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What do ancient Stoic philosophers have in common with early 20th-century success thinkers like Napoleon Hill?
In a thought-provoking interview, Russell Brunson sits down with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to explore how timeless principles from different eras converge on similar truths.
In this conversation, they dive deep into Stoicism’s four core virtues—courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom—and compare them to the guiding principles found in the New Thought movement and success literature.
Whether you're a student of marketing, mindset, or personal development, this interview offers powerful insights into mastering both inner discipline and external success.
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About Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday is a modern-day champion of Stoic philosophy.
A bestselling author, his works such as The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key have brought ancient wisdom to the forefront of today's leadership and self-development movements. Holiday draws on thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca to help readers build resilience, clarity, and a purposeful life in the face of chaos.
About Russell Brunson
Russell Brunson is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, founder of the Secrets of Success Mastermind community, and a leading voice in entrepreneurship, online marketing, and self-improvement. Beyond funnels and traffic secrets, Brunson is a dedicated student of success—studying both modern personal growth strategies and the foundational works of thinkers like Napoleon Hill, Wallace Wattles, and now, the Stoics. His curiosity drives him to explore timeless ideas and apply them in real-world business and personal contexts.
Who Were the Great Stoic Thinkers?
Ryan Holiday’s teachings are rooted in the wisdom of several prominent ancient Stoics. A few prominent stoic philosophers discussed in this interview with Russell Brunson include:
- Marcus Aurelius – Roman emperor and philosopher, best known for Meditations, a personal journal reflecting on how to lead with virtue, wisdom, and composure. His leadership under pressure makes his writings especially relevant today.
- Epictetus – Born into slavery, Epictetus taught that while we cannot control external events, we can always control our response. His teachings, preserved in the Discourses and Enchiridion, emphasize discipline, resilience, and freedom through inner mastery.
- Seneca – A statesman, playwright, and advisor to Nero, Seneca wrote extensively on topics like grief, anger, wealth, and the shortness of life. His essays and letters are filled with practical advice on how to live a meaningful life despite adversity.
These philosophers, though writing thousands of years ago, offer clarity and tools for dealing with the challenges of modern life—from uncertainty and anxiety to ambition and success.
>> Click Here to Watch the Full Ryan Holiday Interview with Russell Brunson
The Four Virtues of Stoicism
Ryan Holiday with Russell Brunson
As shared by Ryan Holiday in the interview here, the Stoics believed that true fulfillment and success come from embodying four key virtues:
- Courage – The ability to face fear, uncertainty, and difficulty head-on.
- Temperance – Practicing self-discipline, moderation, and restraint.
- Justice – Acting with fairness, honesty, and integrity in all dealings.
- Wisdom – The pursuit of truth, clarity, and right judgment in life’s choices.
These virtues, while rooted in ancient philosophy, have found echoes in modern self-help and business literature. Napoleon Hill, in Think and Grow Rich, emphasized character traits like persistence, integrity, and definiteness of purpose—concepts that align with Stoic thought.
Parallels Between Stoicism and New Thought Philosophy
During the conversation, Brunson reflects on how the Stoic framework mirrors teachings from early New Thought leaders such as Napoleon Hill, Wallace Wattles, and James Allen. While Stoicism emphasizes virtue and internal control, New Thought focuses on mindset, visualization, and the power of thought.
Despite their differences in origin and expression, both traditions teach:
- Self-Mastery: Control your emotions, your mind, and your habits.
- Purposeful Action: Align your actions with principles, not whims.
- Responsibility: You are the architect of your reality—externally and internally.
As Ryan Holiday noted, modern people are craving not just tactics, but a philosophy of life—and both Stoicism and New Thought provide that.
Final Thoughts
This interview between Russell Brunson and Ryan Holiday offers more than a surface-level chat—it bridges centuries of thought leadership to show how core truths never go out of style.
The 50+ minute interview go deep into a wide range of topics - from success strategies to topics like - how to discover inner peace while everything is chaos around you. Who doesn't need this?
Whether you're building a business or building a life, these time-tested principles remain powerful guides.
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