Robert Rosenkrantz, a self-made billionaire, attributes much of his success to the principles of Stoic philosophy.
In his recent book, *Stoic Capitalist: Very Ambitious Advice*, he discusses how the teachings of ancient thinkers like Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius have influenced his life. He believes these lessons can inspire others as well.
“The book challenges many contemporary cultural norms,” Rosenkrantz mentioned. “It emphasizes autonomy, personal responsibility, and refraining from seeing oneself as a victim. It encourages moving beyond the notion of helplessness.”
This memoir, releasing on May 6th, is rooted in Stoic wisdom. At 82 years old, Rosenkrantz is a self-made billionaire and a noted figure in private equity, hedge funds, and the insurance sector.
He stepped down as CEO of Delphi Financial Group in 2018, a company he helped grow to a hundredfold increase in value.
“This book targets individuals aspiring to lead lives distinct from their childhood,” he elaborated, recalling his upbringing in a cramped one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. “These are principles that can help manifest childhood ambitions.”
Inspired by his niece’s suggestion to document his life story, Rosenkrantz clarifies that this book isn’t simply about self-indulgence.
“It’s not merely a celebration of my experiences,” he stated. “I aimed to provide useful ideas that I derived from cognitive theory and Stoic philosophy to help others thrive.”
The book comprises concise chapters that trace his journey from childhood to adulthood, touching on themes like anger management, mortality, taxes, and beyond.
“Each chapter can be read independently,” he noted. “I don’t believe Stoic principles are outdated.”
Michael Bloomberg described it as “a compelling story of a life well-lived.”
“I see myself as a natural Stoic,” Rosenkrantz reflected, adding that Stoic insights have helped him navigate childhood challenges and achieve success later on.
He credits ancient Greek philosophy for teaching him emotional control.
“Stoicism uses reason to manage feelings,” he explained. “We all experience emotions, and denying them isn’t wise. It’s crucial to determine whether acting on those feelings aligns with your interests.”
A graduate of Yale’s class of 1962, Rosenkrantz shared experiences of anti-Semitism during his college years, asserting that after graduation, he was advised to seek employment only with Jewish firms. However, in true Stoic fashion, he responded, “You face prejudice—so what?”
“Growing up, Jewish children had limited opportunities,” he recalled. “I accepted this as the way things were and felt it was more constructive to adapt than to lament my circumstances.”
In his book, Rosenkrantz offers insights from his extensive career, covering topics such as acing interviews, wealth building, and negotiation tactics.
“Negotiation isn’t about winning; it’s a joint problem-solving venture,” he explained. “The goal is to reach a solution that benefits both parties.”
He acknowledges the fleeting nature of time, believing that embracing impermanence is vital to understanding its true value.
“Time is our most precious resource. Without recognizing that, it’s easy to squander it,” he said. “Money can be replenished, but time cannot.”
Rosenkrantz maintains that those who grasp these Stoic insights can live fulfilling lives.
“True freedom, in Stoic thought, isn’t about doing whatever one wants, but about mastering oneself and valuing each moment,” he noted. “A busy life can hinder thoughtful reflection.”
