Book · 2023 · Courage
Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson: The Poem
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Actually, when you read the Tennyson poem Ulysses, you get a sense of this. He says, "I cannot rest from travel.
Ryan Holiday · The Daily Stoic · Aug 2026 The best things said about it
You know last night I was at dinner and I had an urge to quote Ulysses by Tennyson and I know I don't know I probably know 20 lines of Ulysses by heart.
Why people recommend it
Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson: The Poem is a classic dramatic monologue written by the Victorian poet Alfred Lord Tennyson that explores themes of aging, restlessness, and the unending desire for adventure. The poem has been referenced across multiple episodes of different podcasts, highlighting its cultural staying power and educational impact. On The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday brought up Tennyson's poem to illustrate the restless and driven nature of Odysseus, quoting the famous line about being unable to rest from travel. Meanwhile, on EconTalk, host Russ Roberts mentioned the poem on multiple occasions. In one episode featuring guest Zach Weinersmith, Roberts recalled an instance where he felt an urge to quote the work at a dinner party, noting that he still retained about twenty lines of it by heart. In another EconTalk episode with guest Dana Gioia, Roberts discussed the traditional educational practice of memorization, recalling how he was required to read and commit Tennyson's poem to memory during his school days. Across these various discussions, speakers utilized the piece to reflect on the beauty of classical verse, the psychological weight of lifelong exploration, and the enduring value of committing great poetry to memory.
Every mention
Russ Roberts you know last night I was at dinner and I had an urge to quote Ulysses by Tennyson and I know I don't know… 2
“you know last night I was at dinner and I had an urge to quote Ulysses by Tennyson and I know I don't know I probably know 20 lines of Ulysses by heart”
“And she actually made us read, and and memorize the poem Ulysses, which is funny because we're talking about the Odyssey, by Tennyson.”
Ryan Holiday Actually, when you read the Tennyson poem Ulysses, you get a sense of this. He says, "I cannot rest from tr… 1
“Actually, when you read the Tennyson poem Ulysses, you get a sense of this. He says, "I cannot rest from travel."”
