Episode · Stuff You Should Know · 2025-07-19

Books mentioned on Selects: What exactly is stoicism?

2 books · Listen · Watch on YouTube

The word stoic has taken on its own meaning apart from the philosophical movement which gave it life. In this classic episode, learn all about the early stoics, what the philosophy is all about and where the movement stands today.

Josh Clark discussed The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith and Courage Under Fire by James B. Stockdale.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   The Wealth of Nations

   Adam Smith · at 43:05

   The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith is a foundational 1776 text by the Scottish thinker often regarded as the father of modern economics, exploring free markets, capitalism, and the mechanics of national wealth.

   Discussed

   “So, there have been a lot of people who have followed stoic thought like Adam Smith apparently was very much informed by stoicism when he wrote the wealth of nations because one of the big big aspects of it was individual liberty.”

   Josh Clark Selects: What exactly is stoicism? 2025-07-19 Listen at 43:05

   Where to get it

   AmazonListen on Audible
2. 

   Courage Under Fire

   James B. Stockdale · at 45:21

   Courage Under Fire by James B.

   Discussed

   “Yeah, I remember that name for sure when he came out with his with his book Courage Under Fire Colon testing Epictectus doctrines in a laboratory of human behavior in 1993.”

   Josh Clark Selects: What exactly is stoicism? 2025-07-19 Listen at 45:21

   Where to get it

   AmazonListen on Audible