Podcast Summary: The Daily Stoic – "It Can Make You Great | Accepting What Is"

Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Ryan Holiday

Overview

In this reflective episode, Ryan Holiday explores the ancient Stoic principles that helped history’s greatest leaders achieve self-mastery and contentment. The central theme revolves around the power of acceptance, drawing on classic Stoic texts and integrating the nuanced idea of “accepting what is”—not with resignation, but with an active embrace. Ryan questions, applies, and even critiques the teachings of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, encouraging listeners to thoughtfully adapt Stoicism for their own modern challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Enduring Power of Stoicism (00:00–03:50)

• Stoicism has guided generals, politicians, athletes, and leaders for centuries.
• Marcus Aurelius is highlighted as a model of virtue and discipline despite possessing absolute power.
  • “He was the most powerful man in the world. And yet still he worked hard, sought peace, remained compassionate. He didn’t indulge himself in pleasures…” (01:20)
• Ryan invites listeners to imagine the transformational potential of Stoicism: “If you could be disciplined even amidst incredible success as well as difficulty, how much more could you accomplish?” (02:13)

Applying Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life (03:51–07:40)

• Ryan discusses practical approaches to Stoic teachings, expanding on his Stoicism 101 course and experiences teaching Stoicism to diverse audiences (NFL, Fortune 500, TED, etc.).
• Stoicism is presented as an “essential tool in the pursuit of self-mastery, perseverance and wisdom. A way to live the good life.” (03:10)

Accepting What Is: The Serenity Prayer & Stoic Parallels (13:50–18:30)

• The episode’s central meditation draws inspiration from Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer:
  • “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”
• Ryan draws connections between classic Stoic acceptance and the prayer’s wisdom.
• Notable quote: “The Stoics wanted to push past simply accepting what is. They wanted us to be grateful and happy with what is.” (14:19)
• Exploration of Epictetus’ teachings:
  • “We get a well-flowing life when we wish for what is going to happen, not for what we want to happen.” (14:37)
• Marcus Aurelius is quoted:
  • “All you need are certainty of judgment in the present moment, action for the common good... and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” (16:00)

Notable Quotes & Key Passages

• Epictetus (Enchiridion 8):
  “Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will and then your life will flow well.” (15:23)
• Epictetus (Discourses 1:12):
  “To be truly educated means this: learning to wish that each thing happens exactly as it does.” (15:35)
• Marcus Aurelius (Meditations 9:6):
  “All you need are certainty of judgment in the present moment, action for the common good in the present moment, and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.” (16:00)

A Critical Look at Acceptance (18:30–23:10)

• Ryan explores the origins and surprisingly recent history of the Serenity Prayer, noting its ageless feeling.
  • “It honestly sounds like something that could come from the Stoics.” (17:25)
• He questions Epictetus’ unwavering acceptance of his harsh life, pointing out:
  • “Nowhere in Epictetus’ writings does he really question whether any of it was right or fair, whether anything could be done about it.” (19:40)
• Ryan encourages modern listeners to balance acceptance with constructive action:
  • “We live in a world now where people have more agency… because people were willing to fight for it and change.” (20:10)

Memorable Reflection

• “I just don’t want Epictetus to be misinterpreted as some sort of rationalization or acceptance of profound injustices… Progress depends on the unreasonable man.” (21:45)
• Listeners are invited to debate and push back on Stoic teachings:
  • “They weren’t perfect. They were products of their time… And we can challenge and debate and argue with them as long as we think we’re getting them closer to what the wisdom of the Stoics actually mean.” (22:40)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Stoic Acceptance:
  “Not ‘I wish this was different and I’ll tolerate it,’ but ‘I’m glad it happened this way. It’s for the best.’” (14:28)

• On Personal Agency:
  “Obviously the Stoics are mostly right that so much of what happens in this world is outside of our control. We should accept it. Resenting it, crying over it, whining about it, simply wishing it was otherwise does not do anything.” (20:45)

• On Healthy Skepticism:
  “I want you to be okay pushing back and questioning things from the Stoics as well. They weren’t perfect… And we can challenge and debate and argue with them.” (22:38)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:50 – Setting the stage: Marcus Aurelius, the transformative potential of Stoicism
• 03:51–07:40 – Stoicism 101 and practical applications
• 13:50–18:30 – Core meditation: accepting what is, with Stoic and Serenity Prayer comparisons
• 18:30–23:10 – Critical examination of acceptance, agency, and challenging Stoicism

Tone & Conclusion

Ryan Holiday delivers his meditations in a thoughtful, conversational tone, weaving philosophical rigor with gentle skepticism and encouragement for growth. The episode’s core message is that while accepting what is can lead to tranquility, it’s just as important to recognize when action is required. Listeners are empowered not only to learn from the Stoics—but also to thoughtfully, critically engage with their teachings and adapt them for a just, fulfilling modern life.