Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Say yes to what matters 01:40 Be disciplined 02:36 Don't suffer in advance 03:09 Stop wasting time 03:43 Control your emotions 05:25 Focus on how far you have left to go 06:20 Stand up for others 07:19 Focus on what's in your control 08:06 Be willing to look stupid 09:03 Seek challenges
The devaluation of liberty was the main reason why the Roman bourgeoisie adopted Stoic theory. He gave the main food in the sense of duty, in trust and submission to Fate, the reconciliation of man with misfortunes and the renunciation of any claim of better fortune. In this sense, Stoicism is emerging as a philosophy of submission, and from a political point of view, Stoicism is the main recipe for building citizens. It provides the main philosophical background to Christianity and all the ideologies born of the Enlightenment in the West. The goal is to shape reality, beautiful or not, but such that it leaves no room for escape. It is necessary to set a purpose in life, the best, a collective purpose which we are called to serve, those who blindly believe in it, until it prevails. Thus Marxism poses the victory of the proletariat, capitalism the profit of money and the prosperity of capital, the administrative model of representation the service of the party line for the good of the party and so on. The historical events of the time that we call "late antiquity" are in our case revealing. Stoicism did not move the Macedonian kings because they were uncompromising realists while conquering the Romans (Festus). The Romans, in contrast to the Greeks, who had the most important philosophy of all, had realized their ecumenical mission, so the administration (Farrington) was more important to them. During the period of the pax romana, the Roman ruling elite recorded the limits of its spread, stopped looting after the Romans became champions in slaughter and ruin, and planned the exercise of command over the conquered. What will management say? The way I collect taxes, which now seems to me more cost-effective than war. But how do I manage so many people peacefully? With the democracy of the Greeks? But even my own res publica is rejected. I need a strong administration. And an empire was made. I need both the right philosophy and a religion of submission. They chose Stoicism for philosophy for all the reasons we mentioned. Their religion was offered a few centuries later. Therefore, Theodoridis can say that in those years Hellenism was defeated by the East, but this was done on a Roman initiative for the needs of the then plutocracy. Stoicism is a pessimistic philosophy, since it calls man to accept a defeat: the fact that life itself surpasses him. It calls on him at the same time to make this sad disadvantage an advantage if he recognizes that this is life and reconciles with its truth. In this way he will contribute to his personal happiness and to the balanced course of the world. But as Lucius Torquatos, in defense of Epicurus, responds to Cicero: "Or what value can a philosophy have that thinks that everything happens because it is so written by fate? This is what the old women believe, and in fact the uneducated old women! "
You have written some interesting insights. That said, what do you mean 'uneducated old woman'? If you have stereotype mentality, or you are so used to hasty generalization, I don't see how you are different from those you are accusing of... just sayin
I wish ethics, stoicism and oratory were still taught today in school, but early in education, not in university of private schools... early on, to create a solid base for personal development, strong character, for good communication and create overall decent and just human beings
To think the Ancient Greeks invented/taught it 2,500 years ago, yet today we live in a world of woke... a world which tries to control thought, opinion, and right from wrong
Appart from writing and reading, we should learn how to think before ramming tons of mostly useless information in children mind. when you know how to think the learning will follow in a better way
Same here. My son would be better for it. I actually asked Einzelganger, another stoic mentor on YT about this and he could only point me to an article, but not to specific lessons. A wasted opportunity, i am trying myself now, but notice that I don’t have the capabilities to translate the messages.
Many need to know this. A known podcast in the US taught me how the rich seek the ideas of FinanciaI ConsuItants to help earn success. That’s the secret the rich don’t teach you. I took this step and my finance breathes so good now 🤑
To acquire success, you need the help of a FinanciaI consuItant. I engage in a variety of lnvestments with the ideas of my consuItant and have acquired great returns so far. (the amount is confidential).
Opportunity is a scarce commodity. I will partake in this; there’s no limit to what you can achieve in life (including success) if you put your mind to it. Luckily I stumble into this.
I am 57 years old and I've struggled with depression, anxiety, insecurity and procrastination since my unhappy childhood. Words cannot express how Stoic philosophy has inspired, empowered and emboldened me in the past few years. I love your show and appreciate everything you do. Thank you! Much love and admiration from Italy 🇮🇹
I had an unhappy childhood as well, my father was a very angry bitter man. I indulged into Stoicism so I wouldn’t end up like him, because I found myself acting like him, for which I felt very guilty of. My father has changed a bit as well, he’s less aggressive now and does not beat me so much anymore. I wish you the best Luca.
1. Focus on What Matters 2. Get Started 3. Don’t Suffer in Advance 4. Stop wa$ting Time 5. Control Your Emotions 6. Focus on How Far You Have Left to Go 7. Stand up for the Little Guy 8. Focus on What’s in Your Control 9. Be Willing to Look/be Stupid (beginning Stage) 10. Be Prepared
I recently had an interview with the owner of the company I work at, as he was looking for people to put in higher positions. He's 74 btw. He asked me: "Do you see yourself staying at this company for the rest of your life?" I answered: "Sure, I can see it. But just in case things don't work out (due to Covid), the experience I will gain here, I can just take to the next job." He said that was a good mindset to have. Don't take anything too seriously and remember that you can never lose your knowledge, experience and self-development. If you fail, it will become easier each time to get back to where you were. Stumble your way to success.
@@lilacscoffee9360Not entirely correct. If I had to guess, I'd bet there was probably at least 1 philosopher on this Earth that had anxiety also.❤ I just watched a video of a family today who, after several months, finally went from homeless to having an actual home to live in. The parents are so awesome to do whatever they can to work with the cards they were delt, to the best of their abilities. Given an environment that created a circumstance that was out of their control. There was one piece that was contradicting to me. He recommended not to focus on what you can't control, buy at least stay aware vest you can to make any necessary changes in your life. Back to the parents, I don't know their story on how they became homeless, but they have 2 sons and the youngest cried happy tears to have a place to call home. The son could've, through the process of being homeless, developed some kind of anxiety from the whole transition. Just being on alert to make sure he doesn't end back up homeless. Just saw a video tonight about a news clip talking about how 15,000 Hawiian residents have moved to places like Arizona, Texas, Florida and such to escape the drastic cost of living that's apparently higher than over in other US states. There's also the saying "Cause and affect". Your environment, as well as the people you encounter, can cause excessive anxiety too. Take care. 🌟🌟
@@Kalrens Sort of, but that mindset kinda implies that it isn’t worth trying to repair or make things better because ‘it is what it is’. Stoicism is more like ACCEPTING what happens, but nonetheless being able to regulate your responses and improving your situation. Things that aren’t up to you can’t be changed, so they’re pointless to concern yourself with.
❗ *6 Guidelines for Life:* ⚡ *1) When you are alone, mind your thoughts.* ⚡ *2) When you are with your friends, mind your tongue.* ⚡ *3) When you are angry, mind your temper.* ⚡ *4) When you are with a group, mind your behaviour.* ⚡ *5) When you are in trouble, mind your emotions.* ⚡ *6) When God starts blessing you, mind your ego.* Love from a small channel💙
“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” ― Lao Tzu
I often wonder if because I practice stoic ideas, if I am a stoic? Do you think that is all that it takes or is there something else that qualifies you?
@@atl3630 Thats a good question, I don't think Stoicism can be just a label, or if the label matters at all. When Jocko was asked if he was a stoic he replied "no". Which is seemingly very ironically stoic.
@@wisdomfromgreatmen8129 It is not important to say or declare what your are or are not. Just be. Don't say it, just be it, and the rest will fall into place.
I have had anxiety all my life due to disability and other personal challenges. I've tried many therapies over the years but since discovering this channel my mindset has become more positive, it's really helping. Thank you so very much, Ryan
Good! Ryan's books, emails and videos inspired my new life as well! I too had a terrible trauma, which led to a permanent disability, and complete erasure of the life I had built to that point. The anxiety brought on by all of this was a heavy burden. Medication and therapy did nothing. Several tragedies then also followed. I then stumbled onto a book with a title that attracted me (someone who thought very negative at the time). It turned out to be instead a veiled introduction to stoicism. It spoke my language and I connected. Then I found Ryan and my life since has slowly become manageable, my anxiety has mostly left and I am now thinking more optimistically about today, everyday. It is daily work, but it has turned into part of me. I'm so happy for your breakthrough! Keep going!
@@TheKyleLazarus same here . I was so negative and still think there’s more I need to work on but I am so much more optimistic thanks to Stoicism and Ryan - he is just amazing with his words . I can honestly say stoicism has changed my life and I’m not exaggerating.
I think the idea is that it doesn't matter how far you've come, all other things considered, that is done. It's a strange notion, and the implication is that there is never a finish line, at least not until after you move on from this life.
I get it... Sometimes I take a moment to be happy about the fact that I've gotten through a whole lot of horrible stuff and it motivates me to push myself toward actually living a life
I’ve been fighting stage 4 colorectal cancer for two and a half years. 131 rounds of chemo and counting, 25 days of targeted radiation, surgically disemboweled, 4 surgeries, numerous complications and a near death experience. I was cancer free for nearly two years and now I’m in Bangkok with mass Covid hysteria and the cancer metastasized in my lungs. Never give up! God bless you for your amazing work! I watch your Utubes every day ✌️🇺🇸
I spend so much time fretting over all the things I want to do/be, that I've done/been nothing. I've attended three funerals this week and heard of many others from friends who've also had many losses. This realization that we don't have infinite time has hit me hard. I will focus on one or two things this week as a baby step.
9:00 >> Seek challenges. When Americans get older, they get a lot lazier. I'm finding out, the older you get, the more you have to push yourself. I get my inspiration from a gentleman who goes to my gym daily. He uses a walker, and he's liked by everyone there. He's 97 years old, and he even drives there. People like that, gives me the will to keep going.😊😊😊
For the people watching this and entering the world of self development, please do not forget that working with a therapist/psychiatrist should be one of your objectives (depending in what mental state you are in). All of this information may mislead you in thinking you can do everything by yourself. A lot of times we need to take a step back and really start analyzing our life and behaviors, and start acting upon that, otherwise, you may continue your path with a not so serious injury, and while you may achieve great things, that injury will eventually present itself in an exponentially more dangerous manner and will stop you from whatever path you chose to walk into. As someone who has clinical depression and severe anxiety problems, I just started my journey into self betterment. I had to take a step back from some of my previous goals to start attacking the root of all of my problems. Love for everyone, I wish you luck on this journey.
I liked reading your well written and well thought out post, and it sounds like you are doing well. I only want to add a that professional therapy and drugs is not for everyone. I think there is a lot of evidence that most institutions are broken. I am in agreement that no one can go it alone either when the going is good or filled with troubles and tragedies. I heard of a therapist talking about how he could fix almost anyone by reprogramming their minds, by replacing the he negative, destructive thought loops with constructive ones. It does work, but it doesn't take much imagination as to why the institutions would not like this therapy. Love back to you.
@@stevedriscoll2539 I live in Mexico and unfortunately I feel like we are behind in a lot of aspects, at least culturally, so I had some therapists who just seemed incompetent, even if their intentions were good. In my personal experience, I had to go to several therapists to be able to find someone that I matched with, it’s just a matter of being patient and following your intuition. I’ve learnt that, you first have to revisit your past, and start rewiring your emotions first. It sounds weird, but you can not start improving yourself and doing all day productive things and everything if you are still carrying with a lot of emotional weight, it just takes a toll on you mentally and physically. What people don’t understand is that just talking about your trauma isn’t enough, you need to experience it again and at that moment rewire your thoughts. It’s very very difficult to do. Once you start identifying and correcting that wiring, slowly but surely you will start improving yourself naturally, now it will be a matter of discipline to achieve them. Now, I’ve realized as well that people are just not prepared and not smart enough to realize these kind of things. Trust me, I’ve explained this to dozens of friends and family and nobody grasps it, this is something that you have to experience by yourself, and do the work yourself, until you are able to understand how the brain works. The problem is that people just give up too easily, and after several sessions they think it’s not for them, instead of trying something different. I as well was in that position, and gave up several times until the last time I was about ti gave up, decided to just keep trying, and that’s where the magic started to happen. Now everywhere I go I start being aware of my thoughts and why my anxiety starts to kick in, and slowly start doing rewiring, but it takes time. Thank you for your post, I definitely understand what you mean, but as long as people don’t investigate more, some therapists will keep taking advantage of that.
Imagine if we had vlogs like this from the ancients, maybe it's a luxury when the words alone carry all the meaning necessary but hearing it spoken adds so much, thanks Ryan
I’ve chooses to have a wonderful life in my 80 s I’m 55 yrs ran 5 miles in 42 minutes today ,it’s a good start ,,I want to be a great athlete in my 60 s I love excercise and am very proud of my physical abilities,,,but I’ve spent 7 yrs getting here it did not start tomorrow it started yesterday
This is a collected version of things most of us have heard before at different points in our lives, but need to be reminded of as a whole. Like bits of gold found while sifting through buckets of sand.
Success will only amplify who you already are, Most times it amazes me greatly how I moved from an average lifestyle to earning over $63k per month, Utter shock is the word. I have understood a lot in the past few years that there are lots of opportunities in the financial market. The only thing is to know where to invest.
I agree with you and I believe that the secret to financial stability is having the right investment ideas to enable you earn more money, I don’t know who agrees with me but either way I recommend either real estate or bitcoin and stocks.
@@bjoe631 That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like *Mr Gary Mason Brooks* my coach, you may have come across him on interviews relating to bitcoin and stocks. He trades, manage trading account and offer mentorship program for clients who wish to become professional investors.
Wow I can't believe you guys are discussing about Gary Mason Brooks , I once met him at a conference in California 2019, just before the pandemic. I can testify that he’s very good in trading..Highly recommended.
Ryan I have strayed from the path over the last few weeks. I really needed this. I would have found my way back eventually but thanks for lighting a torch I could see through the trees.
I used to be a confidant well balanced person, but after a head injury a few years ago I now suffer from phobia and anxiety, the statement "we suffer more in imagination than in reality" really hits home for me. I know my problems, particularly around my phobia are all in my head, I just need to learn how to control my mind again.
It’s good to recognize that anxiety is unnecessary suffering, but that cognition alone doesn’t make your anxiety go away. Anxiety doesn’t respond to logic. It’s a partially automatic response that can be improved through various mental and physical practices but it takes effort.
I am gonna rewatch this video over again.. and again... till I absorb everything u said.. right in my consciousness... Each word u said is golden.... Thanks... sir.. U are a saviour.. !!
I never realized why I am seeing improvements in my life and my choices until you mentioned these things. I still have plenty of room to improve, but I will admit that I am implementing many of these currently in my life without even realizing that I have been doing something good
Drove the family down to The Painted Porch yesterday(Saturday). We were hoping to catch you there but had a great time anyway. The 2 year old had loved the treehouse! Awesome place and we loved going to the farmers market down the road and the food at paw paws was awesome too. We'll be back
Without studying Stoicism previously, after watching your video, I believe I follow a lot of the underlying principles. I always lead my life using common sense, gratitude, look after my mental/physical health, read, study, work hard, look after loved ones, serve others, etc. This helps me to strive to become my best version, strive for happiness through peace, joy and bliss 🙏🙏
I stood up for someone. Let them in against my better judgement. Got attached and now they just discard after a PTSD related psychotic episode after we fought so many wars, against the man who hurt her and her kid and court battles for my daughter, i was changingso much ti fit hee i lost myself.. I was broken for 8 full days as she moved on. I needed your content 6 months ago.❤
I should have died May 10th, 2021 at 4:01 p.m. I was hit head on at combined speeds of 160 mph. I survived the impact and fire that ensued minutes after, burning my truck to the ground. The principle of focusing on what I could control during my recovery was the #1 key to my miracle recovery. This isn't hyperbole, I studied Ryans book, The Obstacle is The Way, daily, as I laid in bed healing for months, as I learned to walk again, as I learned to sit and stand on my own. The principles Ryan has taught me I have instilled yet still have so far to go. Thank you Ryan.
Nice to include the physical health aspect of things as a sound mind can only be attained with a healthy body. One cannot function and think with their minds to the fullest of their potential when one’s body is weak and sickly.
James Allen said something like "a saint who does not wash his hands may as well not be a saint" in relation to taking care of ones body like they take care of their mind. Reminds me of that exactly.
if you’re reading this and this video sparked a little motivation, don’t go look for another video like this, get your ass up and go do whatever you’ve been putting off!! Stay Up
Mr. Holiday this appeared in my feed today but I think I saw this already when I was 31 (Im 33 now 😁) And well I think i only understood the content of our video today. Why? Because life happened. And maybe I was unconsciously practicing the things your discussing here I hope you genuinely have a great rest of the day Thank you
Love these stoic lessons, Ryan! Really help to kickstart the week or even the now. Just like what Marcus Aurelius said, "You could be good today instead, you choose tomorrow."
I took a break from DS for a while and have recently come back. Finding your content getting better and better with each video, Ryan. Succinct, relevant guidance. We are benefitting from your years of "professional reading," thinking and distilling of Stoic wisdom. Thank you.
Hi DS, I really like your video and I will take many of your arguments with me. Thanks! One minor criticism (and it is just my personal preference): the piano music in the background. It cheapens the message your bring. Your message is strong and clear, it doesn't need to be sweetened with a piano sauce. Without the piano music, your message would come across better. That's at least my feeling. Thanks again! Harmen
I really wanted to go for a bicycle ride, but I was trying to come up with excuses and was thinking of doing it tomorrow, but after watching this I immediately got the bick out and took it for a ride, Thank YOU! 🚴🏻♂
The only thing I would change from this video is the part on how far you've got left to go. Thinking about the future is thinking about something you can't control and it can make you feel overwhelmed. It's better to focus on the now. Not what you did up until now, nor about the future, focus on the action you're going to take right now.
This video makes me feel like I was putting out the bins at the same time as my neighbour and mentioned it was a nice day out, and now he's got me trapped in this conversation about some "just do it" philosophy that changed his life.
Only if it were so simple. Reminds me of Nancy Regan's admonition to "just say no to drugs." General stances and statements of this kind ignore how variegated human life and individuals are. As I said, it is not so simple ... thanks, at the very least, to the deep discrepancies between people's thoughts, impulses, and actions (both conscious and unconscious).
@@bernardlesperance742 Well, most of the quote you seen are just an oversimplified statements that we cannot apply at most of our situations but it inspires us, that all.
For me every day is a new possibility to get out content that might make the world a little bit better. Go out and collect trash. Be kind to other people. Sharing love ❤❤
I want to become a kickboxer i watch stoics evry day IT helps me a lot i run evryday. Train and try to be present more but i allways get anxies to go out to people and talk i just want to train. That's meaningfull for me more then my familly and money i want strong mind set because i allways had week.
I bought 4 of your books: The Daily Stoics, Obstacle is the Key, Ego is The Enemy, Stillness Is the Key... My introduction to you is the book you co-wrote "The Daily Stoic."
I'm not an advocate for the "expensive motivational seminars", however, sometimes videos like this are just what's needed. A kick in the arse..😉 quit whining and put some work in...Be better !
Ryan Holiday....Brillant!...and I agree with all of them, not so sure about "focus on how much you have left to go." I don't think there's a whole lot of difference between "how much you have already done,, and how much further have I left to go." For both of those, it's kind of a means to an end....we should really just enjoy as much of the trip, as we have left to go, without too much measuring. I think writing down what you would like to accomplish in your life is wonderful, but there are going to be a lot of detours and changes, living on this planet 😆,,,,,,taking on what you have left to accomplish is commendable, just don't make it about conquering that....Truly enjoy the ride and path 💟
I love your channel ! But, I hate the darn music ! I want to hear you ,not that over and over irritation! Sorry. Not trying to be mean . You do not need the music
Don't know why people do that,after all people giving a speech/lecture don't feel the need of a musical accomnement ,although you see it a lot in movies .