Erin and Kelley discuss Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. This New York Times Bestseller from 2019 explores Stoic and Buddhist philosophy, arguing that slowing down is actually the key to success. Holiday draws from Confucius, Seneca, Marcus Aurellius, John Stuart Mill, Nietzsche, and many others to identify the approach that’s allowed some of the most famous people in modern history to succeed despite intense pressures.

Erin also takes this opportunity to teach us about some of her own philosophical beliefs, namely that of stoicism. Originating in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, the philosophy is that the path to a well-lived life is through practicing four virtues: wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice. In short: that developing self-control allows one to overcome destructive emotions and allows the thinker to understand the world around them with rationality, clarity, and calm.

Ryan Holiday has an elaborate YouTube channel that’s clearly geared to YouTube’s primary audience: teenagers. Kelley and Erin argue that teaching stoicism to young people may be hugely beneficial to their mental and physical well-being in the modern age.

*Correction: Just after 19 minutes, you’ll hear Kelley state that she thinks “when I say life is senseless.” She meant to say “when I say death is senseless” as a follow up to her statement on death about a minute earlier.

This episode was first released on September 9, 2024