Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-03-28
Ryan Holiday & Arthur Brooks: books mentioned on The Daily Stoic (Mar 2026)
Arthur Brooks' Ultimate Philosophy Masterclass | The Daily Stoic Podcast
Ryan Holiday recommended The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus and A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy, and discussed Plato and the Tyrant by James Romm, Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, The Fall by Albert Camus, and THE PLAGUE by Albert Camus. Arthur Brooks recommended Self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Plato and the Tyrant
Discussed“although the irony is I had James Romm here and he he wrote this book Plato and the Tyrant.”
Where to get it
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Atlas Shrugged
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is a sweeping philosophical novel that champions objectivism, laissez-faire capitalism, and individual achievement while depicting a dystopian society collapsing under the weight of excessive government controls.
Discussed“I've always felt that like there's an interesting parallel or contrast between the allegory of the cave which we're talking about and Galt's Gulch in in Atlas Shrugged.”
Where to get it
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Self-reliance
Self-reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a foundational 1841 transcendentalist essay that urges individuals to trust their own inner voice, reject societal conformity, and embrace authentic personal conviction.
Recommended“Self-Reliance is everybody everybody should read Self-Reliance.”
Where to get it
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The Myth of Sisyphus
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus is a prominent philosophical essay examining the absurdist condition, human suffering, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Recommended“If we read one Camus, we'll read The Myth of Sisyphus, right? Cuz that's the one thing to read.”
Where to get it
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The Fall
The Fall by Albert Camus is a striking and provocative philosophical novel that explores human guilt, judgment, and the complex search for meaning in a morally ambiguous world.
Discussed“Well I think both The Fall and The Plague are two striking books for this moment.”
Where to get it
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THE PLAGUE
The Plague by Albert Camus is a classic existentialist novel that uses the allegorical setting of a city struck by a deadly epidemic to explore profound themes of human suffering, absurdism, collective responsibility, and resilience.
Discussed“Well I think both The Fall and The Plague are two striking books for this moment.”
Where to get it
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A Calendar of Wisdom
A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy is a daily devotional featuring inspirational quotes, philosophical thoughts, and reflections curated by the renowned author during the final years of his life.
Recommended“What's interesting too about that Tolstoy book is that A calendar of wisdom. That's right.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Man's Search for Meaning is his most famous book, of course.”