JRE #1836 - Ryan Holiday

23-Jun-22

#1836 – Ryan Holiday

This podcast features Joe Rogan in conversation with Ryan Holiday, a writer, media strategist, and author of multiple books, including “Lives of the Stoics: The Art of Living from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius,” “Stillness is the Key,” and “Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator.” Holiday is also the host of “The Daily Stoic” podcast. The conversation delves into various topics related to stoicism, success, the media landscape, and the nature of human experience. Provocative topics include the challenges of navigating fame and power, the corrupting influence of certain industries, and the importance of embracing hardship and difficult situations. Underlying themes explore the power of self-reflection, the importance of developing mental resilience, and the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy in navigating the complexities of modern life.

Ryan Holiday’s Early Career in Hollywood

Holiday dropped out of college at 19 to pursue a career in Hollywood.
He worked as an assistant at a talent agency and was a research assistant for Robert Greene.
He was accused of being too ambitious and was eventually forced to leave the agency.
This experience led him to realize that he wanted to create and produce his own work rather than simply being a middleman.

Stoicism as a Philosophy for Life

Holiday discovered Stoicism at a young age and found it to be a powerful philosophy for navigating the challenges of life.
He is particularly drawn to the writings of Marcus Aurelius, who he sees as a model for how to maintain composure and virtue in the face of immense power.
Stoicism emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is not.
It encourages individuals to cultivate mental resilience by embracing hardship and seeking growth through adversity.

The Corrupting Influence of Power and Success

Holiday believes that certain industries, such as Hollywood, are inherently susceptible to corruption due to the presence of gatekeepers who wield unearned power.
He argues that this power can lead to a sense of entitlement and a disregard for ethical conduct.
He cites the example of Marcus Aurelius’ son, who was unable to escape the temptations of power and ultimately destroyed his father’s legacy.
He believes that this phenomenon is not unique to ancient Rome, and that similar patterns can be observed in modern society, particularly among celebrities and those who rise to positions of prominence.

The Importance of Hard Work and Discipline

Holiday emphasizes the importance of physical hardship and discipline as a means of building mental resilience.
He advocates for activities such as rigorous exercise, cold plunges, and saunas as ways to train the mind to endure difficult situations.
He believes that this mental strength is transferable to other areas of life, such as creative pursuits, business endeavors, and personal relationships.
He argues that a willingness to confront difficult challenges and endure discomfort is essential for achieving meaningful success and developing a strong sense of self.

The Impact of Social Media and Information Overload

Holiday expresses concerns about the negative impact of social media on mental health and the ability to focus.
He argues that the constant bombardment of information and the need to be constantly connected can create a state of perpetual anxiety and distraction.
He believes that it is essential to cultivate a sense of stillness and detachment from the constant noise of the digital world.
He suggests that practices such as meditation, disconnecting from devices, and prioritizing in-person interactions can help to maintain mental equilibrium in a hyper-connected world.

The Importance of Objective Thinking and Self-Awareness

Holiday believes that it is essential to develop a critical and objective perspective on the world and to challenge our own biases and assumptions.
He cautions against aligning oneself with specific ideologies or political parties, arguing that it can lead to a narrowing of perspective and a diminished capacity for critical thinking.
He encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection and to question their own motivations and the sources of their beliefs.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of intellectual independence and being willing to change your mind when presented with compelling evidence.

The Role of Poverty and Desperation

Holiday acknowledges the realities of poverty and the struggles that many people face, but he also believes that adversity can be a powerful motivator for growth and achievement.
He cites examples of successful artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs who have overcome extreme hardship to achieve greatness.
He argues that while poverty is a significant social problem, it can also be a catalyst for personal transformation and the realization of human potential.
He suggests that while it is important to address systemic inequalities, it is also crucial to recognize the individual agency and resilience that many people possess in the face of adversity.

The Exploitative Nature of Certain Systems

Holiday critiques systems that exploit individuals for profit, such as the student loan system, the pharmaceutical industry, and certain segments of the entertainment industry.
He argues that these systems often prey on vulnerability and create an environment where individuals feel trapped and unable to escape their circumstances.
He emphasizes the importance of recognizing these exploitative systems and advocating for systemic change to create a more equitable society.
He believes that it is essential to challenge the status quo and to speak out against injustices, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

The Importance of Mastery and Self-Improvement

Holiday emphasizes the inherent human desire for mastery and the satisfaction that comes from achieving proficiency in a particular skill or area of knowledge.
He argues that this desire is deeply ingrained in our biology and is a powerful motivator for personal growth and fulfillment.
He believes that pursuing mastery, whether in creative pursuits, physical challenges, or intellectual endeavors, can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
He suggests that embracing this innate human drive for self-improvement can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding experience.

The Collective Nature of Progress

Holiday recognizes that human progress is a collective endeavor, built upon the contributions of countless individuals throughout history.
He believes that even seemingly insignificant actions can contribute to a larger movement towards a better future.
He acknowledges that progress is often accompanied by setbacks and challenges, but he maintains that the overall trajectory of human history is one of advancement and improvement.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and optimism, even in the face of adversity, and recognizing that the future is not predetermined, but rather a product of our collective actions.

The Importance of Forgiveness and Compassion

Holiday highlights the Stoic emphasis on forgiveness and compassion, drawing upon the example of Marcus Aurelius’ response to betrayal.
He believes that forgiveness is not simply a moral imperative, but a practical strategy for navigating conflict and avoiding resentment.
He argues that while it is important to hold people accountable for their actions, it is also essential to extend compassion and understanding, particularly when individuals are struggling or have made mistakes.
He believes that forgiveness can help to break cycles of violence and hatred, and pave the way for healing and reconciliation.

The Enduring Relevance of Stoicism

Holiday concludes by emphasizing the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy in the modern world.
He believes that Stoicism offers a practical framework for navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life.
He encourages listeners to explore the writings of Stoic philosophers and to apply their wisdom to their own lives.
He believes that by embracing the core principles of Stoicism, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, resilience, and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain.

5 Memorable Quotes

“Obstacles are very important. And although they don’t seem like they are, when, you know, you’re there, they they don’t seem like they’re beneficial. They seem like it’s just at the end of the world, then this is gonna be horrible. But there’s some great benefit in difficult times and difficult things.” – Holiday emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and finding growth in difficult situations.
“Don’t be dyed purple because the emperor wore a purple cloak.” – This quote from Marcus Aurelius highlights the dangers of letting external factors define our sense of self.
“Be like the rock or the cliff that the waves crash over and eventually fall still around.” – This quote from Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner peace and composure in the face of external chaos.
“We treat the body rigorously so that it will not be disobedient to the mind.” – This quote from Seneca emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.
“The worst thing that a kid can say to their parents is like, I was never a boy or I was never a girl. Like, you never had a childhood.” – This quote highlights the importance of experiencing a full and authentic childhood for the healthy development of individuals.