Ryan Holiday, bestselling author and Daily Stoic founder, appears on Australian TV show Extra hosted by David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffries to discuss the global resurgence of Stoic philosophy.

The conversation covers how ancient Stoicism applies to modern challenges, the misappropriation of Stoic ideas by certain online communities, and practical tools for staying centered during times of change and disruption.

What Stoicism Actually Means Beyond Pop Culture

Stoicism isn't just 'stiff upper lip' emotionlessness but an ancient philosophy about controlling our responses to uncontrollable events.

The philosophy goes back 2,500 years and teaches seeing everything as a challenge to meet with excellence and virtue.

Why Ancient Philosophy Resonates in Modern Times

People face profound change and disruption that feels scary, frustrating, and confusing - just like the ancients did.

'Change is perhaps the only constant' - Ryan, explaining why timeless philosophy applies to modern technological disruption.

Current challenges are 'supercharged by technology and social media and how interconnected we all are' compared to ancient times.

Practical Stoic Tools for Daily Life

Meditations shows Marcus Aurelius using private journaling to work through thoughts rationally instead of dumping emotions on others.

Stoicism provides 'thought exercises and practical tools' for dealing with responsibility, bad bosses, or powerlessness and discrimination.

'If Stoicism just prevents us from making the problems we're dealing with worse, it's already going to help us' - Ryan.

Rejecting 'Broicism' and Misappropriation

The four Stoic virtues are courage, self-discipline, wisdom, and justice - with justice being inseparable from the others.

'If you think stoicism is this recipe for being more selfish, for being disconnected, for being a better sociopath, you're getting it wrong' - Ryan.

True Stoicism makes practitioners 'a better person, a more caring person, a more empathetic person, a better parent, a better spouse, a better citizen.'