226 Ryan Holiday Taking Wisdom From The Lives Of The Stoics

At a Glance

• Importance of Reminders - “The reminders are really, really helpful to me.” The speaker emphasizes the significance of having visual reminders such as quotes, statues, and challenge coins to stay motivated and focused.

• Effortlessness in Training - “Indeed, the process of training is not considered complete until the individual has passed completely beyond the need for thought or effort.” A quote from Confucius via Kyle Eschenroder highlights the ultimate goal of rigorous training: to achieve a state of effortless spontaneity.

• Struggle with Not Doing - “The ability to not do is in some cases the hardest thing to do” Ryan struggles with knowing when to take action versus being idle, reflecting on the difficulties of maintaining simplicity and minimalism.

• Importance of Simplicity - “Life is unsatisfactory, Nusman. That’s sadly what it is.” The speaker reflects on the value of living a simple life, noting that excess and unnecessary complexity can lead to dissatisfaction.

What to Do

• Maintain Effortlessness - To achieve a high level of personal growth and development, it’s essential to strive for effortlessness. This means cultivating a state where actions become spontaneous and natural, without the need for conscious thought or deliberation.

• Practice Self-Control - Developing self-control is crucial for achieving success in various areas of life. It requires being mindful of one’s emotions and behaviors, especially when it comes to temper and impulsiveness.

• Prioritize Simplicity - Simplifying one’s life can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling existence. This involves recognizing what is truly essential and eliminating unnecessary commitments or distractions.

• Embrace the Art of Doing Less - Sometimes, the most challenging task is not doing something at all. It requires discipline and self-awareness to recognize when it’s necessary to abstain from certain activities or behaviors.

• Recognize the Value of Quiet Time - Regularly taking time for oneself to relax and reflect can be incredibly beneficial for mental health and well-being.

What to Get

• The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday - Amazon - For daily Stoic quotes and reflections

• The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual by Ward Farnsworth - Amazon

• Meditations: A New Translation by Marcus Aurelius - Amazon

• The Analects by Confucius

• Mat - Amazon - Sitting mat, likely a traditional Japanese-style floor cushion (no specific brand or title mentioned)

Summary

The podcast episode features an insightful conversation between Ryan Holliday and his Chris Williamson, where they dive into the importance of reminders, quotes, and personal growth. The host shares how he has his desk and office walls covered with pictures and quotes to help him stay focused and motivated. He also mentions carrying challenge coins as a reminder to himself.

One of the most interesting points discussed in the episode is the concept of “effortlessness” or achieving a state where one can perform tasks without needing to think too much about it. Chris references an article by Kyle Eschenroder, who explains that this idea comes from Confucianism. According to Eschenroder, aspiring Confucian gentlemen need to memorize texts, learn specific angles for bowing, and follow strict rules for entering a room, all in the pursuit of achieving a genuine form of spontaneity.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of personal growth, where Ryan shares his struggles with managing his temper and finding ways to simplify his life. He reflects on how the pandemic has taught him that less is often more, but maintaining this simplicity can be incredibly challenging. The guest also mentions how he wrote a book about the ability to “not do” things, which he finds to be one of the most difficult aspects of personal growth.

Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into the importance of reminders, quotes, and personal growth. It highlights the idea that achieving effortlessness is a key goal in many spiritual practices, including Confucianism. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining simplicity and finding ways to “not do” things, which can be a significant hurdle for many people.

One takeaway from this episode could be the value of setting reminders and surrounding oneself with inspiring quotes and images. It’s also worth considering how one can simplify their life and prioritize what truly matters. By striving for effortlessness and cultivating self-awareness, individuals can work towards achieving a more spontaneous and genuine way of living.