Matthew McConaughey on Stoicism and Winning the Role of Life

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On this episode of the podcast Ryan talks to Academy Award-winning actor and producer Matthew McConaughey about his approach to the craft of acting, the simple keys to living a happy life, his new book, the #1 best seller Greenlights (geni.us/9MV2PNS), and more.
Matthew McConaughey has been working in Hollywood for over 25 years, appearing in movies like A Time to Kill, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Dallas Buyers Club. His work in the latter film won him the 2013 Academy Award for Best Actor. McConaughey also works as a producer and spokesperson, and recently released his first book, the bestselling memoir Greenlights.
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#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​ #MatthewMcconaughey
Music:
"Grow Old" by innerkid: ampl.ink/aKePP

[@benjahninjah9166]

I read this book Greenlights in federal prison, I read your book discipline is destiny a few months ago April of 2023 right before I was released April 25th 2023! You have changed my life forever! Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge! I am ready for this new self and a follower of the stoic path! Hope this message finds you! The most unconditional love! Blessings to you and your family!

[@GregKingston]

"Fear does us more harm than the things of which we’re afraid." Memento mori!

[@Fernando_Mendess]

"Life is the big movie, and the recorder is always on" Beautifully put

[@nickllanes8030]

Matthew McConaughey and the Daily Stoic? Alright alright alright!

[@WarmanHipHop]

Place your bets.. how many Marcus and Seneca quotes can Ryan tell in an hour interview

[@eighteenfiftynine]

Tried that as a drinking game. Died.

[@WarmanHipHop]

@@eighteenfiftynine hahahaha 😂🤣

[@e.g.9809]

Hahaha I noticed he always do that on his articles.

[@IBODEGAI]

Not enough.

[@joeyray8042]

Yes but the quotes are so good though 😆....but ye he is full of quotes.

[@boczernyk2619]

I am reading Seneca’s essay on the “shortness of life” currently, feeling good about my dedication to spiritual progress. I was reminded by a woman who works with the hungry & super poor folks here in the post-CV19 lockdown Cartagena barrios, that lengthy discussions of Philosophy and a higher morality, are reserved for those with a full belly.

[@jesusofnazareth6254]

Of course, but there's nothing you can do.

[@cygregory3773]

The short part about getting B's in 5 aspects so cutting it down to 3 and getting A's is spot on and such a great reminder in essentialism.

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

he's such a cool guy..... and McConaughey isn't bad either

[@MegaFount]

Brilliant in Frailty. One of the most frightening movies ever made. See it if you haven’t already.

[@FatimaT714]

Can't believe you got him on!!! That's amazing!!! So happy for you

[@PerryPapanier]

Blaming Trump for the current political environment or pandemic? Totally not fair if so.

[@steveratkaj6994]

Haha. Literally just finished watching his movie "Gentlemen" and here I'm now watching your vid with him. Just subbed to learn more about Stoicism.

[@BagOCheetos]

Welcome. Definitely sign up for his emails. He doesn't spam. One a day, every day.

[@katrinaornelas]

The BEST ❤ thank you so much for this hour. Loved, loved the later part and the dialogue! Warms the SOUL!!!

[@kreska6943]

McConaughey 2024

[@opetrescu]

Also, star of INTERSTELLAR! Why doesn't anybody talk about that movie? 🤔

[@earlj.d.6285]

That movie is magnificent! From the acting, concept, twist, musical score, execution and editing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@pauljackson171]

A masterpiece!

[@dejavukun]

One of the greatest movies!

[@DaPanda19]

Couldn't have been happier with that movie!

[@MegaFount]

Interstellar is a confusing mess of a meandering movie. If you make it through that movie awake you should win an academy award for endurance. It is a discombobulated mess.

[@wastnTIMEwastnTIME]

For a Stoic, you seem to allow Trump to own space in your mind with your words at the end there.

[@jn5285]

Simply masterful. Fully enjoyed. Great job Ryan and Matthew!

[@willmpet]

Michael Osterholm said that “though we may be done with the virus, it is not done with us.”

[@theaventusmind]

This was wonderful!

[@MrMonkey9911]

Im glad Florida figured out whats important .

[@jonleonguerrero]

Consumed the audiobook and listened to a couple of the interviews MM has done so far (including Rogan) and I think I enjoyed this one the most.

[@GregKingston]

I highly recommend the audio book version. I love the personal touch he puts on all the stories with his voice.

[@BreezyBVB7]

This was just so fantastic. Matthew explains things in such a romantic and beautiful way that resonates me. Definitely an inspiring man, and well organized by Ryan to keep things on track and on topic. Amazing video!

[@technerdy]

sooooooooo undervalued! more people need to watch this kind of content and be in these places of life

[@tinkywinky4449]

Agreed! Superb video!

[@obernardocouto]

39:00 hits hard

[@prowland8471]

Please Ryan - stick to stoicism....we dont' care what you think on COVID.....

[@StoicEvolution1]

Marcus Aurelius: "It’s the quality of your life that matters, not the speed with which you live."

[@tommycage5457]

Imagine failing to be stoic regarding covid..

[@9mwood]

I know. “Don’t be a preachy snob, not everyone can afford to stay home and read books.” -Marcus Aurelius ...jk he didn’t say that but I wish he did.

[@mirror382]

YES!!! "live each day as your last, but stay inside huddled in fear (which is not living) to make sure it's not your last". What? O' ye of little faith, why did you doubt?

[@brycejacob420]

Sounds like your judging... with arrogance, Marcus told us not to that, we’re you not once just as ignorant as those you speak of.

[@tommycage5457]

@@brycejacob420 ummm u just did what you're acusing me of doing 🤣

[@tonyzamora258]

Rambling about people that choose freedom over slavery and telling us you voted for Biden. Losing serious points for that stoic!

[@shanequigley7552]

Highly intelligent , down to earth and extremely relatable guy , legend

[@swordpoint9]

Matthew seems a great guy that never lost his touch with the common man. That remained himself common yet honest in the world of show business. The great guy you meet yet would never know from him his fame or fortunes! Blessings!

[@bonerdonor3916]

Seriously, this material that you are putting out is changing my life. I can’t thank you enough for putting my thoughts into words, and then really getting down into the surgery of it. I had a really rough Introduction to adulthood when I broke my lower back in a snowboarding accident. It was my first broken bone, and I come from a family history of addiction. This material has helped me stay focused on myself and my own challenges, while being able to do the best for the ones around me. There’s always so much to learn, and I’ll keep watching/listening/reading. Thank you for everything that you do Ryan.

[@Tinkerbella298]

I’d be really curious if time has made you realize different truths than what defined your truth about politics and the pandemic at the time this was filmed. I remind myself watching this on 4/24/23 that you were a human seeing the world unfold through the lens of your ego and understanding at that point in time. As I see it today through the lens of my ego and understanding at this time…

[@moresuperiorwear]

Great videos Ryan! Keep up the hard work, salute!

[@mmka5434]

I love both of them.

[@bogu3290]

A good interview but never forget: if you already have the status of being a famous actor, looking back all decisions seem to have been the right ones, because it worked out in the end. But for every famous actor in the US you have roughly 1300 actors less fortunate, unknown, most of them unemployed, for example, following the national statistics. I mean: sure it can be helping to ask those, who made it to the top how they got there, but never underestimate the part luck plays im this game. To be able to bear the lack of luck shows whether you are a truly a Stoic...

[@phrankenstein-wrongthinker1994]

Great vid, great channel. Still surprises me how very smart men can be very fearfully dim about COVID.

[@OOJosh]

Yooo Matthew McConaughey, that was unexpected. Thanks for the content!!

[@Cocobird5]

Fascinating interview. It gave me a lot to think about.

[@HussainBuAdam]

READS MEDITATION *alright alright alright* PS. Amazing meeting with Matthew! Thanks Ryan.

[@HenryHale]

Excellent interview because it was between two intelligent people. Instead of focusing on perceived petty wrongs, it was a pleasure for me to take in the actual content and message. MM is a very deep person because it is always incredible listening to him. ‘Greenlight ’ is certainly one of my next purchases. There are many people who teach from the Stoa.

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

great interview and great way to start the day.

[@alleyoop4465]

Boy, how hard it must be to "accept that life is what it is" if you're Mathew McConaughey.

[@damato5287]

Thank you Guys! Great Interview and discussions. Very Inciteful.

[@bigern182]

Greenlights is one of the best books I've read in a while..... and I read 2-4 books a month.

[@monocyte2210]

WOW just discovered this , its non other than the great BUSTER MOON!

[@PaulO-we1lt]

Covid is an issue. It is out there and very easily spread. I don't need the govnorment to tell me what to do or how to live my life. Stop being enabled. The govnorment and the Catholic Church enables people. Control your own being. Stop idleing through your dating life. What is your purpose?

[@wayfast2765]

Scamdemic , quit it Ryan

[@vhs10907]

The discussion was very good until you got to the ageism. It does not mean the previous discussion is invalid, but I would like for the two of you to reconsider some of your comments on age.

[@portiermartin]

Green light...if you always want what you get, you'll always get what you want says Cheri Huber.

[@phamilypharms9336]

Funny how the intro didnt age well . Thats ok , but surprises me they got Ryan with the fear porn . Respect & Blessings

[@wpf312]

This was great but where is the 9 to 5 stoic interview. I’m sure it’s tough turning down blockbusters but so is the everyday grind of work nobody really wants to be doing. Maybe I’m not looking at it in the right light?

[@theodorelapointe3624]

45:44 the best advice I need right now in my life

[@Rippedjohniii29]

Why not split the screen and keep a view of both of them the entire video instead of all this horrible back and forth ?

[@meriahs783]

Please shut up about Trump when Biden and Hillary are the alternative 🤦‍♂️

[@ricardomurillo5205]

I had mixed feelings with this actor til interstellar. I thought he was just a pretty cowboy but he has a deeper side.

[@kakimotoK20]

true detectives is my favorite

[@dennisoverholts8396]

Loved MM in The Gentleman

[@claudiascott6654]

Wonderful!

[@jonnyprice2062]

Great pod! Ryan, you must get Ross Edgley. Ross was the first man to swim around Great Britain, and wrote the incredible book 'The Art of Resilience,' which tells of his epic story and how stoicism mixed with sports science got him through.

[@happyhobo2217]

The opening has aged well……..

[@thcAk47420]

hind sight 2024 this interview aged like milk didnt it....

[@tj2636]

I was all ears watching the interview until politics was brought up. I'm just glad it happened at the end because the rest was gold. Very informative!

[@ramelkon4575]

💯% agree with you ... they lost me@the end ! Too bad ! THANK you for your opinion 🙏

[@ethan3942]

I totally agree as well.. Matthew McConaughey was respectful but Ryan was moralistic and over the top making assumptions about people’s hearts. I respect Ryan but man, come on. Can’t we all just stop hating people with different perspectives? I respect you’re right to disagree but where is all the hate coming from?

[@sheikherder]

@@ethan3942 That will change with time and wisdom. Ryan is young

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Why don't you enjoy the rights that you are gifted in the Bill of Rights? Not talking about politics is what living in China is like. It's what living in Russia is like. North Korea... When our parents were alive they were able to be adults and discuss things without getting emotional. They didn't let spam instill division. They didn't worship a cult of personality. They didn't worship one person. They knew what and why we have three branches of government. There's only one party that's lost its way and has been HIJACKED. It's hell bent on removing our rights without checks and balances. Over my dead body! Give me liberty or give me death!

[@wakefromtheabyss6778]

I guess you were really itching to let everyone know you voted for Biden, which is quite ironic... Because he's the furthest thing from a stoic. Politics ruin every topic not having to do with politics. Bad taste to bring it up but hey you do you bro. 🤙🏼

[@jw748]

I think the point about Trump and that sort of extremist politics was valid, given this was recorded only a few days after the election. The passive aggression in your comment doesn't exactly scream "I'm genuinely attempting stoicism"

[@wakefromtheabyss6778]

@@jw748 rome wasn't built in a day 😉

[@theodorelapointe3624]

Nice

[@hasgoodles7807]

I’m surprised you have taken this approach to people getting back to normalcy. I think it is much healthier to live the life you have, while you have it, and to put this virus in perspective, as it has a less than 1% death rate.

[@iakona23]

He relates the ideas of stoicism to his audience every day, but any time that he thinks about real life, as soon as stoic ideas conflict with his leftist political worldview, the leftism gains priority and the stoicism is forgotten.

[@MIDiver67]

@@iakona23 Good. I'm not the only one that noticed it.

[@micaarzur]

@@iakona23 Don't underestimate the power of brainwashing. Especially for those educated in liberal arts college degrees such as psychology or philosophy. Doesn't matter how smart the person is. If they're subjected to it for long enough, they will be brainwashed. Billions of dollars and decades of research have been dedicated towards brainwashing people. No one is too smart to be immune to it.

[@iakona23]

@@micaarzur All excellent points. I agree. Thank you for your reply.

[@JackBQuick79]

Thank you Ryan. Your decision to spread this wealth of information and wisdom, for free nonetheless, has made and is currently actively changing the way i think and my perceptions in a magical way. I have naturally had these thought patterns but had no clue that i thought stoically. Bringing this to my attention has made it possible for me to progressively polish the way i do think. I will forever be grateful to you.

[@vlox9915]

Admitted he voted for biden, can we get an update on how you feel about the state of the country? Video wasn’t terrible till you started spewing nonsense about politics

[@jamesford6042]

Are you living in fear and stillness about covid?

[@panospapadopoulos8026]

The pandemic comment in the beginning was totally unacceptable

[@micaarzur]

Makes me second guess this entire channel. I wonder if he was bribed to say it.

[@rstark]

Finally! I was waiting it so long! 🙏🏼 Thank you guys for this episode 😊

[@raygreen5926]

Death is the great Leveller, and transmutes all reality into an illusory spectre

[@ronniecreed6023]

Wow, two powerhouses of coolnes! Thanks for all the fun, from Buda, TX

[@dankyte766]

The cuts back to Ryan for "yeah", "right", and "sure" can be a little visually unpleasant when you're trying to sink into the conversation. Just a bit of feedback from someone who knows sod all about editing 😅

[@jonphipps7438]

they were hilarious XD

[@Randomaf488]

The edits are not very stoic

[@saif98230]

Stoicism & Mr.Cooper! This podcast is gold!!❤️

[@mayhem-ish]

I've had covid twice and have multiple comorbidities and I was fine enough of the covid talk

[@brianosborne1437]

An actor talking about life with a boy?

[@chrisramirez3058]

Dont mess with Florida Ryan

[@sloppyjoe400]

Of course, it has to get political.......

[@jonjon1842]

Lol at the covid bs

[@HenryHale]

The comment sections on the Internet magnify the cognitive dissonance in a lot of American society. The conversation was for 67 minutes and 32 seconds and included some profound information for those of us with some level of intellect. However, most of the comments are about petty sidebars. My suggestion would be to take away this option because the comments very rarely deal with the substance of your talks. Willful ignorance and intolerance are destroying this country and its worldwide reputation.

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

Yep

[@OA5ive]

This was sadly really hard to watch due to all the cuts and weird edits, so better off listening to it on audio without video

[@wpf312]

Lol first 30 seconds gave me whiplash! Great conversation nonetheless.

[@OA5ive]

@@wpf312 true

[@jerry-ny7hs]

I can agree with a lot of Ryans messages but I think his political views are very narrow minded. To dismiss a president Trump who half the population voted for and vilify him I believe is un warranted. Trump is loud and obnoxious at times but like you were even saying multiple times in this broadcast don't dismiss the message because of the delivery or the messenger .Trump has supporters from every race and to just label him racist, bigot ,etc. like main stream and social media does is a mistake. The Bias of America is unfortunate and it goes both ways but I believe the bigotry of the liberals is way worse . you need to look farther than the narrative that is pushed being Trump Bad period. I used to be democrat and voted so until actually looking what is being said. Trump at least will answer questions about his policies even to very biased and at times hostile interviewers or questions from the media. Biden hid out instead of talking about his policies and never takes questions. Kamala was the same not answering questions .

[@christinegriffith3377]

Nothing about Stoicism aligns with Trump as a person. Have you read any of these books?

[@jerry-ny7hs]

@@christinegriffith3377 yes i have . I am reading one now after reading 3 others. I believe Ryan like a lot of Liberals is just listening to the narrative that Trump is bad and so are his supporters and not actually listening to his policies or his messages . Trump has been attacked daily for the last 4 years having to defend from Russian Collusion never found , being called a racist after repeatedly saying he denounces klu klux and and white racist society and having many Black American, Cuban, Mexican etc supporters. He has denounced all violent protests which do include BLM protests. It is bigotry at its finest when even wearing a MAGA hat or shirt makes you a racist. by the way it means " Make America Great Again" not " WHITE POWER" that liberals including mainstream media and social media has tried to turn it into. Watch some Candace Owens or Larry Elder and you will see the racist view of Trump is not seen by alot of America including Black Americans

[@ikristina69]

Ryan, please don't switch video to yourself just for 'sure', 'right', 'yeah' (and same for when you're talking and your guest just says 'yeah'). It's very distracting. I had to stop watching and start listening only because of that. Thanks!

[@jusme8060]

Lost me at covid exists

[@CraigCastanet]

Ryan, rational policy is not the equivalent of callous indifference.

[@thestablishmentblues]

i've been practicing stoicism long before they paid me too...

[@brucelee2468]

Omg Matthew McConaughey is everywhere! Hot Wings, Rogan, Bilyeu, and Ryan Holiday. Fine... I’ll buy your book

[@singhsupreme52]

😂😂😂😂

[@auttoautaut95]

Agreed

[@jenjo6912]

"Let's have a better time doing something you don't want to do, than a $hi++y time doing something you don't want to do if you're going to do it." -Matthew McConaughey. 👏 Gonna get that as a bumper sticker brb

[@elbob3631]

Just got to the end and you start on politics. Your rhetoric is not stoic, not an individual, therefore your books and you are a fraud.

[@rODIUMuk]

True

[@YouTubeWatching67]

"If you don't get involved in politics corrupt politicians will get involved in your life"

[@elbob3631]

@@KZbinWatching67 true, but if you are pushing a stoic life, then dont push your view of politics. Surely a stoic will accept their own perception of life as it happens to them and not pedal their political view. No different to the media presuming that they know what is right for all individuals.

[@ikkespillendekarakter3924]

Neither Biden nor Trump are good for america.

[@carlotapuig]

He benefits from the freedom available in Florida... and uses the opportunity to complain about the freedom in Florida. Californians are becoming unbearable. The opposite of courageous and admirable.

[@DailyStoic]

Uh ok.

[@hvp6218]

Who's in Florida? Both of these men are in Texas.

[@carlotapuig]

@@hvp6218 Watch the video

[@micaarzur]

@@DailyStoic A lItTlE cRaZy AlLoWiNg PeOpLe To Go OuTsIdE lOl

[@MikeEnergy_]

ryan is a bit too much of a leftist for what I'd expect a stoic

[@micaarzur]

Weird for him to make such a comment. You would think a stoic like him would just admit he doesn't know enough about the topic to have an opinion on it. Almost seems like he was bribed/threatened to comment about it.

[@bigern182]

This Is Crazy! I always have a physical book going, and an E-book on my phone for when I'm at work, or out waiting in line somewhere. And the physical book I'm reading right now is Greenlights by Mathew McConaughey, and the E-book I'm reading is Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday. Then this video pops up in my feed. It was meant to be!

[@altairibn-laahad6333]

Or it's just google spying on you 😬

[@bigern182]

@@altairibn-laahad6333 No, I'm sure you're right.

[@designtechnology2083]

Impact theory, Gary V and now Daily Stoic 😃

[@jodi7196]

I live in Florida and it is wild here. I am often the only person in a public place ( gas station, grocery store, etc) wearing a mask. Not even the employees are wearing them oftentimes. 🙁😖😕

[@DailyStoic]

It's nuts!

[@micaarzur]

@@DailyStoic You're both nuts.

[@daau9900]

Alright Alright Alright..... He's here.

[@superdani152003]

🤣🤣🤣best comment!

[@Fatima_316]

Amazing conversation, learned so much and really enjoyed listening. Keep making podcast episodes Ryan, they're truly full of knowledge, wisdom and insight

[@jonnytowers5297]

Ryan please stop talking about Covid.

[@calravens8707]

Ryan, thanks for the inspiration - got my Hays edition of Meditations today - will now embark on this trip!

[@WillReusch]

Glad to be able to watch this. Schools need to take on Stoic education

[@downupsidetoside]

Are you done with covid yet?

[@hlkihglkhglkhg]

The more you Americans keep talking about political sides the less chance there is of unity

[@hoytmantexas]

Unity? That’s NOT the way to go We need left and right