Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene On "The Laws of Human Nature," Writing, and Memento Mori

Ryan Holiday sits down with bestselling author Robert Greene to talk about his new book, the craft of writing, Stoicism, amor fati, the art of persuasion and the importance of empathy.
Learn more about "The Laws of Human Nature" here: geni.us/BPje3
Learn more about amor fati here: dailystoic.com/amor-fati-love...
Learn more about memento mori here: dailystoic.com/memento-mori/
Subscribe to Robert Greene's newsletter here: powerseductionandwar.com/
Robert Greene has written six international bestsellers: The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law (with rapper 50 Cent), Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature.
Ryan Holiday is the author of The Obstacle Is The Way, Trust Me I'm Lying, Ego Is The Enemy, Conspiracy, The Perennial Seller, and Stillness Is The Key. He has been credited with leading the modern Stoicism movement. Ryan Holiday is also behind the Daily Stoic, a blog, e-mail list, and social media entity dedicated to Stoicism.
Daily Stoic KZbin:
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[@RyanHolidayOfficial]

What are your favorite quotes from this interview?

[@MGuggenheim1]

Really liked the part about overcoming natural elements (Ex: "why me" syndrome) and repurposing them into more accepting, loving and cohesive nature. Mr. Green asked "Can we train ourselves to feel joy when good things happen to other people?" Of course, there can be cases for standing up for oneself, the pursuit of justice, etc., but to have genuine feelings of joy when the person next to you is finding success, regardless of our relationship with each other and the situation, could be a wonderful thing for cultivating good vibes universally.

[@dankenny9]

The ability to influence someone comes from thinking about them.

[@alexschwartz1483]

Empathy is our superpower.

[@tb7934]

@@dankenny9 or thinking "as them."

[@MoneyFish-ul8yj]

48:45

[@KINGJOCK]

My favorite quote from this interview was; “approach people from the prospective of how they see themselves.”

[@mihaeltomic1995]

could you give a practical advice of this pls?

[@MrGoodeats]

@Nicolás Aguirre perspective. as in the way one perceives themself lol

[@MrGoodeats]

perspective. as in the way one perceives themselves.

[@arrow1042]

Isn't that kinda trying to please others? What is the difference?

[@migemailprivata1482]

@Nicolás Aguirre this is how you please others people!! you just approach him as a normal individual, why would you do that? so then he would make you feel like he is the superiror and eventually abuse the fact that you consider him as superiror, who in hell want to work in a place like that? you will hate and regret that. and if you got to talk with him, make him come to you, and say less than necessary, blablabla.... these are some of the first laws.... and are some of the first for a reason

[@kams718]

I am fortunate to be alive at a time where I can listen to Robert and read his books 📚

[@lentekrokus7936]

Yes, we got to see him when he is still alive .............but we can not meet him in person.

[@jms4406]

Are Robert greenes books as negative as he seems?

[@user-cv1fs7px2s]

@@jms4406 yes.

[@jms4406]

@@user-cv1fs7px2s ok cause that negativity only makes for good writing and conversation. Imagine living with that philosophy, it looks like another way to fear monger. Everyone's motives are shit so be very aware.....I lived like that for many years and it sucks ass being suspicious, if someone's deceiving me it's on them. That deep analysis of our subtle instincts and all that is fun for a time, but really it comes down to participating in life not dissecting it.

[@junacaba6451]

ok.

[@Kevinjohnwalsh]

The Student and the Master.

[@abstracks]

Kevin Walsh This is so amazing to watch. Very surprised that Ryan still wanted to be his assistant. Wasn't expecting that.

[@marinocabrera137]

sammy abstracktothe his research assistant. He probably feels that he has much to learn in that regard

[@marsirenas]

Indeed.

[@camilaeleuterio8292]

At 46:15, Robert Greene says something that saves so much money on therapy! He tells about the difference between two ways of looking at rationality. One way is telling ourselves "I'm rational" and then acting just repressing emotions; the other way is telling ourselves "I love rationality"and if in each situation we say to ourselves "what gives me pleasure is not reacting in the animal way, but thinking my way through it, analyzing who I am, analyzing what I'm doing and getting actual pleasure from that process"so you can conquer the lower self. This really helped me and already made a difference on my attitude and results

[@marsirenas]

I know that it is not intended in your comment but I want to make sure and give this wisdom comment to all who read this... In any way, a book should substitute a basic own mental health check-up a person should have every year with a professional good therapist. Mr.Robert Greene is definitely a great writer and gives great tools to the readers to improve his or her life. I totally recommend his work. He is a must-read and learns author and one the best of our times but when you are in therapy with a professional you are investing in what it is a priority. Your health is your own specific need and is a quality that it cant never been equal to books. The same goes for a generalist and internist and other professional specialists if one needs them. They are the consultant that you pay investing in the biggest gain business in every human life, there own health.

[@raahustaja7267]

The world is indeed full of self claimed rationality (men are notorious for despising emotions and all that is deemed as non-masculine) that comes close to insanity. It s vital to own your emotions, to become aware of one s own past and family in order to develop your character. Some of us are badly victimized in our childhood and life is not fair in that sense. But we all make the choice about what kind of a person we re struggling to become. Autonomy and inner freedom are always good goals even if it gets a lifetime to become fully your own self. Helping yourself is the key, there is a lot of helpers around and often they come in a form of books.

[@keepcreationprocess]

I love rationality - this helps me to survive life, I love rationality, this helps me to survive people....who hurts me, who are terrible....

[@malcombowser4335]

Both of my favorite authors

[@abstracks]

Malcom Bowser same, amazing how I found out about him through Charlemagne

[@malcombowser4335]

sammy abstracktothe same!

[@monicacalais1039]

Malcom Bowser Same here.

[@KentPD22]

This interview is like a dad and his genius kid. Amazing. Such a combo, I can see the chemistry between you guys, the sincerity in the questions and the answers. Two of my favorites, this was a treat!

[@wolfemme430]

Yes! And you can tell Ryan is actually listening and absorbing the information for himself as well. Sometimes with interviewers you can tell they are thinking of their next question or are somehow too focused on their role to actually listen and glean from the guest.

[@migemailprivata1482]

the chemistry is because of the passion about books and writing, eventually knowledge that they have in common, they kinda see themselves in the other person, one as younger and one as older.

[@iceblue1457]

It was tough watching that part of the interview where Ryan asked Robert Greene about the near death experience of Robert Greene. It brought to mind my own experience two years ago when I was not expected to see Christmas since cancer was progressing and we have ran out of option for me. The hospital gave me a walker when I left the hospital. A wheel chair was delivered at home. I recovered. Thank God. So glad to see Robert Greene recovering well.

[@thenightismyrefuge]

I love how Ryan humbles himself at 15:50 about his book at 1$, such a nice mentor - apprentice dynamic. Great people

[@sudharsanc.v2458]

Thomas 😂😂😂

[@Himansusekharnayak]

He understands the value of authenticity.

[@marsirenas]

Yes, he was very humble and share to all of us what he needed to do to gets his goal on amazon.com

[@pmtreacy10]

Never out shine the master.

[@Doddom]

​@@pmtreacy10 That's why Robert Greene says, "Never teach your tricks or they will be used against you"

[@rnleeklvn3780]

Mr Robert Greene Please Write Another Book GOD BLESS

[@watchsymposium]

37:53

[@jamessmith4455]

Robert Greene get better soon. The world needs you.

[@Stackem901]

Man I’ve been watching all of his new interviews all week

[@77Tadams]

Me too. I got the book. It is really good for reflecting on my nature and acceptance of others' nature. I really like this guy. He seems so humble and willing to meet his audience where they are at....and he explains that he meets his audience through story and then introduces heavy philosophy and psychology.

[@Stackem901]

77Tadams Yes sir what sticks out to me is he says you have to be honest and aware of yourself. That’s the upmost accountability and responsibility

[@NikkoKnight703]

Same here

[@SweeneyDaniel1]

Make sure you pick up one of his books as well!

[@hiitsme3039]

Me too

[@MrFrank107]

"Never outshine the Master" 1/48

[@True38]

That's right MrFrank, never outshine me.

[@ByFlerk]

Yes! But in his Mastery book, pg 93: "Your goal is always to surpass your mentors in mastery and brilliance."

[@claudiu_npd]

@@ByFlerk Your goal is to do this, indeed, but you shall not show it, until you no more depend on them

[@ByFlerk]

@@claudiu_npd Yeah I believe that's true

[@1_Lando]

@@claudiu_npd yes indeed

[@JTK11]

Robert Greene is the man! Soooo glad he recovered from his stroke. He may admit to having a “negative” bias on humans but he just understands the nature of survival. I mean if humans were immortal, emotions were easily controlled and resources were always available to everyone, then yes there wouldn’t be anything negative to say about human nature. However, if this were to happen, it would completely eliminate the meaning of human existence. You can’t have yin without yang.

[@JTK11]

Lord Bafford Yep, I concur with you.👍

[@Stackem901]

Lord Bafford Somebody has to push the status quo on how we think as humans

[@MarvelousFights]

Love this comment.

[@vegeta9728]

With Robert greene by my side. I am going to conquer the world. Great interview

[@jayluis189]

✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

[@munagubhaju4566]

And can you tell me what have you achieved in this one year since your comment.....?

[@TitoMitto]

Conquering yourself is much more important

[@nunu4evaaa]

update vegeta ?

[@kieuhuynh4653]

My husband recently asked me to read “48 laws of power” and I am so fortunate to learn about Mr. Robert Greene. Thank you for your life dedication! Just ordered 4 more books from you (I am so not a reader but I am addicting to your books)

[@iddyhabiyambere4788]

what are those 4 books you ordered from them

[@newjersey7491]

Robert is my favorite writer and he has changed my life with his books.

[@alexandermatheus7775]

Robert is a great writer, everybody in Brazil loves his books

[@difigo1945]

5:05 I love this moment

[@GregRobsonUK]

Loved the interview - I’ll be sure to check out the book (after I have worked through Ray Dalio’s Principles!) Wishing Robert Greene a continuing recovery from his stroke.

[@SebastianRamirez-sm7zp]

Greg Robson principles is well done have you checked out Ray’s other book

[@stm.natural_selection]

Principles into Laws of Human Nature will be an absolute treat. Enjoy

[@Stackem901]

Sebastian Ramirez Whats the other Book

[@GregRobsonUK]

@@SebastianRamirez-sm7zp Not yet, but I'm sure I'll seek it out after Principles. :D

[@bakhtiyoralikulov1]

Have you checked Robert's book ?

[@eliasmusonda3252]

After reading your book I have discovered that all the things that have happened to me in life so far, I have had a lot to contribute to it. I am responsible 💯 for what I want and don't want. Am also aware of how fragile iam as a human being.

[@mbarcco]

Brilliant man! The best professors I’ve learned from have told Stories to deliver their message. Making things practical to understand, thank you Robert Greene

[@MrDonkaun]

My professors and teachers too.

[@rnleeklvn3780]

Sir i hope you read this comment and show this to mr Robert Greene i just want to say thank Robert Greene you change my life how i deal, problems in life thank you for writing all your books, it become my guidance how i deal people around me. It makes me a better person. Its fulfilling each word from your book. You are my Mentor. Godbless Mr Robert Greene

[@ClarkeScott]

It's great seeing two men enjoying a mutual admiration for one another and the work.

[@dh4817]

Robert Greene is a person to admire, personally love his style of writing and his wisdom on the topics he dives in.

[@IchGluckspilz445]

Dear God, I hope you bless this man with more fruitful years to his life. Thank you mr. Greene for authoring such powerful, pragmatic books.

[@TheZGALa]

Much love to you both! Thank you for sharing your insights and perspectives.

[@Littlewing007]

This is wonderful! I just came across your channel this morning, and am SO delighted at the wonderful content. Looking forward to exploring! Thank you so much for sharing with us!

[@mouadlousimi3808]

it's great to see you Ryan and Robert in one place sharing with us all this thought 👏

[@joshmagee1]

The Master speaks, we listen!

[@Pratik1ful]

Thank you !! for this interview..this interview is very precious and powerful..🙏🏻🤗

[@jonaquijano9001]

"Will you meet this challenge?" Robert Greene is one of my favorite thinkers and writer. I love his intent for this book in opening you up to why our nature as humans is the way it is. I love the mentor-protégé dynamics between Robert and Ryan, how I wish we can all find that in our lives.

[@yannick8372]

Ryan, I can't thank you enough for these extremely interesting interviews you post. Doing this for free for us is such a generous gift.

[@23232323jumpman]

So much wisdom here - both Robert and Ryan have produced incredible works-loved the interview too

[@rafeeqwarfield9690]

Thanks for sharing this, Ryan. Cool to see you two together.

[@kimmoilar]

What a Great interview. I have been waiting for this book to come out. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[@viwerwairwai]

Thank you for everything, Robert.

[@ramia.alnufie4866]

Glad to get the email, you are as sharp and true in "human nature " as you were before. Thank you for keeping that unique quality there.

[@topdawg1692]

Roberts, is amazing to here, and be around, one of the greats! Keep having talks, for the future of humanity!

[@ColeAdams]

Thanks Ryan for uploading this interview or at least recording it! You two are the beat and I cannot wait to listen!

[@K_Rae_Bee]

I love their dynamic together. So endearing!

[@johnneacsu532]

Great interview! Inspiring. Thanks Ryan ! Appreciate

[@adamjones135]

Very cool to see the highest level mentore/mentee relationship in the world

[@richardsrensen4219]

i love this interview Ryan is asking some very good questions

[@ND-hg6ui]

Accepting people for who they are, gives you Freedom! Great inspiration

[@alisaa3999]

You have to always be on high alert and NEVER let your guard down. Thank you Robert Green for all of your books of wisdom.

[@energyguru4002]

Mr. Robert Greene my guru. Thank you for life changing.

[@lizwilldoit]

Hi Robert! Your books have changed my life! I am now working on helping to change the lives of others, thanks to you!

[@iloveumyisis]

Wow, I just wanted to practice my englihs listening but I got much more than I was looking for! Amazing conversation!

[@francorocket9908]

Two of my fav contemporary writers together this is so exciting

[@EthanJHatchett]

I loved this book so much! It is my favorite work by Greene so far.

[@youraveragemat]

Thank you Ryan, Thank you Mr.Greene for writing this book. It really helped me alot in understanding myself more.

[@dushyantsingh2067]

Love both these authors Amazing interview

[@brandnewyorker]

Thank you for lessons in humility and understanding

[@Malloubyn]

Two amazing people talking about what sounds like an amazing and impactful book. I’ll be sure to buy it!

[@raniatahoun568]

When someone shows you who they are you should listen .. so true I loved it .. great interview , Thank you

[@Stackem901]

Rania Tahoun Steel Sharpen Steel

[@earthangel8596]

Now that I’m in recovery, that’s how I feel about my addiction. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone because recovery is not guaranteed. This side of addiction is not a guarantee by no means. But I have been given a gift & every day I wake up & don’t use; I win. I’ve already done the hardest thing thus far in my 44 years of life & that’s kicking opiates. Now with 2 years in recovery I’m feeling like, “bring it on world!” There’s nothing I cannot accomplish now that I’ve overcome this. *That’s the Gift.*

[@markmendis5951]

Two of my greatest authors, respect to you two and of course can't forget Tim Ferris

[@camilaeleuterio8292]

Robert Greene mentions the author Anton Chekhov, whom I admire as well. What really astonishes me is that even with all the difficulties he was able to study medicine, become a doctor, help his family and even finding time to be a gifted writer. I would recommend his short stories for those who are interested. He wrote very funny ones that says a lot about human nature.

[@JamesScottGuitar]

I love the color grading of your video... And, of course, this was a great interview. 😉 Looks great, Ryan! Thank You. 🙏

[@poshansharma]

Two of my favs, awesome interview

[@learnenglishwithanawanmoi919]

I love the relationship between Ryan and Robert 💙♥️❤️💙.🎉

[@TAZS]

Great interview! I can’t wait to dig into this

[@11god87]

Took you guys long enough to do this, lol. Great to see my two fav authors coming together! Loving the L.O.H.N so far 👌🏾👍🏾(great book) thanks Robert. Get better!

[@stefantishma2829]

Both of you are great thinkers! I would like to hear both enter on question of spirit vs soul vs love

[@skionen1781]

Wow unbelievable this man is brilliant. I love Robert Greene books 👍🏼

[@lornag9608]

Robert Greene has such an amazing way of thinking and so helpful in making us understand how to become a better human being.

[@davidjenson7773]

Amazing thank you!

[@MaxEberle]

Amazing interview thanks guys

[@loverclif]

This is an amazing conversation, thank you for sharing

[@dinomiles7999]

How have you changed now that you have this info ? Eyes mind heart and soul wide open no fear.....

[@anuyamehre221]

This book has literally trasnformed me in many ways❤️

[@andredelacerdasantos4439]

Best interview ever. Ryan is so humble and obviously admires Robert a lot.

[@flip1980ful]

I just bought the book because of this interview thank you

[@Stephanie-hn3yn]

My biggest struggle in life right now is learning how to understand, accept and love people for who they are, but also keep them from hurting, disrespecting and using me.

[@stm.natural_selection]

Thanks for chucking this up. Robert is doing god's work by dissecting these significant matters. Great discussion

[@GiangTranAI]

Robert is the Master because he is so honest to himself! Genuine man!

[@MOTIVATIONBYDAR]

Crazy to see to think that these men together will have some of the most memorable work to last for many years to come after we are all gone.

[@hjbasson]

Great discussion. I immediately ordered the book.

[@wilfred5656]

Wow, I'm blown away by the incredible honesty of Greene.

[@AgathaTsing]

He’s so incredible!

[@bigwash8598]

I really enjoyed the part about death. I am 34 and I do the exact same thing Robert does. I’ve endured numerous hospital stays including a two week stint in which I didn’t know if I’d make it out alive. It was through my pain and suffering that I was relieved from the fear of death. I must admit it was liberating. I also enjoyed how he described death as a vast ocean and we are standing on shore. I truly feel like Ryan’s work with stoicism gave words and stories to match the way I live my life. I’m going to purchase the box set of all Ryan’s books because I enjoy his work so much. I’m thankful I have been listening to the interviews and daily stoic before the Covid pandemic. I felt overly prepared! Looking forward to more and more work from Mr. Ryan Holiday and Mr. Robert Greene.

[@oscarfernandez8791]

Great stuff! Thank you!

[@gameboy-rg9jf]

I hope he gets well soon, The only author I respect ❤

[@charliesheen3019]

Brilliant! This guy is absolutely amazing!

[@MindsetMatterswithSandra]

Mr. Greene is a gorgeous person! Please interview him more...he is so wise.

[@iceblue1457]

So glad to watch this engaging interview. Happy to see Robert Greene recovered well. Thank you.

[@cancerlaunched]

Upon reading Roberts books, its like I have shifted into a new paradigm of looking at the world. how the way people and contexts really work. So cool

[@Iamfga]

About to re-listen to the Audible and hopefully order the textbook soon. This book challenged my beliefs and also allowed me to understand the shadow more and I can’t wait to re-read read learn more! Thanks Robert for the work put into this book!

[@avaceleste]

They very much have a father-son dynamic. It’s very precious.

[@user-yk9sk7pg6v]

Thank you!

[@stevenfage]

Thank you for posting, both of your works have been life-changing, filling a gap from unmet guidance as an adolescent. You are doing humanity a great service by providing the tools for self-actualization. Please write a book, together :)

[@SaleemAkhtarArts]

Robert Greene words changed my life

[@magandangdilag3100]

My favorite quote is '' I'm always thinking when I'm writing _'' that's why I like telling story to let them understand _ 🥰❤️🥰

[@muhammadaulia8070]

Im so fqcinated with his book, give me insight that i never thought it was therw, what a legend robert

[@sapanacharya1365]

Robert Greene is such a gem. He suffered a sevear stroke last year paralysing his left side. .

[@MrTech153]

Ryan is so lucky to have worked , with Greene . (The great one ). Machiavelli is nothing compared to Greene , mark my words ,greenes books will be sold a thousand years from now. He is truly IMMORTAL .

[@Wingedmagician]

Love this guy. These guys!

[@carlosmaldonado6860]

Great interview! Love Ego is the Enemy and Mastery, can't wait to sink my teeth into Laws of Human Nature. I'm interested in knowing what camera was used to shoot this? The cinematography is beautiful.

[@ibregh7544]

It’s a great interview because Ryan is an author and he knows how to listen to the older author like Robert .. not like many interviewers who like to interrupt Robert !! That’s why this interview is great .

[@merly23]

I am enjoying so much of your work Ryan, however this is the first interview I’ve enjoyed and it’s because it’s the only one where you’ve allowed the person you’re interviewing an opinion instead of either correcting them or speaking over them with your own opinion - which comes across as very ego driven. It was lovely to see you can be humble - you obviously admire Robert Greene a great deal, as do I after watching that. Thank you.