The Daily Stoic – How Stoicism, Eastern Philosophy, And Fitness Work Together

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, Ryan Holiday explores the intersection of stoicism and other schools of philosophy, focusing on how stoicism, Eastern philosophy, and fitness can work together. Ryan shares his insights on applying stoic principles to physical activity, personal growth, and leading a big company. He also discusses the importance of perception, action, and resilience in stoic philosophy.

Main Takeaways

Stoicism and Physical Fitness

• Ancient stoics believed in being physically fit as well as mentally sharp.
• Early stoics like Cleanthes and Chrysippus used physical training to prepare for philosophical battles.
• Epictetus talked about weightlifting as a metaphor for functional fitness and making beautiful choices.
• The Latin expression “Mens sana in corpore sano” emphasizes the importance of a strong mind in a strong body.

Discipline of Perception

• The first discipline of stoic philosophy is the discipline of perception, which focuses on how we perceive things and how it affects our ability to overcome obstacles.
• Understanding what parts of our lives we control and focusing on what’s in our control is a key aspect of stoic philosophy.
• Seneca emphasized the importance of treating the body rigorously, so it remains obedient to the mind.

Discipline of Actions

• The discipline of actions involves taking action in response to our perceptions.
• The strenuous life is the life of action, not just talking or dreaming about it.
• To achieve our goals, we must put ourselves in a position to do the necessary work.
• Well-being is achieved through small steps and making a positive contribution every day.

Resilience and Growth

• Cultivating willpower and the ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial.
• Post-traumatic growth is possible, and we decide whether we grow from what we’ve gone through or not.
• Being the kind of person who grows from adversity is a key aspect of stoic philosophy.
• Stoics cultivate a love of fate, turning events into fuel for growth.

Objective Judgment, Unselfish Action, Willing Acceptance

• Turning trying times into opportunities involves objective judgment, unselfish action, and willing acceptance.
• Objective judgment focuses on what we can control and how we perceive things.
• Unselfish action involves making a positive contribution and moving forward.
• Willing acceptance is the resilience to endure and persevere through hardships.

Summary

Applying Stoicism to Fitness and Personal Growth

Ryan Holiday explores the fascinating intersection of stoicism and other schools of philosophy, particularly in relation to fitness and personal growth. He highlights how ancient stoics like Cleanthes, Chrysippus, and Epictetus emphasized the importance of physical fitness alongside mental sharpness. The discipline of perception, which focuses on how we perceive things and what story we tell ourselves, plays a crucial role in stoic philosophy. Ryan also emphasizes the discipline of actions, highlighting the significance of taking action and putting ourselves in a position to achieve our goals. Resilience and post-traumatic growth are key themes, with stoics cultivating a love of fate and turning adversity into opportunities. The three-part process of objective judgment, unselfish action, and willing acceptance provides a framework for navigating challenging times.

The Importance of Perception and Action

Perception is a superpower in stoic philosophy, as it determines how we interpret and respond to the world. Understanding what we can control and focusing on that aspect is crucial for personal growth and overcoming obstacles. The discipline of actions emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just talking or dreaming about our goals. Ryan highlights the significance of making small steps and positive contributions every day to achieve well-being. Stoics believe in treating the body rigorously, ensuring it remains obedient to the mind. By cultivating willpower and bouncing back from adversity, individuals can experience post-traumatic growth and become stronger as a result.

Turning Trying Times into Opportunities

Stoics view challenging times as opportunities for growth. Objective judgment involves focusing on what we can control and how we perceive events. Unselfish action entails making a positive contribution and moving forward, while willing acceptance is the resilience to endure and persevere through hardships. Ryan discusses the concept of memento mori, which encourages individuals to contemplate the fragility and shortness of life to gain perspective. By seizing the moment and being strong, creative, and resilient, individuals can do great work and find fulfillment. Stoicism is not just an academic philosophy but a practical philosophy that can be applied in everyday life.

Conclusion

This episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast delves into the integration of stoicism, Eastern philosophy, and fitness. Ryan Holiday provides valuable insights on applying stoic principles to physical activity, personal growth, and leading a big company. By focusing on perception, action, and resilience, individuals can navigate challenges, cultivate post-traumatic growth, and find fulfillment in their lives. Stoicism is not just a theoretical philosophy but a practical approach that can be applied to everyday life.