The Stoic Capitalist

An exploration of the issues around the Stoic ideal of a well-lived life, and how anyone can learn to define and realise a modern version of it for themselves.

The Stoic Capitalist explains how Stoic philosophy combined with focused ambition can lead to great accomplishment, written by someone who has, by any measure, been successful in multiple realms of business, culture, and politics.

Bestsellers about Stoicism have proliferated in recent years, led by titles such as Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle is the Way and Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. The Stoic Capitalist takes a different approach, with a structure inspired by Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture – a series of short chapters intended to help readers achieve their childhood dreams and live a more fulfilling life. Rosenkranz presents a unique fusion of practical advice, street smarts, and frank reflection, spanning topics as diverse as high finance, political and moral debate, parenting, hiring and firing, hobbies, anger management, longevity, and more.

Rosenkranz was present at the creation of such revolutionary developments in finance as junk bonds, private equity, and hedge funds, but his interests are far broader. His story encompasses a lively global cast of RAND Corporation geniuses, artists pioneering new media, and scientist-entrepreneurs racing to reshape human longevity. In his personal life, he recounts his struggles and stumbles leading to acceptance and grace in marriage and parenthood; as well as secrets and challenges of reconciling the unruly psyche with rationalist psychology. He populates his narrative with iconic figures in the Wall Street boom years, such as his early mentor Leon Levy; iconoclasts and mavericks like his friends Michael Bloomberg and Mike Milken; unsung heroes and quiet leaders who build and run great companies and foundations; and corporate frauds including Bernie Madoff.

Robert Rosenkranz’s voice comes across clearly and insightfully on the page: unafraid to learn, tirelessly curious and inquiring, he personifies an openness to all viewpoints that is increasingly rare. Importantly, The Stoic Capitalist is not about coping with corporate life or using professional hacks to win a promotion – it is an in-depth exploration of the ancient ideal of the well-lived life and shows how anyone can define and realise a modern version of it for themselves.