Arthur Brooks on Finding Happiness and Stoicism vs. Epicureanism

Can you be disciplined and happy?

On this episode of The Daily Stoic Podcast Ryan talks to Arthur Brooks about the differences and similarities in Stoicism and Epicureanism, the obligation we have to each other as human beings, the importance of virtue in modern society, and more.

#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[JakeRichardsong]

Using macronutrients, or food, as a metaphor for happiness may be incorrect. According to the Dalai Lama, happiness is not arranging pleasures, it's just inner peace, or serenity. It's also not doing meaningful work, or family, friends, etc. Serenity does not depend on external circumstances. Inner peace is not grim or a lack of anything. It is a restful, neutral inner state requiring only the practices of serenity. It is also not mental activity such as thinking, reading or writing. Thinking, reading and writing can be seen has highly self--indulgent.

[alancortez]

Ryan, I love you and your content, however, I do get a feeling that you bring a lot of width, but not as much depth in the interviews. I would love to listen to three/four ideas well-developed and nicely analyzed instead of 10/15 that are more "bullet point" styles.

[Sashas-mom]

Wow Arthur Brooks 🙏🏻 Ryan thank you I’ve been living under a rock !

[blackandgold]

It would be nice if you went on about epicureanism as much as stoicism... but leave it to two stoics to be too focused on their own thing... And, you're right, Epicurus did get a bad wrap, and you just perpetuated some of it. He/they were NOT "all about enjoyment."

[joeli.]

Seneca wasn't Spanish. He was born and raised in what we call now Spain, but that didn't happen until years later. It's not correct to say that Seneca was Spanish; the Spanish language didn't even exist yet.

[AhmetKaan]

🙏 *5 Things to Never Do in Rush:*

*1) Giving away your trust*
*2) Making big desicions*
*3) Judging someone's character*
*4) Falling in love*
*5) Eating your food*

[raphael]

Yikes, the last portion of this interview did not age well, in my opinion.

[nicolaspalacios]

Notes:

-Enjoyment is a higher art than pleasure, It requires brain power.
-Succes is taking away the parts of your life that aren't you, you need to reveal yourself, understand who you truly are.
-During a falling tide you can only make one mistake: not having your line on the water.
-Four important things: faith/philosophy, family life, friends, meaningful work.
-When I'm here, death isn't, and when death is here, I'm not.

[mjolninja]

17:05 Amazing observation, I was in a middle of Highschool when it all happened. Everything in front of me was shattered, but few months came in during the lockdowns, I was able to find myself through learning and practicing, discipline and all those stuff, it felt so fluid. Now I’m practicing 4 languages, built my brand, gained mass, and more focused and aware of my present moment.

[richardmartinbishop]

I can’t have fun, I’ve been trying for years. It drives my family crazy. Every time I try to skip a workout I hear Goggins voice in my head telling me I’m a little bitch.

[physicaltherapyeducationso]

Great conversation gentlemen, a lot of very interesting points that will help me chisel away the unnecessary bits of jade. Thank you.

[rodgerbane]

Its probably the only way. As Jocko Willink says: Discipline equals freedom.

[edwarddench]

Hilarious how badly the rah rah experimental 'jean' delivery conversation aged (followed up by standing up for something made closely after)

[HEARToftheCITY]

Aw man I love Author Brooks. It was his podcast that introduced me to Ryan Holiday & Stoicism. Changed my life even more in a time where I was already making big life changes. It was divine timing!

[sourcehauntings]

Thank you thank you thank you!! Love both your insights so much! My son (14) who is a stoic, me more epicurean always have deep talks.. love this podcast and so excited to share it with him!

[cryptojunky]

Resisting the transition? Of what exactly..

[felixvandriem]

Thank you for this enlightening talk particularly contrasting and comparing stoicism and epicureanism. It has also made me fervently grateful that I am a born epicurean! But I thouroughly appreciate stoicism even though it always comes across as a form of pessimism.

[AdrianvanWijk]

I can't wait for this "thing" to be over because I want my kids and others kids (the adolescent dependant kids) to be able to engage with the world and learn to interact. Boomers oblivious need to learn form hardship but they shouldn't be so self absorbed to embrace mandates prevent learning basic life skills, kids suffer as a result.

[oak]

Bald Jake Gyllenhaal in the thumbnail

you all saw this, admit it

[hcct]

Living in the countryside, surrounding oneself with people who aren't as obsessed with vanities like money, power, and fame, and taking a step back from politics all sounds very Epicurean! Epicurus himself even said that the wise person would prefer the countryside. Love dialogue back and forth between these traditions. Great interview.