The Daily Stoic — Tie Yourself to the Mast | Ask Daily Stoic

Host: Ryan Holiday
Guest (Q&A Moderator): Dr. Scott Laker
Episode Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores the core Stoic lesson of using commitment devices to protect ourselves from temptation and distraction, drawing inspiration from Odysseus tying himself to the mast to resist the deadly allure of the Sirens. The episode features two main segments: an opening meditation on commitment, willpower, and Stoic practice, and a recorded Q&A session from Ryan’s appearance at the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, moderated by Dr. Scott Laker. The discussion covers the difference between “being Stoic” and being a Stoic, stoicism’s connection with optimism, the relevance of Stoic principles in modern times, and advice for teaching and modeling stoic values.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Commitment Devices: Odysseus and the Sirens

00:55–04:48

• Odysseus & the Mast:
  Ryan recounts the ancient myth of Odysseus tying himself to the mast to safely experience the Sirens’ song—a metaphor for deliberately setting up constraints to overcome temptation.
  • “What made Odysseus different wasn't that he had more willpower...it was that he was wise enough to know that he didn't.” (Ryan Holiday, 01:46)
• Commitment Devices in Behavioral Science:
  Modern psychology, as noted by behavioral scientist Katy Milkman, calls devices like Odysseus’s mast “commitment devices”—tools or strategies we use to protect ourselves from acting on our weaker impulses.
  • “It's the original example of someone facing temptation and coming up with a clever workaround...” (Ryan Holiday paraphrasing Katy Milkman, 01:29)
• Practical Stoic Example:
  Ryan shares his yearly participation in the “New Year, New You” Daily Stoic challenge as a commitment device for self-improvement, encouraging listeners to join and benefit from group accountability and structure.
  • “I know that if left to my own devices, I'm just going to continue as I always was.” (Ryan Holiday, 03:32)

2. Key Q&A: The Intersection of Stoicism & Daily Life

06:55–15:56

a. Stoicism vs. “Being Stoic” and the Role of Optimism

08:43–09:57

• Stoicism Misunderstood:
  Addressing confusion between “being stoic” (emotionless) and being a Stoic (philosophically engaged), the conversation highlights that Stoics are not devoid of hope.
  • “What [Marcus Aurelius] went through...That this guy got out of bed every morning to me was a profound act of optimism.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 08:58)
• Realistic Optimism:
  Stoic optimism is seen not as blind positivity, but as continued effort in the face of difficulty.
  • “The optimism isn't...just pasting a smile on. To me, the optimism is in what you do.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 09:44)

b. Personal Application: Stoicism and Everyday Obstacles

09:57–11:20

• Applying Stoicism to Life’s Daily Challenges:
  Rather than only addressing major traumas, Stoicism’s value lies in how it helps navigate daily frustrations—traffic, delays, broken things, conflicts.
  • “Most of what this philosophy applies to is like the everyday frustrations and difficulties and limitations of being a human being.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 10:33)
• Continuous Practice:
  Everyday adversity is where Stoic practice is most relevant and transformative.

c. Viktor Frankl & Logotherapy as Stoic Practice

11:23–12:36

• Philosophical Roots:
  Dr. Laker connects Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy directly to Stoic ideas, noting Frankl’s explicit borrowing from the concept of “logos.”
• Frankl’s Example:
  Frankl’s survival of immense suffering and his message in Man's Search for Meaning echo the heart of Stoic resilience—finding purpose through suffering.
  • Book recommendation: Yes to Life: In Spite of Everything by Viktor Frankl.
  • “The subtitle is In Spite of Everything, which to me is the essence of both Stoic philosophy and logotherapy.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 12:26)

d. Why Stoicism is Resurgent Today

12:36–13:59

• Stoicism in Uncertain Times:
  Interest in Stoicism grows during periods of crisis and uncertainty—not because times are easy, but precisely because they're hard.
  • “If I could trade some of my book sales for a slightly less insane world, I'm happy to take that hit.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 12:51)
• Secular Wisdom Gap:
  With reduced religious adherence and absence of widespread teaching in personal philosophy, many seek Stoicism as an “operating system for life.”

e. Teaching Stoicism to the Next Generation

14:03–15:23

• Learning Through Stories:
  The best way to instill Stoic values in children and early-career individuals is through compelling stories rather than direct instruction.
  • “We mostly learn these things through stories, right?...The main thing you can do is to model them and to be that example.” (Dr. Scott Laker, 14:15 & 14:58)
• Lead by Example:
  Modeling calm, humility, and resilience is more powerful than any lesson or command.

f. Memorable Closing Quote from Ryan Holiday’s Writing

15:33–15:56

• Core Life Tasks:
  “You have two essential tasks in life. To be a good person and to pursue an occupation you love. Everything else is a waste of energy and a squandering of your potential.” (Ryan Holiday, as quoted by Dr. Scott Laker, 15:39)

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------| | 01:46 | “What made Odysseus different wasn't that he had more willpower...it was that he was wise enough to know that he didn't.” | Ryan Holiday | | 08:58 | “That this guy got out of bed every morning to me was a profound act of optimism.” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 09:44 | “The optimism isn't...just pasting a smile on. To me, the optimism is in what you do.” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 10:33 | “Most of what this philosophy applies to is like the everyday frustrations and difficulties...” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 12:26 | “The subtitle is In Spite of Everything, which to me is the essence of both Stoic philosophy and logotherapy.” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 12:51 | “If I could trade some of my book sales for a slightly less insane world, I'm happy to take that hit.” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 14:58 | “The main thing you can do is to model them and to be that example of the person who is rising to meet the challenges...” | Dr. Scott Laker | | 15:39 | “You have two essential tasks in life. To be a good person and to pursue an occupation you love. Everything else is a waste of energy and a squandering of your potential.” | Ryan Holiday (quoted) |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Commitment Devices & Odysseus Analogy: 00:55–04:48
• Q&A Segment Introduction: 06:55
• Stoicism vs. “Being Stoic”; Optimism: 08:43–09:57
• Personal Applications of Stoicism: 09:57–11:20
• Logotherapy & Viktor Frankl: 11:23–12:36
• Relevance & Resurgence of Stoicism: 12:36–13:59
• **Teaching Stoicism (Modeling & Stories):**14:03–15:23
• Memorable Closing Quote: 15:33–15:56

Tone & Language

Ryan Holiday’s tone is engaging, clear, and practical, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary behavioral science. Dr. Laker contributes thoughtful, nuanced insights with warmth, emphasizing real-world application and the importance of modeling Stoic virtues.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a rich exploration of how ancient Stoic strategies—like commitment devices—remain powerful tools against modern temptation and distraction. The Q&A blends philosophical depth with actionable advice, showing that Stoicism is not about suppressing feeling or hardship, but about meeting life’s challenges with purpose, resilience, and optimism in action. The central message: tie yourself to the mast—commit, constrain, and continue striving for virtue, no matter what storms arise.