The Daily Stoic Podcast
Episode: The Case for History (Before It Repeats Itself)
Guest: Kenny Curtis (host of "History Snacks" and "Greeking Out")
Date: February 21, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode of The Daily Stoic, hosted by Ryan Holiday, explores the value and purpose of studying history, especially in times of uncertainty and anxiety. Guest Kenny Curtis—known for his approachable, engaging history podcasts for all ages—joins Ryan to make "the case for history" for those who might not be naturally drawn to the subject. Together, they discuss how history offers context, perspective, resilience, and practical wisdom, revealing why connecting with the past is both a “superpower” and a vital tool for modern living.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. History as a Source of Perspective
- Ryan Holiday opens by reflecting on the comfort and clarity that comes from reading about past crises—such as the Civil War or ancient plagues—highlighting how humans have always faced chaos and uncertainty.
“It teaches and instructs. It doesn't always make you feel amazing, but it... gives you the perspective of the past.”
— Ryan Holiday (03:06) - Stoicism and Perspective:
“This is what Zeno hears from the oracle... the secret to the good life is to have conversations with the dead.”
— Ryan Holiday (04:11) - Studying history, for Ryan, is about building emotional resilience and calm.
2. Why History Matters—The Universal Human Experience
- Kenny Curtis and guest historian argue that understanding history is essential for any person, regardless of academic preference:
“You can't really predict the outcome as well if you don't know where you've been... It also brings us together, lets us understand the common experience.”
— Guest Historian (06:35) - History allows for recognizing recurring patterns, both negative (e.g., misogyny) and positive (cultural celebrations).
3. History Gets a Bad Rap—Why?
- History often becomes tedious in school due to its focus on rote memorization of dates and names rather than engaging narratives or real human stories.
"If you're not invested in these people as people... you don't really care.”
— Guest Historian (10:12) - Kenny and Ryan compare it to the difference between arithmetic and understanding mathematical concepts. Both agree the key is to find the human story beneath the facts.
4. The Tension Between Facts and Moral Lessons
- The conversation highlights the duality of facts and interpretation in history:
“Facts don't do anything in and of themselves without context.”
— Guest Historian (17:59) - They discuss how older histories prioritized the "vibe" or lesson, while current standards put more emphasis on verifiable details; both matter, but in different ways.
“It's like this tension here of, like, facts matter more than you think. And then also, some facts don't matter at all. What matters is the lesson, right?”
— Kenny Curtis (17:36)
5. Bias, Winner’s History, and the Importance of Source Critique
- The "winner's history" problem: significant events and injustices (like the Trail of Tears) were often downplayed or omitted from history books.
"When I was in school, that was literally glossed over."
— Guest Historian (15:07) - Kenny recounts how the wording used in textbooks can deeply shape perceptions (e.g., describing Emmett Till as a "man" instead of a "child").
“The decision to call him a man versus a child is an enormously significant fact that is changing how that story is perceived.”
— Kenny Curtis (16:19)
6. Making History Accessible and Alive—The Podcast Approach
- Kenny explains his strategy with "History Snacks": focus on striking, specific moments and overlooked details—like how ancient Greeks reacted to fossil finds or reading firsthand Pompeii accounts from Pliny the Younger.
“We try to focus on one or two specific moments in each episode.”
— Guest Historian (21:28)
7. History Is Never Complete
- History is living and always evolving as new discoveries emerge. Kenny uses Pompeii as an example—recent archaeology continuously reshapes what we know, from daily life to the eruption timeline.
“The story is changing and evolving even now.”
— Kenny Curtis (23:31) - The true joy is reached when you can engage with the sources and even disagree with authors, deepening understanding and critical thinking.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Harry Truman’s maxim:
“The only thing new in the world is the history you don't know.”
— Referenced by Kenny Curtis (08:27) - On the human side of leaders:
“When you find out that Meriwether Lewis was actually struggling with his mental health on a daily basis, ... suddenly, there's a lot more at stake there.”
— Guest Historian (10:20) - David McCullough on history:
“What history teaches, it mainly teaches by example. It inspires courage and tolerance. It encourages a sense of humor. It is an aid to navigation in perilous times...”
— Ryan reading David McCullough (26:40) - Marcus Aurelius on change and perspective:
“Constant awareness that everything is born from change... So then it would take an idiot to feel self importance or distress, as if the things that irritate us lasted.”
— Ryan Holiday quoting Marcus Aurelius (31:25)
Important Timestamps
- 03:06 — Ryan on history as edifying and calming
- 06:15-08:27 — The case for history's relevance, universal patterns, and empathy
- 10:10-11:00 — Why history gets a bad rap; the difference between rote learning and engaging storytelling
- 14:42 — History written by winners and the need to re-examine overlooked facts
- 16:19-18:45 — Wrestling with facts vs. moral/lesson; how historical interpretation matters
- 20:12-22:13 — Kenny on making history accessible; using overlooked stories
- 23:11-23:59 — Pompeii discoveries show history is evolving
- 26:27-28:32 — David McCullough & Ryan on history providing a guide for turbulent times
- 29:14-32:16 — Marcus Aurelius, ancient challenges, and the universality of change
Structure and Flow
- The episode begins with Ryan sharing his personal love of history’s context and comfort, especially in anxious times.
- Kenny and his historian collaborator pitch the essential case for historical awareness for everyone, relating it to modern issues.
- The discussion delves into how history is often poorly taught but is, at its heart, full of vibrant and even dramatic stories—and how approaching it this way can inspire new curiosity.
- They tackle history’s messy intersection of fact, narrative, propaganda, bias, and lessons, and why it’s important to maintain both skepticism and a search for meaning.
- Ryan and Kenny finish by connecting past and present: every generation thinks its challenges are unique, yet history provides the wisdom and confidence to face them.
Final Thoughts
Kenny’s new podcast "History Snacks" is recommended as a fun and smart way for kids (and adults) to engage with history’s best stories.
Ryan invites listeners to embrace history as a practical, living tool—a way to make sense of the present, reduce anxiety, and live more wisely. The core Stoic insight: "understand the present through the lens of the past."
For fans of history, education, and Stoic wisdom, this episode offers a compelling argument: Read, listen, learn—and befriend time.