You Can't Outsource Wisdom: Bestselling Author Ryan Holiday on What the Stoics Have to Say About AI

Stoic philosophy offers a framework for navigating the rapid disruption of artificial intelligence by prioritizing human agency and critical judgment. While AI can scale productivity, it cannot outsource wisdom or replace the essential human capacity for discernment. The most vital skill in this era is a finely tuned "bullshit detector," as AI frequently generates confident but inaccurate information. Rather than succumbing to cognitive offloading or passive consumption, individuals should treat AI as a rigorous thought partner, employing iterative refinement—similar to the Kissinger method of demanding better work—to push beyond mediocrity. Ultimately, while technological change is a constant, the Stoic commitment to maintaining an even keel and focusing on personal character ensures that individuals remain masters of their tools rather than passive subjects of their professions.