Cover of Sailing True North

Book · 2020 · Naval art and science

Sailing True North

by Admiral James Stavridis USN · Brought up by 2 people on 1 podcast

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I really like Admiral James Stavridis, his book Sailing True North and To Risk It All.
Ryan Holiday · The Daily Stoic · Oct 2026

The best things said about it

1 of 5 · every mention
Discussed
And like sailing true north which is about the lives of 10 admirals.
James Stavridis The Daily Stoic · Jan 2022

Why people recommend it

Sailing True North by Admiral James Stavridis is a maritime exploration of character that examines the lives and leadership choices of ten historical admirals. On The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday recommended the book alongside another work by the same author, praising its insights. Holiday also cited Stavridis's book to illustrate a story about Chester Nimitz, noting how the legendary commander learned a crucial lesson regarding whether and when to punish subordinates who make atypical mistakes. In an interview episode of The Daily Stoic featuring Admiral James Stavridis himself, Holiday opened the conversation by examining the subtitle and the overarching theme of the voyage of character. They further discussed the fundamental flaw in William Bligh, specifically focusing on his temper as documented within the pages of Stavridis's study. Admiral Stavridis referenced his own book during the interview while reflecting on his extensive writing career and how these historical biographies shed light on modern leadership principles. Throughout these podcast appearances, the book served as a vital touchstone for exploring the complexities of human nature, moral courage, and the difficult responsibilities that come with holding supreme command at sea.

Every mention

5 quotes from 3 episodes
Ryan Holiday I really like Admiral James Stavridis, his book Sailing True North and To Risk It All. 3
Recommended
“I really like Admiral James Stavridis, his book Sailing True North and To Risk It All.”
Recommended
“Admiral stavridis writes in his fantastic book sailing True North he says that in this moment instantly Nimitz learns a lesson about whether and when to punish people who make atypical mistakes”
Discussed
“well i i wanted to start with the subtitle of uh sailing true north this idea of the voyage of character”
Discussed
“it was striking to me that the the sort of the the fundamental flaw in bly which you uh write about in sailing true north was his temper”
James Stavridis and like sailing true north which is about the lives of 10 admirals 1
Discussed
“and like sailing true north which is about the lives of 10 admirals”

Portraits from Wikimedia Commons: Ryan Holiday, Luiz Berengue / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0); James Stavridis, U. S. Department of Defense / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).