Person
Every book Brad Stulberg recommended on podcasts
Brad Stulberg appeared on The Daily Stoic podcast to discuss mastering change through science and Stoicism. Throughout the conversation, Stulberg and the host referenced several key texts that examine human endurance, historical crises, and adaptability. They discussed John M. Barry's The Great Influenza, drawing stark parallels between the Covid pandemic and the Spanish Flu, noting how historical responses down to masking remained remarkably similar. Stulberg also engaged extensively with the works of Viktor E. Frankl, specifically referencing Man's Search for Meaning to highlight Frankl's background as a Holocaust survivor, psychoanalyst, and writer who taught how to make meaning out of suffering. Furthermore, Stulberg highlighted Frankl's book Yes to Life, emphasizing its powerful exploration of tragic optimism, which stands in stark contrast to modern unconditional optimism that ignores the reality of tragedy. In addition, Stulberg discussed Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, specifically focusing on its final law regarding formlessness and how rigidity leaves individuals vulnerable compared to flexibility and the proficiency to adapt to changing environments. Through these references, Stulberg and the host utilized historical and psychological literature to anchor their insights on resilience, coping with uncertainty, and navigating major life transitions with grace and mental fortitude.
Books recommended by Brad Stulberg
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Man's Search for Meaning
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E.
Discussed“so you've got his books next door in the Bookshop and most people know Frankle for his book man search for meaning”
Where to get it
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The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene is a prominent strategic guide examining power dynamics, manipulation, and statecraft through historical anecdotes and philosophical insights.
Discussed“The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene has a powerful last law: assume formlessness. Rigidity is incredibly vulnerable compared to flexibility and the proficiency to adapt.”
Where to get it
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The Great Influenza
The Great Influenza by John M.
Discussed“crap you'll probably know the book about the Spanish Flu yeah uh the great influenza by John and Barry”
Where to get it
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Yes to Life
Yes to Life by Viktor E.
Discussed“and he he has a book yes to life that I think is really um like a b important in spite of everything”
Where to get it
Books Brad Stulberg wrote
- Master of Change
- The Practice of Groundedness： A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism | The Daily Stoic | 2023-09-06 | 7 |
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and um you know that was interesting part of the research for master of change was just seeing throughout history how whenever there are periods of um accelerated or punctuated change there are always demagogues and grifters”
“And you know, what was interesting part of the research for Master of Change was just seeing throughout history how whenever there are periods of accelerated or punctuated change, there are always demagogues and grifters that just prey on people’s homeostatic mindset and natural inclination to be scared of change and to want to cling to the old stability or”