Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-10-22
Books mentioned on How Much Have You Changed? | Proof That Stoicism Can Change Your Life
Wouldn’t it be crazy if all that change had happened, but we were still doing the same things, still stagnant? We cannot go on being the person we’ve always been, Marcus writes in Meditations.
Ryan Holiday discussed Meditations by Aurelius Marcus. Timothy Ryan recommended How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson. Brennan Cordell Smith recommended The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday and others and The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and others, and discussed A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion and Letters from a Stoic. Arishankar Muthenadi recommended Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday, Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday, and Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal journals and philosophical notes written by the Roman emperor, offering timeless reflections on Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and mortality.
Discussed“We cannot go on being the person we have always been, Marcus writes in meditations. We cannot remain as we are, Socrates said.”
Where to get it
-
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robertson is a popular work on Stoicism that examines the philosophy and life of Marcus Aurelius.
Recommended“I was drawn to stoicism about six years ago after reading How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald Robinson.”
Where to get it
-
A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion
A Selection from the Discourses of Epictetus with the Encheiridion is a foundational work of Stoic philosophy capturing the teachings of the former Greek slave, recorded by his pupil Arrian.
Discussed“which then led to Epictetus' Discourses and the letters from the Stoic of Seneca. And from there on, I just took a deep dive into it.”
Where to get it
-
Letters from a Stoic
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca is a classic collection of moral epistles written by the Roman philosopher to his friend Lucilius, offering enduring practical guidance on mastering emotions, accepting mortality, and navigating daily challenges.
Discussed“which then led to Epictetus' Discourses and the letters from the Stoic of Seneca. And from there on, I just took a deep dive into it.”
Where to get it
-
The Daily Stoic Journal
The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is a structured guide offering daily prompts and reflections based on ancient philosophy.
Recommended“And about every book I could get my hands on, I read, I studied, I bought the Daily Stoic and the Daily Stoic Journal and just really dove in.”
Where to get it
-
The Daily Stoic
The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is a popular 366-day guide to ancient Stoic philosophy featuring daily reflections and exercises.
Recommended“And about every book I could get my hands on, I read, I studied, I bought the Daily Stoic and the Daily Stoic Journal and just really dove in.”
Where to get it
-
Stillness Is the Key
Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday is a popular book exploring the ancient philosophical concept of stoicism and how achieving inner stillness can lead to a more balanced and successful life.
Recommended“I read, The Obstacle is the Way. I read, Ego is the Enemy. Stillness is the Key. Courage is Calling. And gradually, I realized these books weren't really teaching me how to control life.”
Where to get it
-
The Obstacle Is the Way
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday is a popular self-help and philosophy book that translates ancient Stoic principles into practical strategies for overcoming modern hardships.
Recommended“I read, The Obstacle is the Way. I read, Ego is the Enemy. Stillness is the Key. Courage is Calling. And gradually, I realized these books weren't really teaching me how to control life.”
Where to get it
-
Ego Is the Enemy
Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday is a modern philosophy book that examines how unchecked ambition and pride hinder personal success and fulfillment.
Recommended“I read, The Obstacle is the Way. I read, Ego is the Enemy. Stillness is the Key. Courage is Calling. And gradually, I realized these books weren't really teaching me how to control life.”
Where to get it
-
Courage Is Calling
Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday is a notable book in the author's Stoic virtue series that examines the nature of fear and the necessity of acting bravely in spite of it.
Recommended“I read, The Obstacle is the Way. I read, Ego is the Enemy. Stillness is the Key. Courage is Calling. And gradually, I realized these books weren't really teaching me how to control life.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“And when Steve and I sat down to write it, our hope was that a little bit of Stoic wisdom each day could help people live better lives.”