Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-05-17
Books mentioned on How To Think Better in the Age of AI (From the Stoics)
In today’s episode, Ryan shares timeless lessons from the ancients on how to ask better questions, think more clearly, and make the most of AI without losing your ability to discern what’s true. 🎥 Watch the video of this episode here: https://www.
Ryan Holiday recommended Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg, and discussed Meditations by Aurelius Marcus, Letters from a Stoic, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon. Vol. 2. [-3-4]. by Edward Gibbon, and “The” History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a profound collection of personal reflections and Stoic philosophy written by the Roman emperor.
Discussed“Marcus Aurelius also writes in Meditations about going directly to the seat of knowledge.”
Where to get it
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Letters from a Stoic
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca is a classic collection of philosophical epistles offering timeless guidance on self-control, emotional regulation, and practical wisdom.
Discussed“And And his famous exchange, which survives to us in letters from a Stoic, is him and his friend Lucilius passing ideas back and forth, quotes back and forth, chewing on things together.”
Where to get it
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The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon. Vol. 2. [-3-4].
Edward Gibbon’s monumental historical work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, details the trajectory and ultimate collapse of Roman civilization across multiple volumes.
Discussed“Or take something that people evoke all the time, right? The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, right? People think maybe America is in the middle of that right now. But do you know how long the fall of the Roman Empire took?”
Where to get it
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“The” History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon is a monumental multi-volume historical work chronicling the trajectory of the Roman world from the height of the empire to its eventual collapse.
Discussed“Or take something that people evoke all the time, right? The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, right? People think maybe America is in the middle of that right now. But do you know how long the fall of the Roman Empire took?”
Where to get it
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Supercommunicators
Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg unlocks the secret language of human connection by revealing how effective communication relies on understanding different types of conversations and asking the right questions.
Recommended“I interviewed Charles Duhigg. He has this great book called Supercommunicators. And supercommunicators aren't these amazing orators who just get up and give inspiring speeches. No, what what most supercommunicators are really good at is asking good questions.”
Where to get it
