Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2022-08-31
Ryan Holiday & Susan Cain: books mentioned on The Daily Stoic
Susan Cain on Transforming Pain Into Beauty
Susan Cain discussed Quiet by Susan Cain, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. Ryan Holiday discussed The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce, The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, Lincoln's Melancholy by Joshua Wolf Shenk, and Meditations by Aurelius Marcus.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Quiet
Quiet by Susan Cain is a compelling exploration of the power of introverts in a society that continually undervalues quiet traits in favor of a loud, boisterous extrovert ideal.
Discussed“and and uh the idea i mean obviously this is sort of the idea of quiet which is that this thing that you think is unusual or insufficiency is in fact uh a strength”
Where to get it
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The Devil's Dictionary
The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce is a satirical reference book consisting of cynical and witty definitions that subvert conventional Victorian language and societal norms.
Discussed“he wrote the devil's dictionary so he's sort of seen as this like cynical nasty negative guy”
Where to get it
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The Unbearable Lightness of Being
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera is a philosophical novel that explores love, fate, and the heavy burdens of human existence against the backdrop of the Prague Spring.
Discussed“have you read an unbearable lightness of being oh gosh a thousand years ago there's this there's this moment in it”
Where to get it
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Lincoln's Melancholy
Lincoln's Melancholy by Joshua Wolf Shenk is a biographical examination of Abraham Lincoln's lifelong struggle with severe depression and how his emotional trials shaped his leadership.
Discussed“have you read lincoln's melancholy oh yes i'm familiar with that book”
Where to get it
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A Tale of Two Cities
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is a classic historical novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, exploring themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and extreme societal upheaval.
Discussed“she introduced her to a tale of two cities the book um but she also like spoke the words of the book out loud”
Where to get it
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a powerful autobiographical memoir by Maya Angelou that details her formative years growing up amid racism, trauma, and resilience.
Discussed“i know why a caged bird sings um another woman reads it thinking oh i was exactly this little girl too”
Where to get it
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Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is a collection of personal journals and philosophical notes written by the Roman emperor during his military campaigns, offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy, self-discipline, and personal endurance.
Discussed“there's a a line in meditations he's he's think he's thanking uh someone at the beginning of it”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“like i was writing um ego as the enemy when american imperial imploded uh primarily driven by ego”