Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams Episode: Lessons from Ryan Holiday: How to Stay Grounded in Turbulent Times Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, host Stacey Abrams engages in a profound conversation with Ryan Holiday, a renowned author, philosopher, businessman, and host of The Daily Stoic podcast. The discussion delves deep into the principles of Stoicism and their application in navigating today's turbulent societal and political landscapes.

Believing in Truth and the Importance of Facts

[00:00-05:53]
Stacey Abrams opens the episode by emphasizing the crucial role of truth in maintaining freedom. She references Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny, particularly Chapter 10, which underscores that abandoning facts leads to the abandonment of freedom. Stacey highlights the seductive nature of oversimplified and problematic theories propagated by autocrats and tyrants, noting how they distort reality to seem appealing and "common sense." She states:

"We cannot deprogram every friend or family member who believes the lies. But we can make the affirmative decision to believe in the truth, especially when the lie seems easier to believe and easier to live with."
— Stacey Abrams [02:15]

Introduction to Ryan Holiday and Stoicism

Stacey introduces Ryan Holiday, praising his work on Stoicism and its practical applications. Ryan responds by clarifying common misconceptions about Stoicism, emphasizing that it is not about being emotionless or passive but about actively controlling one’s responses to external events. He articulates:

"Stoicism as a philosophy to me is basically this idea that we don't control what's happened, but we control how we respond to what happens."
— Ryan Holiday [05:53]

This sets the foundation for their exploration of Stoicism's relevance in contemporary issues.

Stoicism in Turbulent Times: Relevance to 2025

[07:44-12:36]
Ryan Holiday reflects on the historical context of Stoicism, drawing parallels between ancient Roman times and today's political instability. He argues that:

"Things have always been crazy, they always will be crazy. But what I'm trying to say in 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and what I think the Stoics are building the philosophy around is this idea that all that difficulty and disruption... that's also the opportunity."
— Ryan Holiday [07:44]

Ryan emphasizes that Stoicism provides tools to rise above chaos, maintaining personal integrity and making meaningful contributions despite external turmoil.

Historical Perspectives and Their Modern Application

[20:08-35:25]
Stacey and Ryan delve into historical figures who embodied Stoic principles, such as the Roman general Belisarius, Toni Morrison, and George Marshall. Ryan shares stories from his book Right Thing Right Now, illustrating how individuals like Helvetius, a Stoic senator who stood against Emperor Vespasian, exemplify the courage and discipline Stoicism advocates. He states:

"Helvetius did his job as a senator. He did not think his job was to tell the emperor what he wanted to hear. His job was to say what he thought was true."
— Ryan Holiday [21:01]

These examples serve as cautionary tales about the perils of ego and the importance of steadfastness in one's principles.

Media Consumption and Information Diet

[24:12-30:44]
The conversation shifts to the impact of media on public perception and personal well-being. Ryan critiques the modern news cycle, arguing that constant exposure to breaking news can lead to misinformation and emotional fatigue. He advises:

"The more I check the news, the more it actually makes me want to check out. And the more that I read history... I would just urge someone to go read Taylor Branch's series on Martin Luther King, or there's a huge three-volume set on Gandhi."
— Ryan Holiday [25:08]

Stacey echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of a disciplined news diet to remain informed without becoming overwhelmed.

Discipline in the Face of Chaos

[41:48-44:41]
Discipline emerges as a central theme, with Ryan discussing how maintaining emotional balance is crucial in turbulent times. He references George Washington’s ability to remain composed during the American Revolution, despite immense stress and adversity. Ryan remarks:

"If you can maintain an even keel despite that, that's what makes it beautiful."
— Ryan Holiday [42:24]

Stacey adds that discipline involves more than just self-control; it encompasses proactive engagement in societal issues while managing personal emotions.

Contributing to Society: Practical Actions

[44:41-48:50]
Stacey and Ryan explore actionable steps individuals can take to contribute positively to society. Ryan emphasizes the importance of voting and local engagement, sharing his personal experience of volunteering to maintain his community’s environment. He advises:

"It's about picking up the trash, it's about showing up at a city council meeting... It's about giving of yourself so that you make the world a little bit better for someone who's having a hard time hanging on."
— Ryan Holiday [45:17]

Stacey reinforces the idea that small, consistent actions can collectively drive significant societal change.

Listener Questions and Advice

[50:54-57:37]
The episode features thoughtful listener questions addressed by Stacey.

1. Josh's Dilemma with Conservative Parents:
   Josh seeks advice on reconciling his progressive beliefs with his conservative parents who support Trump for protecting VA benefits. Stacey advises channeling shared values through service rather than confrontation:

   "Find a way that the two of you together can be in service for vets so he understands what they're facing."
   — Stacey Abrams [53:09]

2. Mary's Struggle with Organizing:
   Mary asks about balancing persistence in engaging her community without overwhelming her social circles. Stacey recommends:

   "Lean into those who want to be engaged and continue to share not only the invitation but the results."
   — Stacey Abrams [55:47]

Conclusion and Takeaways

In wrapping up, Stacey summarizes the key insights from the episode, encouraging listeners to:

• Be Curious: Engage with philosophies like Stoicism to navigate challenges.
• Solve Problems: Take proactive steps in your community.
• Do Good: Embrace small acts of kindness and civic participation.

She highlights Ryan's emphasis on disciplined media consumption and personal contribution as vital tools for fostering a resilient and informed society.

Key Quotes Recap

• "Stoicism... we don't control what's happened, but we control how we respond to what happens."
  — Ryan Holiday [05:53]

• "Things have always been crazy, they always will be crazy. But... that's also the opportunity."
  — Ryan Holiday [07:44]

• "Helvetius did his job as a senator. He did not think his job was to tell the emperor what he wanted to hear."
  — Ryan Holiday [21:01]

• "The more I check the news, the more it actually makes me want to check out."
  — Ryan Holiday [25:08]

• "It's about picking up the trash, it's about showing up at a city council meeting... it's about giving of yourself."
  — Ryan Holiday [45:17]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a rich exploration of Stoic philosophy applied to modern-day challenges, encouraging listeners to maintain personal integrity, engage thoughtfully with information, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Ryan Holiday's insights, complemented by Stacey Abrams' thoughtful questions, provide a roadmap for staying grounded and effective in an often chaotic world.