Ryan Holiday on Stoicism, strategy and creativity

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Best selling author Ryan Holiday discusses how Stoicism can help us transform trials into triumph. It’s a pragmatic episode, full of strategies to invert obstacles and wrest opportunity from adversity. The conversation includes invaluable advice for aspiring creatives, research affirming the Stoic approach, how great historical figures have used Stoicism and more…

In this episode you will hear about:

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• The intersections of Stoicism, creativity and positive psychological research

• Ryan’s alternative track to success and the importance of mentorship

• How Steve Jobs employed Stoicism

• The importance of understanding reality objectively

• How blessings and burdens needn’t be mutually exclusive

• Passion vs. purpose

• How modern psychology is affirming the truths of timeless philosophy

• Psych research that could help creative professionals

• The effects of meditation on creative output

• The high ROI habits that help Ryan’s creativity

• “Contemptuous expressions” and stripping things of the legends that encrust them

• Scott and Ryan’s views on the importance of living as your authentic self

• Harmonious passions

• The importance as a writer of having something valuable to say

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Resources:

• Ryan’s book: The Obstacle is the Way

• Ryan’s book: Trust Me, I’m Lying

• Ryan’s website

• Ryan’s Character Strengths Profile

• Ryan’s article: Contemptuous Expressions

• Ryan’s article: So You Want to Be a Writer? That’s Mistake #1

• The Psychology Podcast: Robert Greene episode

• Scott’s article: How To Increase Your Harmonious Passion

• An explanation of the broaden and build theory

• The Complex Dynamics of Wishful Thinking: The Critical Positivity Ratio

• Updated Thinking on Positivity Ratios

• Todd Kashdan’s book: The Upside of Your Darkside

• Ted talk – Carol Dweck on growth mindsets

• Herb Simon’s article: Decision Making and Problem Solving

“Ryan Holiday is a media strategist and prominent writer on strategy and business. After dropping out of college at nineteen to apprentice under Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power, he went on to advise many bestselling authors and multiplatinum musicians. He served as director of marketing at American Apparel for many years, where his campaigns have been used as case studies by Twitter, YouTube, and Google and written about in AdAge, the New York Times, and Fast Company.” -Blurb taken from Ryan’s blog