Here Are 11 Lessons I Learned From The Stoics In Rome
Ryan Holiday visits ancient Rome to draw 11 practical lessons from Stoic philosophy, using the real sites where Marcus Aurelius and Seneca lived and worked.
The gist
-
Ego is the enemy: even emperors are forgotten and their monuments dismantled, so Holiday says to live with humility and accept that accomplishments fade.
-
Holiday says Seneca's decision to stay close to the corrupt Nero rather than resist early only enabled more harm and still ended in his death.
-
Seneca deliberately threw himself into freezing water each year to build mental toughness so unavoidable hardship would not break him.
-
Holiday says you can live well anywhere and stay decent, but comfortable or luxurious settings demand extra care not to be softened by status and ease.
Ryan Holiday recommends it
"About 20 years ago, I read this book, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, the private thoughts of the most powerful man in the world. I had no idea who Marcus was. I had no idea about Stoic philosophy. And this sent me down a rabbit hole."
▶ Play at 0:117 creators recommend it, including Ivanka Trump, Jett Franzen, and Joe Rogan.
See all on the Meditations page
Ryan Holiday uses it
"This palazzo, which we booked on Airbnb in Rome, certainly the first place I've ever worked on a book — it was adorned with a 15th century fresco on the ceiling. I mean, it's like being in a museum. I'm thankful for the hosts who listed it so I could experience it while I'm he..."
▶ Play at 10:014 creators recommend it, including Chris Koerner, Dave Blundin, and Lon Harris.
See all on the Airbnb pageWhat they recommend · 2 picks
"About 20 years ago, I read this book, Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, the private thoughts of the most powerful man in the world. I had no idea who Marcus was. I had no idea abou..."
"This palazzo, which we booked on Airbnb in Rome, certainly the first place I've ever worked on a book — it was adorned with a 15th century fresco on the ceiling. I mean, it's li..."
Ryan, Andrew and Tom agree on 6 things
See what they all use, in their own words. Paid ads are left out.
See what they all swear by Or pick your own peopleAlso mentioned
Related episodes
Episodes covering similar topics
More from Ryan Holiday