The questions: 00:58 1. Who are you spending time with? 01:43 2. Is this in my control? 02:34 3. What does your ideal day look like? 03:41 4. To be or to do? 04:30 5. If I am not for me, who is? If I am only for me, who am I? 05:31 6. What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid? 06:15 7. Are you doing your job? 06:59 8. What is the most important thing? 08:07 9. Who is this for? 08:48 10. Does this actually matter? 09:38 11. Will this be alive time or dead time? 10:49 12. Is this who I want to be? 11:33 BONUS: What is the meaning of life?
I liked Seneca's quote about not being distracted by other people's paths and being focused on our own because very often we see other person's path as more accomplished, more interesting, and we get lost on our own path.
Dude it’s a play on the words to attract desperate and stressed people. Dude it’s basically controlled giving up so it’s not complete giving up Don’t worry about something you can’t change
“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” -Alan Watts. It’s funny, so much of our lives we waste trying to worship or do something right, that we don’t realize how much is passing by. The destination doesn’t matter, you’ll always get where you want to be. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, you’re supposed to have fun
@@Kainthemain In your opinion but highly disagree. A divine being isn't so petty that it would create an entire universe for the means of being served. It is beyond that sort of frail ego
@@chillociraptor5007 Its not my opinion. We were made too serve him. Thats our whole reason for existing. How can you know what the divine wants when you dont even read his texts. He clearly states in the Quran "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me" Verse (51:56). Even in the bible it says "The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise" Isaiah 43:21. And for you even think for a second that you have the abilty to think what God thinks is incredible arrogant. His wisdom is far beyond what any of us can imagine. Fact is everyone worships something,money,power, ego etc. But worshiping anything other than God in a proper manner is just a mirage of living and your not living your true purpose.
@@Kainthemain you know those texts weren't written by god right? While believing in something is noble I do not exist to serve anyone except my truest best self. And I think a God would find that a good incentive. Youre also just as ignorant as me in what you're saying and you don't even realize it. Respect your beliefs but respectfully disagree that that is our purpose. I personally believe our purpose is to be an image of god. To work towards a state of being akin to a divine grace. That does not come from trying to make sense of and worship something beyond our comprehension, that comes from understanding and serving ourselves. Becoming better, loving people. Not just for our brothers and sisters around us but for everything on this planet. By your logic may I ask why other creatures dont worship god? Why are we the ones that need to?
Found this page one day randomly...And now I'm on the 3rd book written by Ryan...It really changed my entire life and the life of those around me. Can't even express how grateful I am
Stoicism isn’t being silent and acting all hard being stoic is taking the hits life gives you and not complaining but standing up and taking the next step forward
I was raised stoic. However I was raised to know we are here to help each other to thrive.These are great questions and may raise more questions.. Love, light and joy to everyone.
"were killing time as time is killing us". That hit too hard but on a good way. I'm glad I found this. In a strange place in my life where I am trying to find out my next steps as my professional life is changing. Do I keep on the trudging path of sitting at a screen 10 plus hours a day or do I make a change to do something I truly want. With a family and home to take into consideration, it's not the easiest decision to make. But then again, they are the most important thing to me and keeping them happy and safe makes me happy. Great video!
It's best to regret the things we don't do, rather than the things we do. Not knowing, is worse than trying and failing. If you TRULY want to make the change, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck, mate
Mike, I think you can do both. The one thing that you never want to do is lay on your death bed thinking “what if?”, “should I have?”, “could I have?”. I am 53 years old and I JUST started to live my life in a way that is fulfilling and also keeping my family safe & secure. You can do it. Listen to your heart before you lose the ability to even hear anything. Have faith in yourself and God. You WILL alright.
We’re homeschooling our son and we’ve discovered how much we love watching your videos together! We were wondering if you would consider writing a book for children on Stoicism? Thank you always for the outstanding content!
We also homeschool and we've setup a "course" around 'Meditations' and 'Man's Search For Meaning'... A bit of back story, or son (12) is starting to fall into nihilistic ideas he must be getting from pop culture. So we want him to be provided with the tools to combat those tendencies... We've already listened to 'The Obstacle Is The Way' with him and noticed an improvement. Lesson plan: Read (at least) one excerpt from 'Meditations' per day and write about (at least) one. Length of the excerpt is irrelevant, just read one. You pick the one you want to write about, but it has to be positive, e.g. why you like it or how you can apply it... We're studying WWII this year so one of the books we'll be reading is 'Man's Search For Meaning'. We will have regular family discussions about both books, discussing how they relate to each of our lives... We also preview all the videos on this channel and watch the applicable ones with him... Discussing them as well.
I am unsure which algorithm brought this video to me, but it is extraordinarily timely, and I plan to return to it many times in the days ahead. Happy to have found your work and synthesis of these ideas, Ryan. Be well.
My greatest accomplishment was raising 4 human beings who are more successful that I ever was. They are my legacy, they are doing what I only dreamed of. They are who I spend my time with.
Hey, I'm a stroke survivor, and I'm one of the "hopelessly lost" you mentioned, and it's been SO awful...that I just decided in watching this video, that I choose instead to be "lost, but hopeful", because whatever help I can gather to become "un-lost", I'll take. Thank you Ryan.
This is one of the people who gave gave me the courage to start my TH-cam channel 2 months ago about self development and now have 69 subs and almost 50 hours watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so much lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place
This kind of stuff should be mandatory education in schools. The practical no nonsense nuggets of wisdom that make life far more manageable and fullfilling. I had zero direction in my late teens and early 20s until I found stoicism practices. They changed my life.
@@ivannasha5556 That is a good definition of school back in the days. Nowadays, school is like: you're all good, you won't fail even if you do, because we won't fail you, because that would totally screw you up and break your spirit.
@@williamk1452 " if it doesnt kill you, it will probably leave a nasty scar!" " if it moves, tax it. if it keeps moving, regulate it. When it stops moving, subsidize it!"
Awesome advice. Kinda like if you knew there was money in your yard you would dig the whole thing up. It isnt easy that's why so many dont do it. The ones who "WORK" for it, "WILL GET IT. " Yes Sir awesome advice for sure.
You really help me in my recovery almost life ending injury nearing 35 months of brutal rehab its been so mentally tough you have kept me on this side of the ground. Love ya bro
This makes life seem like such a serious endeavor, with so much responsibility for the individual to constantly be improving, striving, questioning his/her motives and actions. I agree this is good to do at times, but the way this person makes it sound, like life is all about winning or losing, getting better or getting worse, which implies a constant judging of yourself, as well as others. It's no coincidence many of the examples he uses are men in the military, or from professional sports- arenas where it's all about winning.
@@nommohunzuu9298 And where you are in life. I'm retired and my kids are grown. I really just want to enjoy myself and have a lot of fun with the few years I have left. I feel I've earned it. Now if I could just get my husband to retire too so I have someone to do things with. I guess I never found a cause that I wanted to work on till I die. Some people have that, I don't.
@@grannygoes7882 You can still get that. Its an 'over-arching purpose'! If you hope to live long into your retirement, then finding an over-arching purpose and staying committed to it will help you. people who have one tend to live longer than those who dont(taking into account those things simply beyond your control) What brought you here in the first place to watch this?
One of the most worthwhile questions I ask myself is "Who are you trying to impress?" Can't count how many times this has helped me be a better listener & more humbled appreciator of life.
I know these are important questions to ask because of the instant anxiety I felt. Reflecting on myself has been the most difficult journey of my life. I keep trying to remember that in difficulty and struggle there is growth.
Agree. I spent far too long people pleasing & needing others approval . Which never works. 1. You can't please everyone & not everyone will like you and 2. Some see it as a sign of weakness & use it to exploit & manipulate your good intentions.
Reflecting on myself has been the focal point of the last few years for me as well. The major take-aways from that refection contain my biggest weaknesses and the things I am most proud of in myself. As I find compassion for myself and nudge up against my growth-edges, I find that those weaknesses and that pride become one in the same. But I know it will feel different for everyone... Keep going
I've been called a Stoic for my entire life, and I have observed myself gradually changing throughout the years, considering that I have "evolved". But I can see that my change is a facade, because reacting to pointless situations only waste away your energy and psyche. Your videos have reminded me of what I need to consider as important and what as not. I look forward to watching your videos.
I would suggest worry/fear is not always destructive. When Covid hit, and I realized how unconnected I was in my new area, not having yet found “my tribe”, fear motivated me to learn how to grow my own food and prep for the unexpected in ways I previously hadn’t. I taught myself a lot of new things and gained confidence because of it.
Fear and worry are natural, so it ends up being about what actions you take. Do you get motivated and learn to prep food like you did? Or do you spend your day in a state of panic, complaining about what you can't control. Courage for example comes from fear, so in the end it comes to our reaction.
I don't think it's about the fear, but what you do with the fear. The questions is: Were you motivated by the fear, or motivated to conquer the fear? Fear is normal; there is nothing wrong with fear. But if we are held back by fear and it takes control of us, there is nothing we can do. In this instance, fear was a factor-however, I would argue that it wasn't the fear that gave your confidence, but the drive to conquer the fear. What do you think?
The internal battle to overcome the child in my mind, the child who wants to complain and run away from the difficulty or obstacle is tough. I catch myself getting down, frustrated, pissed off. When I catch myself I have to work hard to overcome those thoughts by progressively disassociating them from my self, having a good hard look at them and then FORCE myself to ask the tough questions as in the video. It is a battle and takes a lot of energy, but it is slowly getting easier and is beginning to take less time and effort than before. No progress will ever be made towards what I really want by indulging my inner child, so the only option left is work. It is HARD work, but the only really worthwhile work I will ever do. And in the end my own maturity and self control improves.
i’m going through the same issues, but as long as we can be aware of what we’re doing and looking for solutions to overcome we are one step further. we got this.
Some days I drift...and I do not even catch the fact that it is a drift day. Then I catch the drift, look back and realize my drift has been weeks. I wish I could catch my drifting sooner, but when I do it seems the right video or message populates in front of my eyes. Great message to end this most recent drift.
Love these questions. It's so important to stay on point with yourself, your truest ideas of what you want, who you want to be, so you don't wake up at 50 and ask, "Where did my life go?"
I liked how you quoted Seneca,... are we wasting life, ? and then you reiterated it with... Are we killing time? .... So in theory, time is life, Measured... ❤❤❤ Shout out to Seneca.. 😎
“How we spend our lives is how we spend our days” sheesh 🔥 definitely gonna be adding a video on this to my channel. Love that quote thanks so much for this 🙏
Marcus Aurelius: "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
That last question put a knot in my throat… Life is meaningful if we intend to make it meaningful, then we realize it is beautiful with its ups and downs… Thanks Ryan, working on the daily stoic journal everyday!
*Asking ourselves daily to define what we want out of life is a nice reminder when we get off track , as the World and all its distractions tries often to derail us from our goals.*
12 daily questions, cool. It reminded me "a questioned life is a life worth living". 12 is too much to begin with, then I choose 3 that will take the more out of my day. After being used to them, making a habit to pay attention, I will add more questions. *1 Who you spend time with?* This is a simple question with wide meanings: what types of books I'm reading? What channels and videos? Who I'm talking with? Am I spend enough time with my close ones? Sometimes I can get stuck watching the same type of videos, books, or spending more time with unknown people online than with my friends and family. To remind myself the type of people and content I want to spend time with will help me, as I will improve my relationships, moods and as they say "garbage in, garbage out" then I have to be selective of what I consume/spend time with. *2 What is under your control?* This is something I have to ask myself frequently, I'm used to freak out thinking of how things are uncertain, then focusing on things I can control will let me calm. Things as my actions, attitudes and plans. *7 Are you doing your job?* The example given was about paid work, but I understood it way bigger than that. Am I doing my role? Some of my roles are sister, granddaughter, daughter, friend, colleague, citizen and human being. What is my job as sister? What I expect me to do or others expect? Am I doing it? Am I improving on it? What can I do? What I want to do? This is important to me, but I never thought about it this way. Thanks.
Thank you Ryan ....you have been a vital key in my journey to self discovery , it's been absolutely crazy but amazing and beautiful lifting the veils of all my fears and bad habits and leaving behind all past programming. To becoming the best version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally ✨🌱🧘🌻
This resonates with me on a profound level. Tough questions that challenge the status quo that I've blindly accepted for too long. Thanks for sharing this.
"A life is made of up days" "How we spend our lives is our we spend our days." I love these statements! So many nuggets of helpful info in his videos : )
I’ve watched countless TH-cam videos on Self Help, Motivation, Self Discipline etc. hundreds maybe but this by far has probably had the most thought provoking impact. Time to reflect on what was said then act.
The "who is it for?" question is an easy one to answer. In my case, it's for the people who like the same comedy content as I do. So I make stuff that I like. There is no need for market research as I'll only be fulfilled by creating what I want to make. Making money from creating comedy is, when it happens, a positive byproduct. So I have a part-time job that I don't care about so that I can create work I do care about with integrity. So a perfect day would include, but not limited to, creating work I care about doing, and doing so with integrity and passion.
Often I think of an ubiquitous thing old people say, that is the fact you tend to resent the things you did not do in life when you can no longer do them. So, I frequently wonder about the things I keep myself from doing, that I shy away from. We should get more in the habit of taking more risks in life; by being bold and going for what we want to do, instead of what society thinks we should do.
I'm old and I agree with that. I often think of the miss opportunities I had when I was young. I also had a mother who was very frustrated professionally and very bitter. Every time I pushed myself and put myself out there, she thought of something negative to say about it. I see now she felt better about herself when I didn't succeed. Sad but true.
@@grannygoes7882 Very sad but all too common. It reminds me of the story of the crabs trapped in a cage/net. Every time a single crab would try to find an escape, one or more of the others would crab it and hold it back! That goes back to the question: who am I spending my time with? Thank you for sharing!
I found this this so useful. Instead of fleeting jumbled thoughts of what I need in my life after situations Ive found incredibly stressful , actually devoting an hour to it & writing it down gave me a feeling of purpose & being in control & I now have a routine & a plan . Thank you.
Best advice I’ve ever gotten. If it’s worth doing; it’s worth doing badly. Meaning: doing the thing not perfectly is better than not doing the thing for fear of it not being perfect.
This is very self focused. However, we are at our very best when we live for the benefit of others. We don't have to be slaves but nothing fills the mind with intelligence, the spine with courage, and the heart with love, like charity and kindness. One needs to be careful to avoid virtue signaling but we tend to have our own needs fulfilled when we help others from a sense of selflessness.
I absolutely love this, Thank you Ralph. I value doing inner work and healing, my friends, Family, Nature to help people in life and Empathy and compassion is important too. Love ,Peace, Light to you Ryan and everyone. Thank you universe. 🌝💖🤗🌹🫂🌌😁🥰😍💫😀
So good to sit down quietly, watch this video, let it all sink in and get all these little nudges to point me in a beautiful direction of life, thank you for that 🙏
I watch this video at least once a day, or some of it depending on how much time I have. I am changing my own life thanks to some sound advice from a good man. I will continue to come back to it once I have practiced enough to form a habit of asking myself without the help of a video. I really enjoy listening to you Ryan, cheers mate.
"What stands in the way, becomes the way"- thank you for your book Ryan. Now I've found a way for structuring my creativity and following my path. My bosses are paying me what I'm worth whether they want to or not. (Getting large sponsorships and building new websites with 140 overtime hours etc). Life has always been hard, but you have showed me the way to become more than I was before. Thank you for helping me answer life's true question. Why are we here? To be better than yesterday. I look forward to discovering the rest of your research and teachings on your channel.😊
I always have been a firm believer in The Meaning of Life is for you, and only you, to define on your own, by your own actions and decisions. No one can tell you what your own life should mean.
Always on point. I love your excerpts so much, my wife bought one of your books as a gift . Reading and learning from the stoics is the real gift. Thank you sir.
I was always the Master of my own life. With Stoicism I’m now the Master of everything! Not in a controlling way. I mean I can deal with anyone or anything.
Ryan, you have become one of the most treasured writers of my life. Thank you for all your work and dedication to thinking about creating a life of intentional living. You really matter to me and I mention your writing nearly every day to a stranger, I work with a lot of community.
A truly strong man is who they are regardless of who they are around. To transcend the influence of others and influence them instead no matter where they are in life to be better.
I’m so happy I found Ryan. I need his example so badly , having such a hard day today and his daily podcast was on suicide , my guides are listening for sure
@@CloudyMcCloud00 That's so unnecessary 😔 Are you not mature enough to understand that everyone has different beliefs and that it's OK not to have some condescending remark each time that said belief doesn't align with yours. What is it about someone mentioning GOD that makes people feel so superior?
@@atmywhitson The posting I was criticising included the words, "you cannot be saved by your own works" -- which is the opposite of the point of this video, and so is attempting to undermine it, which I disagree with. But, of course, the poster is entitled to their opinion, as I am to mine, and you are to yours. (It's God-botherers preying on the vulnerable that gets my goat.)
This is the G.O.A.T. and needs to be given to every human as their right of passage into adulthood! Thank you for wrapping this up in such a beautiful little package!
Ryan, my family and I were so fortunate to visit The Painted Porch this past weekend. It was amazing experience and now every video you upload from there has a very special meaning for us. My kids really enjoyed the children’s books corner. We had our books purchased there stamped by Adriana. Can’t wait to go back!
When I hear someone gibe the advice to think of these questions, I always end up wondering: did these become a part of my way of thinking and outlook because I studied philosophy - or did I decide to study philosophy because it speaks to my inner-most self? It can be surprising at times to meet (senior) people who not yet know how to ask themselves these questions. - But I'll admit, it takes practice and repetitin to ask oneself these grounding questions - and not forget them in times when you feel lost.
Thank you sooo much for this video! Came to me in the right moment! I need to remember stoics philosophy better in daily life situations. My mind always wants to get mad and frustrated about things....thank you Ryan...thank you stoics !
It'd be really cool to have this channel blossom into interview-based content where you are introducing other walks of life that practice stoic teachings. How do they set up their day, what are their challenges, what kind of people do they want to be? And as an expert in this field, being able to be a sounding board for them and a link into their life for viewers.
This is by far the best video I have ever watched with the most impact on me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally! Thank you! Subscribed and shared!!!! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Wow! I feel like I have heard the statement of think about your perfect day a thousand times but the idea of is the things that I do everyday, the work I do, the chores I do, the connections I make, the exercise, everything I do is it bringing me closer or farther away from achieving my perfect day. That to me is so profound. Because there are jobs I would rather have, things I might rather do, but those things may be bring me a better day day by day but ultimately will never bring me to that perfect day. That to me answers so many questions about what, where, when I should do things and whether or not I am making the right choice because it takes out the feeling and makes it simply is it bringing me closer or farther away from this one perfect day. Outstanding!!!
Stoicism is cold comfort for the hard determinist and/or depressive realist. We don't choose beliefs, we accept as provisionally true, that which we are convinced of. The question 'are you doing your job?' is reliant on a belief in teleology.
I think that one of the best teachers in my 50 years life has been the covid times. If I survive and come out on the other side I'm going to be much wiser and be happy for what I actually have instead of trying to live in a fantasy world
Thank you for this video. It was actually very refreshing as I've been bogged down with life recently that I completely lost distance, which these questions give.
I enjoyed this. There seems to be a theme of do more, push, go. I'm not sure I always agree with that. Question 4 I have always heard that question in a totally different light. We keep trying to be Humans doing rather than just showing up for ourselves in the present moment to have radical acceptance for who are are, just BEING!! We're human BEINGS not human doings ;) Thank you for the content. Provocative Questions.
The last question reminded me that some time ago I came to a foundamental realisation that the meaning of life is ultimately a creative question. The life is what you make of it. Yet you cannot truly create without inspiration. If you do something without inspiration it would feel meaningless. That's why many people find themselves lost, depressed in our world. Many can get stuck in something like a "writer's block" towards life. People need inspiration to fully live. My advise it to get acquainted with art, literature, philosophy from the young age, they are a great source of inspiration.
The questions:
00:58 1. Who are you spending time with?
01:43 2. Is this in my control?
02:34 3. What does your ideal day look like?
03:41 4. To be or to do?
04:30 5. If I am not for me, who is? If I am only for me, who am I?
05:31 6. What am I missing by choosing to worry or be afraid?
06:15 7. Are you doing your job?
06:59 8. What is the most important thing?
08:07 9. Who is this for?
08:48 10. Does this actually matter?
09:38 11. Will this be alive time or dead time?
10:49 12. Is this who I want to be?
11:33 BONUS: What is the meaning of life?
I'll be spending years trying to answer those lol
LOOK AT THE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO THIS CONTENT FOR THE WORLD THANK YOU RYAN I LOVE YOU BRADDAH
Excellent video. Thank you!
Took this one video to subscribe
10 of these questions are always on a depressed individuals mind….
I liked Seneca's quote about not being distracted by other people's paths and being focused on our own because very often we see other person's path as more accomplished, more interesting, and we get lost on our own path.
I can relate on that. Maybe that's the reason why I want to do and study a lot of things. And sometimes I'm not sure if I really want to do X thing.
So many lost souls riding the Facebook train. Tik tok serves as the caboose.
Every time I learn more about Stoicism, I feel more grounded in life.
A shorter variation of Viktor Frankl's statement I've heard is: _the meaning of life is to give life meaning._
Dude it’s a play on the words to attract desperate and stressed people. Dude it’s basically controlled giving up so it’s not complete giving up
Don’t worry about something you can’t change
That's brilliant! Normally i'm not into those circular statements but it's deep
Simple yet powerfull quote, an ode to action.
Great book to begin a life of reading. Frankel knew a little about gratitude...
@@Damnto delete this
“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” -Alan Watts. It’s funny, so much of our lives we waste trying to worship or do something right, that we don’t realize how much is passing by. The destination doesn’t matter, you’ll always get where you want to be. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, you’re supposed to have fun
actually its serving God.....Because one day you will die
@@Kainthemain In your opinion but highly disagree. A divine being isn't so petty that it would create an entire universe for the means of being served. It is beyond that sort of frail ego
@@chillociraptor5007 Aye. I heard from the masters. Chop wood. Carry water.
@@chillociraptor5007 Its not my opinion. We were made too serve him. Thats our whole reason for existing. How can you know what the divine wants when you dont even read his texts. He clearly states in the Quran "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me"
Verse (51:56). Even in the bible it says "The people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise" Isaiah 43:21. And for you even think for a second that you have the abilty to think what God thinks is incredible arrogant. His wisdom is far beyond what any of us can imagine. Fact is everyone worships something,money,power, ego etc. But worshiping anything other than God in a proper manner is just a mirage of living and your not living your true purpose.
@@Kainthemain you know those texts weren't written by god right? While believing in something is noble I do not exist to serve anyone except my truest best self. And I think a God would find that a good incentive. Youre also just as ignorant as me in what you're saying and you don't even realize it. Respect your beliefs but respectfully disagree that that is our purpose. I personally believe our purpose is to be an image of god. To work towards a state of being akin to a divine grace. That does not come from trying to make sense of and worship something beyond our comprehension, that comes from understanding and serving ourselves. Becoming better, loving people. Not just for our brothers and sisters around us but for everything on this planet. By your logic may I ask why other creatures dont worship god? Why are we the ones that need to?
Found this page one day randomly...And now I'm on the 3rd book written by Ryan...It really changed my entire life and the life of those around me. Can't even express how grateful I am
Stoicism isn’t being silent and acting all hard being stoic is taking the hits life gives you and not complaining but standing up and taking the next step forward
I was raised stoic. However I was raised to know we are here to help each other to thrive.These are great questions and may raise more questions.. Love, light and joy to everyone.
♥️
I was raised stoic-reformed
Words and ideas of religion books and your generous soul
Reality speaks differently, horriblly, surprinsigly...
Greetings from Morocco
The universe has a unique ability to give us what we need, when we need it. I needed to hear this today, of all days. Thank you, Ryan.
@Miles Doyle bible was written by men
@@LazyRare But most importantly..God inspired those men to write it.
Y TY yup
@@m.reynolds9663 Sure if God is their own brain and experiences then yes. This is nothing more than rational thinking from intelligent men.
The universe is not even aware of us
"were killing time as time is killing us". That hit too hard but on a good way. I'm glad I found this. In a strange place in my life where I am trying to find out my next steps as my professional life is changing. Do I keep on the trudging path of sitting at a screen 10 plus hours a day or do I make a change to do something I truly want. With a family and home to take into consideration, it's not the easiest decision to make. But then again, they are the most important thing to me and keeping them happy and safe makes me happy. Great video!
It's best to regret the things we don't do, rather than the things we do. Not knowing, is worse than trying and failing. If you TRULY want to make the change, you'll find a way to do it. Good luck, mate
Mike, I think you can do both. The one thing that you never want to do is lay on your death bed thinking “what if?”, “should I have?”, “could I have?”. I am 53 years old and I JUST started to live my life in a way that is fulfilling and also keeping my family safe & secure. You can do it. Listen to your heart before you lose the ability to even hear anything. Have faith in yourself and God. You WILL alright.
I think it's a quote from a song by oceans ate alaska
@@shmclaren6902 thanks for this ,i never knew i needed to read this today morning
@@DudeBroMma i think you meant it the other way around. its better to regret the things we do than the things we don't
We’re homeschooling our son and we’ve discovered how much we love watching your videos together! We were wondering if you would consider writing a book for children on Stoicism? Thank you always for the outstanding content!
Donald Robertson is currently creating a book on stoicism that’s accessible for children! Hope this helps :)
You are very lucky if your son is watching this guy daily😇🙏🏾
Check out "The Boy Who Would Be King" - An all ages fable about Stoicism at dailystoic.com/king
Why do you homeschool?
We also homeschool and we've setup a "course" around 'Meditations' and 'Man's Search For Meaning'... A bit of back story, or son (12) is starting to fall into nihilistic ideas he must be getting from pop culture. So we want him to be provided with the tools to combat those tendencies... We've already listened to 'The Obstacle Is The Way' with him and noticed an improvement.
Lesson plan:
Read (at least) one excerpt from 'Meditations' per day and write about (at least) one. Length of the excerpt is irrelevant, just read one. You pick the one you want to write about, but it has to be positive, e.g. why you like it or how you can apply it...
We're studying WWII this year so one of the books we'll be reading is 'Man's Search For Meaning'.
We will have regular family discussions about both books, discussing how they relate to each of our lives... We also preview all the videos on this channel and watch the applicable ones with him... Discussing them as well.
"Doing your best matters." This can apply to every aspect of life.
I am unsure which algorithm brought this video to me, but it is extraordinarily timely, and I plan to return to it many times in the days ahead. Happy to have found your work and synthesis of these ideas, Ryan. Be well.
im glad it brought me to it as well
My greatest accomplishment was raising 4 human beings who are more successful that I ever was. They are my legacy, they are doing what I only dreamed of. They are who I spend my time with.
My son listened to this video it has changed him for the better. THANKYOU so much.😚
Hey, I'm a stroke survivor, and I'm one of the "hopelessly lost" you mentioned, and it's been SO awful...that I just decided in watching this video, that I choose instead to be "lost, but hopeful", because whatever help I can gather to become "un-lost", I'll take. Thank you Ryan.
@@ProxyAuthenticationRequired thank you :) ...best to you too.
This is one of the people who gave gave me the courage to start my TH-cam channel 2 months ago about self development and now have 69 subs and almost 50 hours watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so much lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place
This kind of stuff should be mandatory education in schools. The practical no nonsense nuggets of wisdom that make life far more manageable and fullfilling.
I had zero direction in my late teens and early 20s until I found stoicism practices. They changed my life.
You think school is about teaching knowledge. School's primary function. Is to teach you to sit still, be quiet and obey orders.
@@ivannasha5556 That is a good definition of school back in the days. Nowadays, school is like: you're all good, you won't fail even if you do, because we won't fail you, because that would totally screw you up and break your spirit.
Your hardest times often lead to your greatest moments of your life. *Keep going.* Tough situations build strong people in the end. 💯🙏
Absolutely beautiful, Thank you. 😀💫😍🥰😁🌌🫂🌹🤗💖🌝
Um.. nope. 20 years after graduating and still haven't landed even a job interview, all life does is get worse and worse.
*"When something is important enough for you, you do it even if the odds are against you."*
I hope this message helps you. 🙂
"If it was easy than everyone would do it ". " What ever doesn't kill you ,only makes you stronger!"
@@williamk1452 " if it doesnt kill you, it will probably leave a nasty scar!" " if it moves, tax it. if it keeps moving, regulate it. When it stops moving, subsidize it!"
Awesome advice. Kinda like if you knew there was money in your yard you would dig the whole thing up. It isnt easy that's why so many dont do it. The ones who "WORK" for it, "WILL GET IT. " Yes Sir awesome advice for sure.
Wasn’t that Elon Musk who said that?
animal liberation cough what?
I really enjoyed this. Haven't watched Ryan Holiday for so long.
You really help me in my recovery almost life ending injury nearing 35 months of brutal rehab its been so mentally tough you have kept me on this side of the ground. Love ya bro
I can't imagine the inner strength and perseverance its taken to get through that. Wow. What an inspiration
.Many blessings to you .
I do what I want when I want where I want and with who I want. Blessed and grateful…….
This makes life seem like such a serious endeavor, with so much responsibility for the individual to constantly be improving, striving, questioning his/her motives and actions. I agree this is good to do at times, but the way this person makes it sound, like life is all about winning or losing, getting better or getting worse, which implies a constant judging of yourself, as well as others. It's no coincidence many of the examples he uses are men in the military, or from professional sports- arenas where it's all about winning.
That's interesting especially when looking at doing and being - as in we are human beings not human doings...mixing from multiple sources may help.
Depends on what you want for yourself, what you want from your limited lifespan, and how you benefit and affect those around you.
@@nommohunzuu9298 And where you are in life. I'm retired and my kids are grown. I really just want to enjoy myself and have a lot of fun with the few years I have left. I feel I've earned it. Now if I could just get my husband to retire too so I have someone to do things with. I guess I never found a cause that I wanted to work on till I die. Some people have that, I don't.
@@grannygoes7882 You can still get that. Its an 'over-arching purpose'! If you hope to live long into your retirement, then finding an over-arching purpose and staying committed to it will help you. people who have one tend to live longer than those who dont(taking into account those things simply beyond your control) What brought you here in the first place to watch this?
His approach to stoicism reminds me of the guys who tell Christians that God wants them to get rich.
One of the most worthwhile questions I ask myself is "Who are you trying to impress?" Can't count how many times this has helped me be a better listener & more humbled appreciator of life.
I know these are important questions to ask because of the instant anxiety I felt.
Reflecting on myself has been the most difficult journey of my life.
I keep trying to remember that in difficulty and struggle there is growth.
What are your biggest challenges/fears and how did you overcome them? If I may ask, that is.
Agree. I spent far too long people pleasing & needing others approval . Which never works. 1. You can't please everyone & not everyone will like you and 2. Some see it as a sign of weakness & use it to exploit & manipulate your good intentions.
Reflecting on myself has been the focal point of the last few years for me as well. The major take-aways from that refection contain my biggest weaknesses and the things I am most proud of in myself. As I find compassion for myself and nudge up against my growth-edges, I find that those weaknesses and that pride become one in the same. But I know it will feel different for everyone... Keep going
Thank you for that. ❤️
I've been called a Stoic for my entire life, and I have observed myself gradually changing throughout the years, considering that I have "evolved". But I can see that my change is a facade, because reacting to pointless situations only waste away your energy and psyche. Your videos have reminded me of what I need to consider as important and what as not. I look forward to watching your videos.
I admire your willingness to be honest with yourself.
I would suggest worry/fear is not always destructive. When Covid hit, and I realized how unconnected I was in my new area, not having yet found “my tribe”, fear motivated me to learn how to grow my own food and prep for the unexpected in ways I previously hadn’t. I taught myself a lot of new things and gained confidence because of it.
I agree with u
Fear and worry are natural, so it ends up being about what actions you take. Do you get motivated and learn to prep food like you did? Or do you spend your day in a state of panic, complaining about what you can't control. Courage for example comes from fear, so in the end it comes to our reaction.
I don't think it's about the fear, but what you do with the fear. The questions is: Were you motivated by the fear, or motivated to conquer the fear?
Fear is normal; there is nothing wrong with fear. But if we are held back by fear and it takes control of us, there is nothing we can do. In this instance, fear was a factor-however, I would argue that it wasn't the fear that gave your confidence, but the drive to conquer the fear.
What do you think?
@@sethmcmullen2332 My confidence came from how I was able to turn an “Oh shit” circumstance into a “Hell yeah” outcome.
The internal battle to overcome the child in my mind, the child who wants to complain and run away from the difficulty or obstacle is tough. I catch myself getting down, frustrated, pissed off. When I catch myself I have to work hard to overcome those thoughts by progressively disassociating them from my self, having a good hard look at them and then FORCE myself to ask the tough questions as in the video. It is a battle and takes a lot of energy, but it is slowly getting easier and is beginning to take less time and effort than before. No progress will ever be made towards what I really want by indulging my inner child, so the only option left is work. It is HARD work, but the only really worthwhile work I will ever do. And in the end my own maturity and self control improves.
Yeah brother...The ⏰ goes up and down and repeate itself...dragging you and me or else...)))
Thanks for sharing so honestly 👍👍
This resonates so much with me! I am right there with you brother! Keep focusing on the Big Picture!
i’m going through the same issues, but as long as we can be aware of what we’re doing and looking for solutions to overcome we are one step further. we got this.
I've never found something so relatable before, I hope it gets better for you tho
Saved my life. This Stoicism. Turned my life upside down.
When I was in tough situation with one of my family every thing that i valued in life just melted away until this day
Leaving social media and some friend groups this year has been liberating. Now I can focus on my family, my investments, and my coming business.
Rare when a TH-cam video makes you take written notes. Beautiful. Thank you 🙏.
Some days I drift...and I do not even catch the fact that it is a drift day. Then I catch the drift, look back and realize my drift has been weeks. I wish I could catch my drifting sooner, but when I do it seems the right video or message populates in front of my eyes. Great message to end this most recent drift.
Love these questions. It's so important to stay on point with yourself, your truest ideas of what you want, who you want to be, so you don't wake up at 50 and ask, "Where did my life go?"
I liked how you quoted Seneca,... are we wasting life, ?
and then you reiterated it with...
Are we killing time?
....
So in theory, time is life,
Measured... ❤❤❤
Shout out to Seneca.. 😎
“How we spend our lives is how we spend our days” sheesh 🔥 definitely gonna be adding a video on this to my channel. Love that quote thanks so much for this 🙏
Marcus Aurelius: "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
The meaning of life is to make yourself happy without hurting others in the process.
That's a good way to see it
True
That last question put a knot in my throat… Life is meaningful if we intend to make it meaningful, then we realize it is beautiful with its ups and downs… Thanks Ryan, working on the daily stoic journal everyday!
*Asking ourselves daily to define what we want out of life is a nice reminder when we get off track , as the World and all its distractions tries often to derail us from our goals.*
I’ve followed Ryan for a long time , what a beautiful mind and person . Ryan you help!
12 daily questions, cool. It reminded me "a questioned life is a life worth living". 12 is too much to begin with, then I choose 3 that will take the more out of my day. After being used to them, making a habit to pay attention, I will add more questions.
*1 Who you spend time with?*
This is a simple question with wide meanings: what types of books I'm reading? What channels and videos? Who I'm talking with? Am I spend enough time with my close ones?
Sometimes I can get stuck watching the same type of videos, books, or spending more time with unknown people online than with my friends and family.
To remind myself the type of people and content I want to spend time with will help me, as I will improve my relationships, moods and as they say "garbage in, garbage out" then I have to be selective of what I consume/spend time with.
*2 What is under your control?*
This is something I have to ask myself frequently, I'm used to freak out thinking of how things are uncertain, then focusing on things I can control will let me calm. Things as my actions, attitudes and plans.
*7 Are you doing your job?*
The example given was about paid work, but I understood it way bigger than that. Am I doing my role? Some of my roles are sister, granddaughter, daughter, friend, colleague, citizen and human being.
What is my job as sister? What I expect me to do or others expect? Am I doing it? Am I improving on it? What can I do? What I want to do?
This is important to me, but I never thought about it this way.
Thanks.
There’s lots of really good stuff in this video! It’s all “basic”, and yet most of humanity hasn’t come to grips with it.
Thank you Ryan ....you have been a vital key in my journey to self discovery , it's been absolutely crazy but amazing and beautiful lifting the veils of all my fears and bad habits and leaving behind all past programming. To becoming the best version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally ✨🌱🧘🌻
Bro. That’s why I’m spending time with YOU. Having you, Jocko and all the goods in my ear all the time. Trying to get better
How much Beyer do you need to get?
I love that you built an office for yourself and disguised it as a bookstore - LOVE IT RH ;)
It's amazing how Stoicism encourages us to accept things as they are. Very enlightening
This resonates with me on a profound level. Tough questions that challenge the status quo that I've blindly accepted for too long. Thanks for sharing this.
this is just a general video that resonates with everyone if they had a choice they would follow. its the default of human condition
Your work is most important and measured by the time spent on it.
"A life is made of up days"
"How we spend our lives is our we spend our days."
I love these statements! So many nuggets of helpful info in his videos : )
I’ve watched countless TH-cam videos on Self Help, Motivation, Self Discipline etc. hundreds maybe but this by far has probably had the most thought provoking impact. Time to reflect on what was said then act.
The "who is it for?" question is an easy one to answer.
In my case, it's for the people who like the same comedy content as I do. So I make stuff that I like.
There is no need for market research as I'll only be fulfilled by creating what I want to make.
Making money from creating comedy is, when it happens, a positive byproduct.
So I have a part-time job that I don't care about so that I can create work I do care about with integrity.
So a perfect day would include, but not limited to, creating work I care about doing, and doing so with integrity and passion.
It is a question of what you focus on. Focus, focus, focus! Do not become distracted by the things and people around you. Maintain your objective!
Often I think of an ubiquitous thing old people say, that is the fact you tend to resent the things you did not do in life when you can no longer do them. So, I frequently wonder about the things I keep myself from doing, that I shy away from. We should get more in the habit of taking more risks in life; by being bold and going for what we want to do, instead of what society thinks we should do.
I'm old and I agree with that. I often think of the miss opportunities I had when I was young. I also had a mother who was very frustrated professionally and very bitter. Every time I pushed myself and put myself out there, she thought of something negative to say about it. I see now she felt better about herself when I didn't succeed. Sad but true.
@@grannygoes7882 Very sad but all too common. It reminds me of the story of the crabs trapped in a cage/net. Every time a single crab would try to find an escape, one or more of the others would crab it and hold it back! That goes back to the question: who am I spending my time with? Thank you for sharing!
I saved this video as a “watch later” video and I just now watched it … and glad I did as I needed the content/context more than I realized. 🙏🏼
I found this this so useful. Instead of fleeting jumbled thoughts of what I need in my life after situations Ive found incredibly stressful , actually devoting an hour to it & writing it down gave me a feeling of purpose & being in control & I now have a routine & a plan . Thank you.
Best advice I’ve ever gotten.
If it’s worth doing; it’s worth doing badly.
Meaning: doing the thing not perfectly is better than not doing the thing for fear of it not being perfect.
This is very self focused. However, we are at our very best when we live for the benefit of others. We don't have to be slaves but nothing fills the mind with intelligence, the spine with courage, and the heart with love, like charity and kindness. One needs to be careful to avoid virtue signaling but we tend to have our own needs fulfilled when we help others from a sense of selflessness.
"If you play for the name on the front of the jersey, they will remember the name on the back". Love it!!
I absolutely love this, Thank you Ralph. I value doing inner work and healing, my friends, Family, Nature to help people in life and Empathy and compassion is important too. Love ,Peace, Light to you Ryan and everyone. Thank you universe. 🌝💖🤗🌹🫂🌌😁🥰😍💫😀
chillin and taking rest can also be alive time, an often overlooked fact in hustel culture
So good to sit down quietly, watch this video, let it all sink in and get all these little nudges to point me in a beautiful direction of life, thank you for that 🙏
No one makes you worst. You alone are responsible for that journey.
I watch this video at least once a day, or some of it depending on how much time I have. I am changing my own life thanks to some sound advice from a good man. I will continue to come back to it once I have practiced enough to form a habit of asking myself without the help of a video. I really enjoy listening to you Ryan, cheers mate.
"What stands in the way, becomes the way"- thank you for your book Ryan. Now I've found a way for structuring my creativity and following my path. My bosses are paying me what I'm worth whether they want to or not. (Getting large sponsorships and building new websites with 140 overtime hours etc). Life has always been hard, but you have showed me the way to become more than I was before. Thank you for helping me answer life's true question. Why are we here? To be better than yesterday. I look forward to discovering the rest of your research and teachings on your channel.😊
”God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.”
I always have been a firm believer in The Meaning of Life is for you, and only you, to define on your own, by your own actions and decisions. No one can tell you what your own life should mean.
Always on point. I love your excerpts so much, my wife bought one of your books as a gift . Reading and learning from the stoics is the real gift. Thank you sir.
I was always the Master of my own life. With Stoicism I’m now the Master of everything! Not in a controlling way. I mean I can deal with anyone or anything.
thats so awesome
Ryan, you have become one of the most treasured writers of my life. Thank you for all your work and dedication to thinking about creating a life of intentional living. You really matter to me and I mention your writing nearly every day to a stranger, I work with a lot of community.
A truly strong man is who they are regardless of who they are around. To transcend the influence of others and influence them instead no matter where they are in life to be better.
Make no mistake, the bell tolls for thee!
I’m so happy I found Ryan. I need his example so badly , having such a hard day today and his daily podcast was on suicide , my guides are listening for sure
@Miles Doyle The person you're replying to was talking about the man in the video. I don't remember Ryan endorsing any of that claptrap.
@Miles Doyle you don’t know what boul breath smell like you ain’t never heard from him
@@CloudyMcCloud00 That's so unnecessary 😔
Are you not mature enough to understand that everyone has different beliefs and that it's OK not to have some condescending remark each time that said belief doesn't align with yours.
What is it about someone mentioning GOD that makes people feel so superior?
@@atmywhitson The posting I was criticising included the words, "you cannot be saved by your own works" -- which is the opposite of the point of this video, and so is attempting to undermine it, which I disagree with. But, of course, the poster is entitled to their opinion, as I am to mine, and you are to yours. (It's God-botherers preying on the vulnerable that gets my goat.)
I really hope you`re doing okay. It will get better!
This is the G.O.A.T. and needs to be given to every human as their right of passage into adulthood! Thank you for wrapping this up in such a beautiful little package!
Ryan, my family and I were so fortunate to visit The Painted Porch this past weekend. It was amazing experience and now every video you upload from there has a very special meaning for us. My kids really enjoyed the children’s books corner. We had our books purchased there stamped by Adriana. Can’t wait to go back!
I constantly try to find answers, but often it's when I ask the right questions that help me the most.
When I hear someone gibe the advice to think of these questions, I always end up wondering: did these become a part of my way of thinking and outlook because I studied philosophy - or did I decide to study philosophy because it speaks to my inner-most self? It can be surprising at times to meet (senior) people who not yet know how to ask themselves these questions. - But I'll admit, it takes practice and repetitin to ask oneself these grounding questions - and not forget them in times when you feel lost.
This video is so valuable that it should be made into a self-help book.
This channel is simply amazing and very insightful! It has proven a great help in my life to find meaning, thank you!
I love that these videos make me stop, think, evaluate and make changes.
Thank you sooo much for this video! Came to me in the right moment! I need to remember stoics philosophy better in daily life situations. My mind always wants to get mad and frustrated about things....thank you Ryan...thank you stoics !
Ryan, you are up there with Dr. Peterson. Helping people who are lost, so thank you for helping to change the world for the better.
nope, both of them are useless.
It'd be really cool to have this channel blossom into interview-based content where you are introducing other walks of life that practice stoic teachings. How do they set up their day, what are their challenges, what kind of people do they want to be? And as an expert in this field, being able to be a sounding board for them and a link into their life for viewers.
Good idea
@@lindamon5101 yeah I'm an idiot, found his interview videos 😬
Ryan. You've changed my life. Thank you!
Ryan represents us Modern Stoics...
The teachings of Stoicism. This is really good.
Okay now this is wonderful. Most of these questions I wanna be able to remember them on daily basis. Wonderful video.
Write them down and carry them with you! or Focus on ONE of them per day.
I just like the midst of the task. Being in the flow, feels like some kind of accomplished mastery.
This is by far the best video I have ever watched with the most impact on me spiritually, mentally, and emotionally! Thank you! Subscribed and shared!!!! 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Wow! I feel like I have heard the statement of think about your perfect day a thousand times but the idea of is the things that I do everyday, the work I do, the chores I do, the connections I make, the exercise, everything I do is it bringing me closer or farther away from achieving my perfect day. That to me is so profound. Because there are jobs I would rather have, things I might rather do, but those things may be bring me a better day day by day but ultimately will never bring me to that perfect day. That to me answers so many questions about what, where, when I should do things and whether or not I am making the right choice because it takes out the feeling and makes it simply is it bringing me closer or farther away from this one perfect day. Outstanding!!!
Q1: Who are you spending time with?
A1: *Looks around* does my cat count?
cat: *knocks glass off table*
u: Is This Who You Want to Be Right Now??
Nah only People count.
@@Alex-hu8gj Cats>people in any regard
4 cats 😺 yea they do very much!
Of course your cat counts. Your phone doesn't count lol.
You are the one who gives life a meaning! Simple! 💯
Stoicism is cold comfort for the hard determinist and/or depressive realist. We don't choose beliefs, we accept as provisionally true, that which we are convinced of. The question 'are you doing your job?' is reliant on a belief in teleology.
I was hoping for a comment like this tbh
The Stoics have got it! This is all you need in life.
This one was incredibly powerful. Thank you Ryan.
this is just a general video that resonates with everyone if they had a choice they would follow. its the default of human condition
Free Time! Most valuable physical asset, man posseses.
I think that one of the best teachers in my 50 years life has been the covid times. If I survive and come out on the other side I'm going to be much wiser and be happy for what I actually have instead of trying to live in a fantasy world
Thank you for this video. It was actually very refreshing as I've been bogged down with life recently that I completely lost distance, which these questions give.
I enjoyed this. There seems to be a theme of do more, push, go. I'm not sure I always agree with that. Question 4 I have always heard that question in a totally different light. We keep trying to be Humans doing rather than just showing up for ourselves in the present moment to have radical acceptance for who are are, just BEING!! We're human BEINGS not human doings ;) Thank you for the content. Provocative Questions.
The last question reminded me that some time ago I came to a foundamental realisation that the meaning of life is ultimately a creative question. The life is what you make of it. Yet you cannot truly create without inspiration. If you do something without inspiration it would feel meaningless. That's why many people find themselves lost, depressed in our world. Many can get stuck in something like a "writer's block" towards life. People need inspiration to fully live.
My advise it to get acquainted with art, literature, philosophy from the young age, they are a great source of inspiration.