The Daily Stoic

Seneca advises us to look in a mirror when we're angry to see how we've transformed. What we often find is shocking—a face distorted by rage, barely resembling our true selves.

In today’s bonus episode, Gen. Dan Caine reflects on being one of the first pilots in the air on 9/11 and what that moment taught him about courage, leadership, and service.General Dan Caine is the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has flown more than 100 combat hours in F-16 aircraft. His total flight hours are 2,800. Throughout his career he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. 

Today, on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, let's honor Brian Sweeney and the thousands of others we lost by striving to be, as Marcus said, "free of passion and yet full of love."

When failure can mean life or death, you learn fast what ego and fear really cost. In today’s episode, Ryan talks with Michelle “MACE” Curran about the brutal reality of fighter pilot training, how she battled imposter syndrome in a male-dominated world, the mistake that gave her a call sign for life, and why fear is an essential part of real courage.Michelle “MACE” Curran is a former United States Air Force fighter pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time. She flew combat missions in Afghanistan and honed her skills across the globe, becoming the second woman in history to serve as the Lead Solo Pilot for the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s elite demonstration team. Known for her signature upside-down maneuvers, Mace performed for millions, inspiring audiences at airshows and flyovers like the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Indy 500.You can follow Michelle Curran on Instagram @Mace_Curran and learn more about her work at https://macecurran.com/

Put one foot in front of the other. Do your best. Make a tiny contribution.

How has Stoicism impacted your life? In this special bonus episode, listeners share their own journeys with the philosophy. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send us an audio recording at podcast@dailystoic.com.*By submitting, you are consenting to your voice and story being shared on the podcast.

Even with natural gifts or prestigious education, wisdom isn't guaranteed. As Seneca wrote, "much toil remains," and to grow wiser, you must lavish all your waking hours and all your efforts toward this goal.

A Stoic doesn’t always win, but they never go quietly along.

In this very personal chapter from his book Soul Boom, Rainn Wilson reflects on life and death as he is preparing his father's body for burial. Rainn Wilson is an actor, comedian, author, podcaster, writer, and director. He is most known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the NBC sitcom The Office (2005-2013), for which he earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

In today’s Part 2 episode with astronaut and Senate candidate Terry Virts, Ryan and Terry talk about the difference between physical and moral courage, why so many leaders fail the test of honor, and what it truly means to serve your country. They discuss the hard truths about politics in Texas and refusing to stay silent when the stakes are highest.At 17, Terry Virts joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. He has flown combat missions over Iraq, tested the world’s fastest jets and commanded the International Space Station. He’s orbited Earth 3,400 times and has spent 213 days in space total. His military decorations include the NASA Space Flight Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, et al. He retired from NASA in August 2016 and is currently running for U.S. Senate from Texas. Follow Terry on Instagram @Astro_Terry and you can lear

Life is difficult. People are obnoxious. Stuff is going to piss you off. But can you keep your cool anyway?

This special tribute episode celebrates the life and wisdom of George Raveling, bringing together some of his most powerful lessons shared over the years in his conversations with Ryan on The Daily Stoic Podcast.

The Stoics understood that the boundary between "me" and "you" is thinner than we realize. 

It’s been generations upon generations now. For thousands and thousands of years, humans have been doing the same things, the Stoics observed. Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium

Most people dream of being an astronaut. Terry Virts actually lived it. In this episode, Ryan sits down with former NASA astronaut and USAF F-16 Pilot Terry Virts to talk about the brutal selection process to become an astronaut, why thrill seekers don’t make good astronauts, and the dangerous loss of ethics in government leadership. At 17, Terry Virts joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. He has flown combat missions over Iraq, tested the world’s fastest jets and commanded the International Space Station. He’s orbited Earth 3,400 times and has spent 213 days in space total. His military decorations include the NASA Space Flight Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, et al. He retired from NASA in August 2016 and is currently running for U.S. Senate from Texas. Follow Terry on Instagram @Astro_Terry and you can learn more abou

Wisdom is not a destination. It’s a method—a practice, a lifelong commitment to learning, questioning, and improving.

Take your much deserved break today. We are human beings after all, not human doings. 

If your money is stained in blood, you are not free. You really don't know who you are until you know what you won't do for money.Read today's episode here: https://ryanholiday.net/you-are-what-you-wont-do-for-money/

What can a comedian teach you about ego, shame, and philosophy? In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with Chad from Going Deep with Chad and JT to talk about the hilarious way they met, why playing a character without shame is liberating, what stand-up teaches us about ego, self-consciousness as a performer, and much more. Listen to Ryan’s episodes on the podcast Going Deep With Chad and JT:Listen to Ep.99 Listen to Ep.206See Chad and JT live in a city near you! Find tour dates on their website: https://www.chadandjt.com/Follow Chad on Instagram @ ChadGoesDeep, on TikTok @ChadAndJT, and on YouTube @ChadAndJTGoDeepSubscribe to Going Deep with Chad and JT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp6COGFcWCnEx9JbPIoYJLwSubscribe to Academy of Chad on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@academyofchadWatch Chad and JT Go Deep on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81087423

Once you let anger into your life, once you let it motivate or animate you, it’s very hard to get rid of. It’s hard to find a substitute that measures up. It’s hard to let it go.