivate a Stoic mindset. He also suggests regularly reading Stoic texts to reinforce and apply Stoic philosophies in everyday life.