The Daily Stoic

It’s weird. It’s unnatural. It’s not how you’d like things to be. But so what? Welcome to life. ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

Eternal fame doesn’t even last. So what should we prize instead?

Forget goals. Be Every Day.

Stoicism is no different than working out or journaling—it is a daily practice that we lean on to overcome the obstacles we face every day. As a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer, Donald Robertson has given readers a unique perspective on the benefits of applying ancient philosophy  to our everyday lives in his work, including his recent book How To Think Like Socrates. Today, Donald and Ryan continue their conversation about cognitive flexibility, what Socrates and the Stoics teach us about handling uncertainty, and how Stoicism is making waves in modern day psychotherapy practices.  Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.

The point of contemplating this unthinkable reality isn’t morbid, it’s purposeful.

They can hate you, they can send you away, they can mock you or even kill you, but no one can take away those principles.Ask DS:Is Stoicism considered "self-help"? How can Stoicism be incorporated in daily life? + More!✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

It’s easy to forget that the Stoics, Socrates, and other ancient philosophers were just like us—human and therefore imperfect. But in his new book How To Think Like Socrates, author Donald Robertson peels back the mythology around the ancient philosopher and shows how we can apply his wisdom in modern times. Donald returned to the Daily Stoic podcast to talk with Ryan about Socrates’ fascinating life, what his flaws were, and his enduring influence on the Stoics.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.

Pain and suffering and loss are a part of life. It was a part of life for the rich and powerful Stoics like Marcus and Seneca, it was a part of life for the powerless like Epictetus, and it's a part of life today.✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

You can’t be a student of the Stoics without reading the Stoics.Books mentioned: Letters From A Stoic by SenecaHardship and Happiness (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca) by SenecaHow To Keep Your Cool by SenecaOn the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long If You Know How to Use It by SenecaHow To Die by SenecaThe Enchiridion by EpictetusDiscourses by EpictetusThat One Should Disdain Hardships by Musonius RufusCall Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis

You have been given an incredibly powerful too—this brain and imagination of yours. We have to direct these resources properly.

Tune in for an exclusive sneak peak into what Ryan talks about in his MasterClass, Using Ancient Wisdom to Solve Modern Problems. The first course was just released and the rest of the MasterClass will drop in four courses over the next couple of weeks. Head to dailystoic.com/masterclass to find those and learn more about the course today!✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail

With over 40 documentaries under his belt, Ken Burns is one of the most iconic filmmakers of our time. His newest documentary, which features a brand-new filmmaking style from the director, explores the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci and marks the first non-American subject in any of his films.On today’s episode, Ken talks with Ryan about the significance of Stoicism among the Founders, the complexities of historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, plus the inspiring legacy of Da Vinci.Ken Burns has directed and produced historical documentaries for over 50 years. He has earned seventeen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations so far throughout his career and his latest project, Leonardo da Vinci, is premiering on November 18. 

Life doesn’t go easy on any of us. It splits us in two…and half will have to do.

By living philosophically, we can learn to handle anything. This isn’t easy. But this is also a foundation for true well-being, happiness, and, as seen in the lives of Marcus, Cato, and many other Stoics.Ask DS:What are the overlaps between Eastern philosophy and Stoicism? Was there a particular obstacle that Ryan experienced that led him to Stoicism?

How can Stoicism be applicable for Gen Z and generations to come? As a Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Jennifer Baker has an insider's look into what resonates about ancient philosophy with college students today. Jennifer joins Ryan to discuss how she teaches the next generation about Stoicism, why Stoicism is a timeless tool we can all turn to, and the common misconceptions around virtue ethics. Dr. Jennifer Baker is a Professor at the College of Charleston. Her research is on virtue ethics, and she looks to ancient ethical theories as positive examples of how ethics ought to be done today. She teaches courses on ethical and political theory, environmental ethics and philosophy, business ethics, bioethics, and American philosophy.

The more you study philosophy the more you realize that parenting is a topic almost every tradition has spoken about. The Daily Dad is built around accessing that advice—one piece at a time, one day a time, just like The Daily Stoic.

Each yesterday is gone, dead. While there is a little grief, it also presents you an opportunity. a chance to begin afresh.

Whether you’re excited about the direction of the country or not, you still have to focus on what’s in your control (which is you).

Seneca lived in a chaotic, dangerous, and unpredictable time. Listen in to this letter he wrote about how to stay sane in a crazy world and his advice for avoiding jealousy, hatred, and divisiveness. Today’s episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss’ Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca

In the age of virality and trending TikTok songs, Mt. Joy rose to fame through the band’s authentic storytelling and community building within the indie music scene. On today’s episode, Mt. Joy’s lead singer Matt Quinn makes his return to the Daily Stoic studio to discuss the band’s surge in popularity since his first appearance a couple years back. Ryan and Matt also talk about how Matt manages performance anxiety before going on stage, the evolving perception of success in the music industry, and the band’s recent world tour that included performances at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden.