{"id":78311,"date":"2022-09-10T15:03:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T19:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=78311"},"modified":"2026-04-24T17:13:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T21:13:56","slug":"the-daily-stoic-by-ryan-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-daily-stoic-by-ryan-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: Overview & Takeaways"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What do Stoics believe<\/a>? Perhaps more importantly, how do they live on a day-to-day basis?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Daily Stoic<\/em> by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is presented as a daily devotional to share insights from the ancient Stoic philosophers on how to live a good life<\/a>. They explain that Stoicism isn’t merely a set of beliefs\u2014it’s a way of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more for our overview of The Daily Stoic<\/em>, including an exercise designed to help you put Stoic principles into practice today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Overview of The Daily Stoic<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Daily Stoic<\/a><\/em> by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman was a bestseller in 2016 and was widely featured in media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal<\/em> and The New York Times<\/em>. It\u2019s also been expanded into a podcast and website<\/a> that serves as a treasure trove of Stoic wisdom for daily living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do J.K. Rowling, LL Cool J, and George Washington have in common? Stoic philosophy. For generations, Stoicism has motivated scores of people to live well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stoicism was founded in the third century BCE in Greece, but it came to be associated with the Romans. Some of its most noteworthy early practitioners include the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and the Roman slave Epictetus. In time, the philosophy was practiced by numerous leading historical figures, including George Washington and Immanuel Kant, and it has a long list of modern admirers and practitioners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The popularity of Stoic philosophy, according to Holiday and Hanselman, is due to its practicality: From early on it was meant to be a way of life, not just a set of abstract ideas. At the core of Stoicism is the belief that the cardinal virtues\u2014self-control, courage, justice, and wisdom\u2014are the source of internal stability and peace of mind and the measure of a good life<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve organized our overview according to the three broad categories of Stoic practices Holiday and Hanselman include in The Daily Stoic<\/em>, including viewing life with self-control<\/em>, responding to life with justice<\/em> and courage<\/em>, and managing our lives with wisdom<\/em>. Within each category, we\u2019ll look at some essential principles that support these Stoic practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Criticisms of Holiday\u2019s Popular Approach to Stoicism\u00a0<\/strong>

Ryan Holiday has done a lot to popularize Stoicism in his books on the subject<\/a>, but his portrayal of the philosophy\u2014and the surge of attention it\u2019s brought to the subject\u2014has been criticized<\/a>. Critics of Holiday\u2019s approach to Stoicism have two main concerns: It reduces Stoicism to life hacks and misrepresents it by ignoring the broader Stoic worldview.

The Daily Stoic<\/em> isn\u2019t exempt from these criticisms. First, some critics argue that as a self-help book that mines ancient Stoic aphorisms for improving your daily life, it reduces Stoicism to little more than a system of self-interested life hacks. While ancient Stoics viewed their philosophy as a way of life<\/a>, experts argue that it was never a philosophy of self-interest<\/a>, as Holiday seems to present it. Instead, the ethical teachings of Stoicism promoted both individual <\/em>well-being and the well-being of society<\/em>. It wasn\u2019t just about making your life better.\u00a0

Second, some readers criticize Holiday for only exploring Stoic ethics and ignoring Stoic teachings about what\u2019s real (ontology and metaphysics) and what\u2019s true (logic, including epistemology and language theory). Holiday isn’t alone in ignoring these parts of the philosophy\u2014most modern popularizers of Stoicism exclude them because they don’t easily fit with modern science. Defenders of this approach argue that Stoic ethics don’t depend on the broader Stoic worldview so much that they can’t stand on their own merits<\/a>. There\u2019s so much value in the ethical practices of Stoicism, they contend, that it\u2019s worth simplifying the philosophy to bring them to a modern audience<\/a>.\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stoic Practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In The Daily Stoic<\/em>, Holiday reflects on quotes from Stoic thinkers, such as Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and suggests ways their insights might be practiced today. However, Holiday warns that no Stoic claimed to perfectly embody every Stoic tenet\u2014instead, they strove for that ideal<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: The authors emphasize practicing the Stoic insights in your daily life but only mention in passing that, in the Stoic view, a perfect life is an aspiration<\/em>\u2014not necessarily a reality. Considering how significant this is, readers should know at the outset of this section that these Stoic practices are hard. Marcus Aurelius understood that living a good life<\/a> was an ongoing challenge, and he spent considerable time reflecting on how he might do better each day<\/a>. Therefore, remember that The Daily Stoic <\/em>is a collection of Stoic goals<\/em>, not a scorecard of Stoic achievements<\/em>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll look at some of the practices the Stoics had for living well. First, we\u2019ll consider their way of viewing <\/em>life, which concerns our ability to make sense of life with reason. Next, we\u2019ll consider Stoic ways of responding<\/em> to life, which deal with our actions and behavior. Finally, we\u2019ll discuss managing <\/em>our lives like the Stoics by undertaking wise practices that keep us focused on the job of living virtuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viewing Life With Self-Control<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to the Stoics, living a virtuous life<\/a> starts with self-control<\/em>. The authors explain that Stoics equate self-control with being the captain, not the passenger, of your ship. Stoics argue that, <\/em>to practice self-control, you must actively make sense of life with reason. <\/em>Through reason, you can control your view of life<\/em>: the foundation of your understanding, your intentions, and even your actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ll consider four central aspects of how you can live virtuously by practicing self-control through reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognize What You Can and Can\u2019t Control<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

To the authors, living this way depends first on recognizing a central Stoic principle we\u2019ll call the basic division of control<\/em>: You can\u2019t control anything except the way you think.<\/strong> This belief lies at the core of Stoicism’s philosophy of viewing life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t <\/em>control external circumstances such as the actions of another person, the state of the economy, or whether you get sick or injured, but you can <\/em>control how you view or understand those things with your mind<\/em>. In this way, the Stoics argue that reason<\/em> is your main tool for controlling your view of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice Yourself<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

For the Stoics, a second aspect of viewing life with self\u2013control entails noticing yourself<\/em>. The authors explain that you need to observe your tendencies\u2014your thoughtless habits, faulty senses, and irrational impulses, for instance\u2014and account for the way they affect your view of life. By checking every thought, impression, and action with conscious reasoning, the Stoics believed you\u2019ll be better able to maintain self-control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Mindful of Your Emotions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

According to the authors, a third aspect of viewing life with self-control entails being mindful of your emotions<\/a><\/em>: For the Stoics, clear thinking<\/a> leads to<\/em> well-regulated emotions and is affected by<\/em> unregulated emotions. They understood that emotions are an inescapable part of life, but they argued that they can become an obstacle on the path to virtuous living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authors describe the two ways this can happen:  First, wrong thinking<\/a> can lead to emotional suffering<\/a>. Second, emotions can cloud your thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Your Assumptions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The authors say that one final aspect of viewing your life with self-control involves seeing your assumptions<\/em>. Assumptions are a way our brains bypass reason, and they aren\u2019t necessarily accurate. <\/strong>As such, the Stoics believe that controlling our view of life with reason involves being aware of\u2014and questioning\u2014our assumptions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of us, for example, are pessimists. By assuming the worst of every situation, we affect the overall tenor of our thoughts. Similarly, some of us unquestioningly take on the assumptions of those around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to Life With Justice <\/em>and Courage<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By controlling her view of life, the Stoic can discern right from wrong and act accordingly. In any situation, she can use her mind to cut through the noise of distracting emotions and impressions that could make her think or act in ways that aren\u2019t virtuous. When someone tries to provoke her anger or fear, for instance, she recognizes the temptation to vice and chooses to think and act virtuously instead\u2014with equanimity. This right action requires a sense of justice to know what\u2019s right and the exercise of courage to follow through on it. In this section, we\u2019ll consider four ways we can put justice and courage into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: The authors associate justice and courage with our actions, but they don\u2019t claim the association is exclusive\u2014all<\/em> the virtues (justice, courage, self-control, and wisdom) can manifest in action. Self-control, for instance, is characterized by good discipline, and wisdom by discretion<\/a>, both of which manifest in our actions. In fact, the Stoics believed you couldn\u2019t truly possess one of the virtues without the other. In this sense, all<\/em> four virtues influence every aspect of ourselves: our will, thoughts, and actions.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim to Do Good<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The authors write that, to live justly and courageously, you should first aim to<\/em> do good<\/em>. To do good, the authors recommend you start by studying Stoic philosophy, and then follow up that study by taking action. The study of Stoic philosophy will enhance your sense of justice. Following through on that sense of justice will require courage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authors argue that doing all of this demands effort. It\u2019s easy to avoid this effort through procrastination, cowardice, or laziness, so the Stoics advise us to be on the lookout for these vices and cultivate a strength of character that enables us to overcome them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, many of us get sidetracked in our efforts to live virtuously. We want to be entertained, look attractive, or avoid suffering. None of these distractions is inherently bad, as the Stoics saw it, but each can sidetrack us from courageously pursuing justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respond Well When Things Go Wrong<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

According to the authors, life will test our courage and our commitment to justice\u2014it gives a steady stream of opportunities to respond well when things go wrong<\/em>. The Stoics argued that, even in the face of disappointment, fear, and other difficulties, we need to steadily pursue virtue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They encourage us to take our setbacks in stride. Don\u2019t lash out in anger or check out. Instead, consider how you can learn from your situation. With this mindset, the Stoics argue, we can even treat setbacks as an opportunity to grow in virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authors claim further that the Stoics reinforced their commitment to living virtuously by simply expecting<\/em> things <\/em>to go wrong. Knowing that trials will<\/em> come, they reasoned, prepares you to face them well when they arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Through<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A third way we can respond to life with courage and justice is by following through <\/em>on our commitment to living virtuously. As the Stoics saw it, the job of living a virtuous life<\/a> is long-term, so we need to figure out how we can stick to it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authors offer an insight from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius into dealing with flagging motivation: Remind yourself that others depend on you to do what\u2019s right<\/strong>. If we don\u2019t do our part\u2014whether big or small\u2014others suffer in a world a little more deprived of virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way the authors recommend you increase your follow-through is to be patient<\/em> and take it slow<\/em>. Keep a slow and steady pace that you can maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Realistic<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A final way to respond to life with justice and courage is to be realistic<\/em>. The authors argue that Stoic philosophy is practical at its core\u2014it\u2019s meant to be lived in the real<\/em> world rather than just discussed in the abstract<\/strong>. Therefore, the Stoics believed that living virtuously was possible in the face of all the imperfections of real life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, the Stoics recognized that, no matter how hard you work at building your character, you\u2019ll still have weaknesses. They believed you can turn these weaknesses into strengths. This kind of thinking works with <\/em>your weakness and maximizes its potential, allowing you to find strength by realistically appraising your characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, the Stoics knew that our time is limited. Accordingly, they believed you shouldn\u2019t spend more time on any task than it deserves. It\u2019s more important to spend time with your family, for example, than it is to obsess over which garbage bags to buy. Save your time and energy for the things that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managing Our Lives With Wisdom<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

To view life with self-control and respond to life with justice and courage, the Stoics tried to manage<\/em> their lives wisely<\/em>. Wisdom entails applying good judgment<\/a> to the way you live life so that you can stay focused on living virtuously<\/strong>. In this final section, we\u2019ll consider four points of advice the Stoics offer for living wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be Humble and Kind<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

According to the authors, the first piece of Stoic advice is to be humble and kind<\/em>. By practicing humility and kindness<\/a>, the Stoics believed you could spare yourself\u2014and those around you\u2014a lot of needless suffering and distraction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice Virtue Now<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Stoics offered another insight for living wisely: Practice living virtuously now<\/em>, in each present moment. They believed that a whole life is merely the sum of its parts and argued that a virtuous life is lived in the day-to-day interactions and opportunities we each face<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toward that end, they taught that you should put your future legacy out of your mind\u2014don\u2019t concern yourself with how (or if) you\u2019ll be remembered. Instead, the authors say, simply focus on the task in front of you, whatever it is: Do it to the best of your ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, choose to practice virtue<\/a> in your daily interactions. Be a good listener, encourage others, never seek revenge, and always tell the truth<\/a>. The authors say these daily interpersonal practices build virtuous character and comprise the bulk of your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receive Life as It Is<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A third principle for living wisely, according to the Stoics, is learning to receive<\/em> life as it is<\/em>. As they saw it, circumstances<\/em> are neutral\u2014neither good nor bad. By contrast, actions<\/em> can be good or bad. Knowing this, our life circumstances are little more than a canvas on which we paint our virtuous actions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Stoics, receiving life as it is<\/a> entails detachment <\/em>from experiences and possessions. They argue that our experiences in life and the things we accumulate can become traps that co-opt our focus and desires, write the authors. Our house can burn down. Virtue, on the other hand, endures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think About Death<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Finally, Stoic thinkers argued that it\u2019s wise to think about death<\/a><\/em>. For them, keeping death in mind was a way to focus on living better: Life is finite, so we\u2019d better use it well<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They reasoned that time<\/em> is one of our most valuable possessions. We should treat time with the value it deserves\u2014don\u2019t give it away without getting something of value in return. The authors suggest, for example, that you say no <\/em>to most requests on your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Stoics, your time should be used to build your character<\/a> and live virtuously in the world. The authors thus advise that you focus on cultivating those attributes now<\/em> so that you\u2019re ready when death comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Death, according to the Stoics<\/a>, levels the playing field. The wealthy and the poor, the high-status and the low-status, the strong and the weak\u2014we all share the same fate, explain the authors. Keeping this in mind, the Stoics believed, would help you overlook superficial differences between people and recognize that life gives us all one shared opportunity: to live virtuously<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise: Put the Principles Into Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Daily Stoic<\/em> is meant to motivate you to action, so consider how you can do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n