On this episode of Conversations with Tom, bestselling-author Ryan Holiday joins Tom Bilyeu to discuss stoicism, character, and the philosophy of action and how it can be applied to your life today to create a drive towards your goals. They discuss how the stoics would interpret today’s political culture and identity politics, the power of moderation as a virtue, why character is crucial to play the infinite game of life, what true heroes look like, and equality in America. This episode is brought to you by: Better Help: Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/impacttheoryAzlo: Sign up at Azlo.com/IMPACT and get a free copy of Azlo’s Small Business Starter Guide. Blinkist: Go to https://blinkist.com/impact Try it FREE for 7 days and save 25% off your new subscription.  SHOW NOTES: Stoicism | Ryan and Tom discuss how the ‘stoics’ would interpret today’s culture wars. [0:46]Be Involved | Ryan discusses how stoicism is a philosophy of action, not thought. [7:02]Politics | Ryan discusses today’s identity politics and it’s consequences on one's self. [12:00] Equilibrium | Ryan discusses virtues and their balance needed in today’s political culture. [17:55]Preferred Indifference | Ryan reveals why you should seek independence in thought. [23:41]Goals | Ryan discusses leadership, shared goals and how ego can be detrimental. [28:26]Character | Ryan reveals why character is what you need for the infinite game of life. [34:54]Elasticity | Ryan discusses the idea of ‘greatness’ and its elasticity. [41:48]Greatness | Ryan shares the incredible story of James Stockdale. [49:18]McCain | Ryan reveals why John McCain is in the same camp of greatness. [58:43]Heroes | Ryan reveals why we don’t celebrate true greatness in today’s culture. [01:02:41]Women’s Strength | Ryan discusses the power, courage, and impact of female heroes. [1:09:25]Sink or Swim | Ryan discusses the consequences of today’s changing world. [1:18:44] No Shoving Principal | Ryan discusses the power of competition and the drive to win. [1:22:16]Disadvantages | Ryan discusses the history of the unfair playing field in America. [1:29:00]Approaches | Tom discusses the different approaches to solving the same problem. [1:43:37]Impact on Others | Ryan discusses the ultimate purpose of stoicism. [1:46:46]FOLLOW RYAN: Website: www.ryanholiday.net Twitter: twitter.com/RyanHoliday Instagram: instagram.com/ryanholiday Facebook: facebook.com/ryanholidayAre You Ready for EXTRA Impact?If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you.This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day.Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJazSubscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices