What Ryan Holiday Would Ask Marcus Aurelius

If Ryan could sit down with Marcus Aurelius and ask him one question, it wouldn’t be about Meditations or Stoic philosophy. In today’s episode, Ryan poses the question to Professor William O. Stephens, author of and they discuss why the answer is far more complicated than it seems.

👉 WATCH ON YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM3h-VhQPvY

William O. Stephens is a philosopher specializing in Stoicism, ethics, and ancient philosophy. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and spent over 30 years teaching at Creighton University, where he is now Professor Emeritus. His work spans topics like friendship, ecology, and human nature, with a focus on Stoic thought. His latest book is Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King (2025), and he is also the author of Marcus Aurelius: A Guide for the Perplexed, Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics, and Stoic Ethics: Epictetus and Happiness as Freedom.

Check out more of William Stephens’ work at https://WilliamOStephens.com/

📚 Grab a copy of Marcus Aurelius: Philosopher-King by William Stephens

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