The Daily Stoic – Try To Surprise People This Way | Ask DS

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic,” the host explores the life of Cato, the importance of doing something hard every day, and the unique leadership apprentice program of Marcus Aurelius. The speaker also discusses recommended reads, owning a bookstore in Texas, and the challenges and rewards of writing and publishing. Stay tuned for valuable insights on philosophy, leadership, and the power of physical spaces.

Main Takeaways

Cato: A Stoic Example

• Cato was a powerful man who didn’t dress in fancy clothes or support a large entourage
• He liked to walk the streets of Rome, meeting his fellow citizens and helping them
• He traveled across the empire without a large baggage train or advanced party
• Kato arrived in small towns and sat and waited, often without being recognized
• Be the kind of person that surprises people with how interested you are in them, how much respect you treat them with, and how little use you have for formalities or status symbols

The Importance of Daily Challenges

• Doing something hard every day has benefits beyond physical health
• Getting away from concrete jungles is important for mental health

Marcus Aurelius’ Leadership Apprentice Program

• Marcus Aurelius’ leadership apprentice program was unique in history

Recommended Reads

• “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday and “Careful” by Randy Paterson are recommended reads

The Bookstore & Writing Journey

• The speaker owns a bookstore in Texas with a big biography section and contemporary authors
• The speaker likes David Epstein’s book “Range” and Cal Newport’s books on focus and concentration
• The idea to open the bookstore came from the speaker’s wife, and it was a crazy idea at first
• The bookstore is also a headquarters for the speaker’s work as an author
• The speaker is currently working on a series on the Cardinal Virtues, with books on Courage, Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom
• The series is the first time the speaker has worked on related books, which has forced them to think about the project differently
• Research is an important part of the writing process, but the speaker tries to outsource everything except for the heavy lifting of research and writing
• The speaker uses sports stories as contemporary examples of timeless problems to illustrate philosophical ideas

Building Successful Organizations

• Many people think they can fix problematic individuals or organizations, but often the culture or system is not as strong as believed
• Exceptions to rules or making exceptions for individuals can lead to rot or destruction in organizations
• Fatal flaws in companies are often not a secret, but the information is not communicated effectively
• Creating channels, culture, and communication to allow feedback and new ideas to flow up is crucial for success
• Ego can shut down valuable feedback and ideas

The Power of Physical Spaces

• Writing professionally requires diverse experiences and opportunities to gain knowledge and perspective
• Selling books through publishers and retailers creates a disconnect between authors and readers
• Direct access to customers in physical spaces can enhance community and support for authors
• Amazon bookstores only carry a limited selection of books and do not prioritize discovery
• Physical spaces can provide opportunities for creators to pursue their passions and dreams
• Small towns can provide affordable spaces for unique projects and businesses
• Bookstores have multiple revenue streams, with book sales being just one of them
• Mixed uses of space can help pay for the space and fund additional projects
• The pressure of modern life can drive people to seek interaction and community

Podcast Recommendation

• Six Trophies is a new podcast from Wondery that combines NBA storylines with pop culture-themed trophies

Summary

Cato: A Stoic Example

Cato, a powerful man, set an example by not indulging in fancy clothes or large entourages. He prioritized connecting with his fellow citizens and helping them, even while traveling without extravagant baggage or advanced parties. This highlights the importance of surprising people with genuine interest, respect, and a disregard for formalities or status symbols.

The Importance of Daily Challenges

Engaging in daily challenges goes beyond physical health benefits. It also contributes to mental well-being, especially when one takes time away from the hustle and bustle of urban environments.

Marcus Aurelius’ Leadership Apprentice Program

Marcus Aurelius’ leadership apprentice program stands out as a unique initiative in history. It emphasized the development of future leaders through mentorship and practical experience.

Recommended Reads

Two recommended reads are “Ego is the Enemy” by Ryan Holiday and “Careful” by Randy Paterson. These books offer valuable insights into managing ego and cultivating mindfulness.

The Bookstore & Writing Journey

The speaker owns a bookstore in Texas, specializing in biographies and contemporary authors. They also recommend books like “Range” by David Epstein and works by Cal Newport on focus and concentration. The bookstore, initially a crazy idea, now serves as a hub for the speaker’s writing career. They are currently working on a series on the Cardinal Virtues, exploring Courage, Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom. Research plays a crucial role, with outsourcing used for non-core tasks. Sports stories are employed to illustrate timeless philosophical ideas.

Building Successful Organizations

Fixing problematic individuals or organizations requires understanding that culture and systems may not be as strong as believed. Exceptions to rules or individuals can lead to rot and destruction. Transparent communication and a culture that encourages feedback and new ideas are essential for success. Ego can hinder valuable input and innovation.

The Power of Physical Spaces

Writing professionally benefits from diverse experiences and direct access to readers. Selling books through publishers and retailers creates a disconnect. Physical spaces, like the speaker’s bookstore, foster community and support for authors. Amazon bookstores have limitations, prioritizing only popular books. Physical spaces in small towns offer affordable opportunities for unique projects and businesses. Bookstores can have multiple revenue streams beyond book sales, and mixed uses of space can help fund additional projects. In modern times, people seek interaction and community to counter the pressures of daily life.

Podcast Recommendation

The podcast “Six Trophies” from Wondery combines NBA storylines with pop culture-themed trophies, making it a unique and engaging listen.

Conclusion

This episode of “The Daily Stoic” provides valuable insights into the life of Cato, the importance of daily challenges, Marcus Aurelius’ leadership apprentice program, recommended reads, owning a bookstore, building successful organizations, the power of physical spaces, and a podcast recommendation. It encourages listeners to embrace stoic principles, pursue personal growth, and appreciate the impact of physical spaces on community and creativity.