DeepSummary
The episode begins with a promotion for Progressive insurance and an introduction to the weekend edition of the Daily Stoic podcast, which takes a deeper dive into Stoic topics. Ryan Holiday discusses how the Stoics were in awe of the deeds of their ancestors and heroes, such as their courage, justice, and selflessness. He mentions his new book 'Right Thing, Right Now' and how it aims to provide a roadmap for becoming our ultimate best self.
The episode then features an excerpt from Donald Robertson's biography of Marcus Aurelius, titled 'Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor'. The excerpt details Marcus Aurelius's Greek training and philosophical influences during his youth, including his tutor Apollonius of Chalcedon and the lessons he learned from his painting master Diognetus.
The excerpt highlights how Marcus was exposed to Stoic philosophy and practices from a young age, such as wearing a philosopher's cloak, sleeping on a straw mat, and learning about virtues like plain speaking and indifference to trivial pursuits. It also discusses Marcus's natural affection and warmth despite his commitment to Stoic austerity.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Stoics were in awe of the virtuous deeds and character of their ancestors and heroes.
- Marcus Aurelius was exposed to Stoic philosophy and practices from a very young age through his tutors and training.
- Despite his commitment to Stoic austerity, Marcus Aurelius maintained warmth, affection, and natural geniality.
- The Stoic philosophy aimed to cultivate positive emotions like affection while avoiding unhealthy passions.
- Marcus Aurelius's inherent values and upbringing made him well-suited for the Stoic philosophy from an early age.
- A key goal of Stoicism was to help individuals become their 'ultimate best self' by developing their full potential.
- Ryan Holiday's new book 'Right Thing, Right Now' aims to provide a roadmap for achieving one's 'ultimate best self' inspired by figures like Marcus Aurelius.
- The episode promotes Donald Robertson's biography 'Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor' as a comprehensive account of the philosopher's life and training.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The stoic idea of human nature and living in accordance to it, as one stoic scholar described, refers to the condition of a human who is expressing the very best in his or her development. That is their ultimate best self.“ by Ryan Holiday
- “The more austere sex wore this without a tunic or chiton underneath, often with one shoulder left bare, a way of dressing dubbed semi naked by Greeks and Romans.“ by Donald Robertson
- “Although love of philosophy replaced sports and other common pursuits, leaving Marcus increasingly serious and dignified, the augustan history notes that it did not take away from the geniality or natural affection he continued to show towards his household friends and casual acquaintances.“ by Donald Robertson
- “Indeed, the stoic ideal was to be free of irrational and unhealthy passions, and yet full of rational and healthy ones, particularly natural affection.“ by Donald Robertson
- “The values that Marcus inherited from his family, moral integrity, humility, freedom from anger, kindness, honesty, made him a natural stoic.“ by Donald Robertson
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Episode Information
The Daily Stoic
Daily Stoic | Wondery
6/9/24
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