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The Daily Stoic · August 5, 2026 · 12m 41s

The Marcus Aurelius Quote Tom Junod Can't Forget

Ryan Holiday talks with acclaimed writer Tom Junod about discovering Stoicism and reading Meditations for the first time. Junod shares the specific line from Marcus Aurelius that stopped him cold — circling it three times, starring it, and dog-earing the page. They discuss why a Roman emperor's private journal still feels startlingly modern, and what it means to encounter Stoic wisdom later in life after an award-winning career as a journalist.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

One specific sentence from Marcus Aurelius struck Tom Junod so forcefully that he circled it three times, starred it, and dog-eared the page.
Ryan and Tom discuss why Marcus Aurelius's private reflections still feel immediate and relevant today.
What It Means to Be a Man
Junod's new book title reflects on the messages men receive about masculinity — and what they have to unlearn.

References

MeditationsMarcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hayes)The book that Junod read for the first time, containing the quote he can't forget.
In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a ManTom JunodJunod's new book, signed copies available through The Painted Porch.

Misc

The film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was based on Tom Junod's article in Esquire.
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