OUR GUEST
Founder and Chairman of Open to Debate; Author of “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious”
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Our founder Robert Rosenkranz shares how Stoicism can serve as a guide for anyone seeking success and a life well lived
- Your Sunday reading list
In this week’s episode, instead of a debate, we offer some storytelling in the shape of a truly interesting interview. My guest is Robert Rosenkranz, the founder of Open to Debate. He is just now coming out with a book titled “The Stoic Capitalist: Advice for the Exceptionally Ambitious.” The story he tells is that of his own life, and the principles that have guided his journey from modest beginnings, to the building of considerable wealth, to the vision that today inspires and informs his various acts of philanthropy.
The “Stoic” part of our conversation is especially interesting, as Robert says he discovered fairly late in life that he had all along been practicing key precepts of Stoicism, the practice of living according to the philosophical framework that came out of Greece and Rome around 2000 years ago. We clarify that “being Stoic” does NOT mean being emotionless, as popularly misconceived, but rather approaching life with a mindset that is rational, deliberate, emotionally balanced and positively responsive to change. All of which is very relevant today, and which he aims to share with others.
His book offers lots of practical examples for applying these tenets to the life of anyone who reads it. His take on what to do with anger is one that should interest anyone who ever gets mad (which is everyone?).
Then, of course, we discuss the reasons he founded Open to Debate, and how that all came about, and how it connects to his hope that all of us may learn to listen better to people with whom we disagree. How does he think we’re doing at that? Take a listen to find out.
As I have told Robert many times, the chance he gave me to lead our debates as moderator-in-chief has afforded me one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional career. I was pleased to be able to put my thanks for that on the record in this program. I can also say — of the author Robert Rosenkranz — that his book truly is a good read. I recommend it. Just as I do this episode, which gets you behind the scenes in the life of The Stoic Capitalist, and Open to Debate.
Sincerely,
John Donvan
Robert Rosenkranz on why he founded Open to Debate
Robert Rosenkranz
“I felt the state of public discourse in America was kind of dismal; people on the right couldn’t talk to people on the left. If you introduced a political topic at a dinner party, the conversation would fall apart, and while there were thoughtful organizations, they were preaching to the choir, so I wanted to bring something to the public square that would be an antidote to that.”
“The Stoic Capitalist is as much about life as career, as much about personal growth as professional development, and as much about giving back as getting ahead. It’s an inspiring story of a life well lived.”
— Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies; Mayor of New York from 2002–2013
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
US Bonds Have Never Been Risk-Free, and Never Will Be
Allison Schrager | April 22, 2025
Bloomberg
Watch Allison’s debate on whether unions work for the economy
Netflix’s Adolescence: Ten “Teachable” Takeaways
Jackson Katz | April 26, 2025
In the Arena with Jackson Katz
Watch Jackson’s debate on whether identity politics could help Democrats engage men
The US ruled against Google’s monopoly — Europe should do the same
Daron Acemoglu | April 21, 2025
Financial Times
Watch Daron’s debate on whether artificial intelligence will do more harm than good
The Rise, Flower, and Fall of a Renaissance
Anjan Chatterjee | April 22, 2025
Psychology Today
Watch Anjan’s debate on whether college students should be allowed to take smart drugs
Debate Is the Antidote to Polarization
At Open to Debate, we bring people together across the spectrum to engage in respectful, fact-based debates. In a time of rising polarization, debate offers a path to understanding, common ground, and meaningful solutions. Debate doesn’t deepen divides—it helps bridge them. Your support keeps this necessary work going — donate today.
