Bestselling author Ryan Holiday spoke on April 17 at the University Theater in conversation with UCR Chancellor Kim Wilcox. Holiday attended UCR more than 15 years ago, studying political science and creative writing as a University Honors student before leaving for an opportunity to apprentice under the author Robert Greene. 

Hosted by University Honors and CHASS, the event was emceed by bestselling author Susan Straight, a creative writing professor who was one of Holiday’s instructors. Holiday spoke to a nearly full house, many of whom were students, on his writings regarding stoicism. He pointed to the relevance of stoicism — an unemotional approach to problem-solving — in dealing with the present turbulent political and social landscape. His philosophically driven books, including “Trust Me, I'm Lying,” “The Obstacle is the Way,” “Ego is the Enemy,” and “Conspiracy,” have sold over 10 million copies and spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists.