Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2026-08-22
Books mentioned on What’s Actually Stopping You From Doing Your Best Work
Ryan Holiday recommended The Arcadian by Steven Pressfield and Range by David J. Epstein, and discussed A Man at Arms by Steven Pressfield. Steven Pressfield discussed The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, Tides of War by Steven Pressfield, The Virtues of War by Steven Pressfield, The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield, and Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Arcadian
The Arcadian by Steven Pressfield is a historical fiction novel that continues the author's acclaimed exploration of ancient warfare, strategy, and heroism in the classical world.
Recommended“his new novel, The Arcadian, which is incredible.”
Where to get it
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The War of Art
Steven Pressfield's The War of Art serves as a profound guide for creatives, entrepreneurs, and thinkers seeking to understand and conquer the psychological barriers that hinder productivity and inspiration.
Discussed“But then I have another one another sort of war of art type book that I'm starting on now.”
Where to get it
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A Man at Arms
A Man at Arms by Steven Pressfield is a historical fiction novel centered on the hero Telamon and a gripping journey through antiquity.
Discussed“I it was very obvious to me that he's the same that that he's a reincarnation of the character from A Man at Arms.”
Where to get it
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Tides of War
Tides of War by Steven Pressfield is a celebrated historical fiction novel that plunges readers into the brutal conflicts of ancient Greece, focusing on the Spartans and the historic Battle of Thermopylae.
Discussed“But the first he was in he was in Tides of War and he was in the Virtues of War.”
Where to get it
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The Virtues of War
Discussed“But the first he was in he was in Tides of War and he was in the Virtues of War.”
Where to get it
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The Legend of Bagger Vance
The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield is a mystical historical novel that reimagines the Hindu spiritual text the Bhagavad Gita through the lens of a depressed veteran participating in a high-stakes golf tournament during the Great Depression.
Discussed“And then I realized as as I'm working on this, I flash back to The Legend of Bagger Vance, the book, not the movie.”
Where to get it
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Range
Range by David J.
Recommended“David Epstein do you know who that is he wrote this book called range that's really good he's a sports journalist is really great”
Where to get it
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Gates of Fire
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield is a historical novel detailing the heroic Spartan stand at the Battle of Thermopylae.
Discussed“It's like for me writing Gates of Fire and setting a story in ancient Greece with the Spartans, the part of the reason I did that was so you could talk about honor with a straight face.”
Where to get it
