The Daily Stoic Podcast

Episode: If You Only Read a Few Books This Year, Read These

Host: Ryan Holiday
Date: February 15, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Ryan Holiday shares his highly curated list of transformative books for those with limited time to read just a few titles in a year. His selections are based on personal impact, tangible lessons for a better life, and themes that resonate across Stoicism, happiness, character, creativity, parenting, and finances. Ryan contextualizes each recommendation within both personal anecdotes and the broader cultural need for practical wisdom.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Value of Limited but High-Quality Reading

• Main Idea: Most people only read a handful of books each year, so it’s crucial to pick ones with high ROI—books that change your thinking and life ([02:34]).
• Quote:
  “Most people don't read a lot, right? A few books a year at most. So if you're only going to read a couple books in a given year, what book should you read? That becomes a much more important question.” – Ryan Holiday (02:34)

2. Book Recommendations and Deep Dives

A. 10% Happier by Dan Harris

• Why Read: Tackles how to quiet the unhelpful, anxious internal monologue and cultivate happiness and mindfulness—especially if you’re ambitious or high-achieving.
• Context: Begins with Harris’s on-air panic attack and his path to mental and emotional resilience through Buddhism and meditation ([03:57]).
• Quote:
  “Happiness isn’t this thing that just magically happens. It's about getting a little bit happier or getting a little better at removing sources of unhappiness.” – Ryan Holiday (04:30)

B. The Character Advantage by General Stanley McChrystal

• Why Read: Explores how character, not circumstances, shapes fate—a theme deeply rooted in Stoic thought. McChrystal’s later-life reflections, honesty, and vulnerability make it unique ([05:00]).
• Key Takeaway: The choices we make about our values and character define our lives far more than external factors like education or career.
• Quote:
  “We are currently in the middle of a massive experiment about what it looks like when we have leaders … that not only don’t have character, but don’t even pay lip service to character. And we are reaping the consequences of that right now.” – Ryan Holiday (05:27)

C. A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

• Why Read: Controversial author aside, the book is a timeless meditation on stillness, simplicity, and what’s truly essential. Lindbergh uses shells as metaphors in essays on solitude, love, and contentment ([06:23]).
• Personal Note: Ryan was moved on his wife’s insistence—describing it as a “prescription” rather than a recommendation.
• Quote:
  “It’s just a great reminder and a great how-to book for slowing down, calming down, achieving some small measure of tranquility and peace amidst the craziness.” – Ryan Holiday (07:21)
  “The main thing I don’t like about this book is that I didn’t read it when I was writing Stillness is the Key.” – Ryan Holiday (08:01)

D. Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy

• Why Read: A parenting book that will also make you a better person, partner, and child. Focuses on patience, owning your mistakes, and reconnecting after conflict ([08:36]).
• Core Concept: Remember that kids are “good inside,” and focus on repair rather than perfection.
• Quote:
  “What Dr. Becky talks about here the most, or what I took most from this book, is that what we need to do is get better at repair. How do you own your mistakes? How do you apologize? How do you fix things?” – Ryan Holiday (08:55)

E. A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy

• Why Read: A daily compendium of wisdom that Tolstoy considered his best work. Features thoughts from great philosophers for each day of the year ([11:39]).
• Ryan’s Practice: Reads a page every day; finds new inspiration with each annual cycle.
• Quote:
  “Tolstoy himself said that daily study was necessary for self improvement for people. And so he tried to make a book that was composed of wise thoughts for every day of the year from some of the greatest philosophers of all time.” – Ryan Holiday (12:07)

F. Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

• Why Read: Challenges conventional thinking about saving money for the distant future—focusing instead on using resources meaningfully while you can, and experiencing life and generosity now ([14:08]).
• Insight: Delaying “good” (like generosity) decreases your control and potential impact.
• Quote:
  “If you want to have a big pile of money at the end of your life… I’ve never seen somebody’s net worth posted on their tombstone. It’s about quality of life.” – Ryan Holiday (14:23)

G. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

• Why Read: Essential for creatives and anyone battling “resistance” (internal obstacles to achievement).
• Ryan's Ritual: Reads before every major creative project.
• Quote:
  “Every creative person is at war with themselves… The thing that gets between us and what we’re meant to do, what we’re capable of doing.” – Ryan Holiday (16:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On attitude toward life’s obstacles:
  “Obviously, mindset's a big part of that, but this book arms you with knowledge and gives you practical recommendations…” ([10:21])
  (referring to Built for Broken, brief mention—main focus on taking setbacks as transformative opportunities)

• On how to select books:
  “Somebody told me recently that when a person you know tells you to read a book, that's a recommendation. But when your spouse tells you to read a book, it's a prescription.” – Ryan Holiday (07:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:34] — Introduction and Ryan’s approach to book recommendations
• [03:57] — 10% Happier by Dan Harris
• [05:00] — The Character Advantage by General Stanley McChrystal
• [06:23] — A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
• [08:36] — Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy
• [11:39] — A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy
• [14:08] — Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
• [16:25] — The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Final Thoughts

Ryan Holiday’s selection isn’t just for fans of Stoicism, but for anyone who wants to live more mindfully, parent more effectively, create more fully, and make better choices about character, money, and happiness. His passionate, conversational style and willingness to address imperfections in even the books or authors he recommends make this compilation feel both accessible and essential.

For more, visit the Painted Porch bookstore or follow Daily Stoic for further insights and book-related content.