Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-05-30
Books mentioned on Senator Mark Kelly on Stoicism, Space, and Staying Calm Under Pressure
There are some situations where panic is not an option. In today’s episode, Ryan talks with Senator Mark Kelly about what his years as a Navy pilot, test pilot, and NASA astronaut taught him about fear, focus, humility, and staying calm under pressure.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Right Stuff
The Right Stuff is Tom Wolfe's classic 1979 non-fiction chronicle of the U.S.
Discussed“Well, in in in The Right Stuff, the line that I was always struck by is Tom Wolfe points out that like John Glenn's heart rate never goes above 100 during the the thing.”
Where to get it
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Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal journals written by the Roman emperor, offering timeless Stoic philosophy and practical guidance on virtue, leadership, and emotional resilience.
Discussed“So I as far as I know, Marcus Aurelius never goes to space. Maybe maybe we but meditations? This is meditations.”
Where to get it
