Lessons from the Stoics: Ryan Holiday on Purpose, Resilience, and Personal Growth
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength” Marcus Aurelius.
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Ryan Holiday’s lecture at The Troxy in London. Holiday, a modern philosopher and renowned author, has become a beacon for those seeking clarity and resilience through the ancient wisdom of stoicism.
The evening was a powerful reminder of how the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus remain as relevant today as ever. It struck me how closely these principles align with the mission of Extrology: to inspire lives of purpose and meaningful action.
As I sat in the packed auditorium, listening to Holiday’s reflections, I couldn’t help but think deeply as to just how stoicism underpins so much of what we discuss on the podcast. Extrology thrives on stories of resilience, habit-building, and turning challenges into triumphs—all core tenets of stoic thought. It was a timely and inspiring reminder of the philosophy that guides so much of my own thinking and work.
The Stoic Connection to Extrology’s Mission
The principles of stoicism aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re tools for transformation. At Extrology, we aim to explore these same tools through the stories and insights of extraordinary individuals.
• Purpose: Marcus Aurelius famously said, “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” This focus on aligning daily actions with a greater purpose mirrors Extrology’s mission: to empower people to live lives of purpose and intention.
• Resilience: One of the most resonant principles of stoicism is amor fati—’love of fate’. I interpret that meaning as a reminder to embrace fully, indeed to love the challenges life throws our way. It’s a theme that runs deeply through the stories of the leaders, adventurers, and innovators I’ve had the privilege to interview on the show.
• Action: Seneca’s call to seize the moment—“While we are postponing, life speeds by”—is a reminder to act decisively and meaningfully. Extrology seeks to inspire this same sense of urgency and possibility in its audience.
Key Lessons from the Stoics for Extrology Listeners
1. Focus on What You Can Control: Life is unpredictable, but we always have control over our responses. This principle can guide decisions, whether in leadership, career, or personal growth. Many Extrology guests have shared how focusing on their inner locus of control helped them overcome adversity.
2. Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities: Ryan Holiday’s seminal concept from The Obstacle is the Way echoes the experiences of many podcast guests. Whether it’s an entrepreneur transforming failure into success or an adventurer finding purpose in the face of hardship, the idea of growth through challenge is universal.
3. Living with Purpose and Meaning: The stoics emphasise living in alignment with your values. It’s a principle Extrology shares, celebrating individuals who’ve pursued their passions and built lives of significance.
The stoics teach us to embrace life fully: its challenges, its opportunities, and its fleeting moments. It’s a philosophy that resonates deeply with me and underpins much of what we strive for at Extrology.
If you’re curious to explore these ideas further, tune in to Extrology for inspiring conversations with individuals who’ve lived out these lessons. Whether it’s finding purpose, cultivating resilience, or turning obstacles into stepping stones, their stories offer insights to help us all live with intention.
What lessons from the stoics resonate most with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.