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Why Good Humans Make the Best Warriors According to Naval Commander Will Spears

What happens when ancient philosophy meets modern military leadership? In this fascinating episode, we explore how stoicism serves as a cornerstone of warrior development and ethical leadership at the Naval Academy.

I'm joined by Commander William Spears, a Naval Academy graduate, submarine commander, and author of the upcoming book "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." As a prior enlisted sailor who worked his way through the nuclear program to Annapolis, Will brings a unique perspective on how ancient wisdom shapes modern military excellence.

Our conversation reveals how stoicism isn't just academic theory—it's a practical framework that has guided military leaders through the most challenging circumstances imaginable, from the classrooms of Annapolis to the prison camps of Vietnam.

Key Insights on Stoicism and Military Leadership

• How Vice Admiral James Stockdale applied stoic principles during his captivity in the Hanoi Hilton
• The connection between individual morality and unit morale in military organizations
• Why the four cardinal virtues—wisdom, courage, self-control, and justice—remain essential for modern warriors
• The difference between popular stoicism and its deeper philosophical foundations
• How virtue can be taught and developed through examples of exemplary leadership

To pre-order Will's book, you can do so here: https://www.amazon.com/Stoicism-Warrior-Philosophy-Insights-Morality/dp/1636246230

The Vermeer Group is a residential real company matching military families with trusted real estate teams across the country.  If you have any real estate questions at all, please text Grant at (650) 282-1964 or email [email protected]

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The mission of Academy Insider is to guide, serve, and support Midshipmen, future Midshipmen, and their families.

Grant Vermeer your host is the person who started it all. He is the founder of Academy Insider and the host of The Academy Insider podcast. He was a recruited athlete which brought him to Annapolis where he was a four year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a cyber operations major and commissioned into the Cryptologic Warfare Community. He was stationed at Fort Meade and supported the Subsurface Direct Support mission.

He separated from the Navy in 2023 and now owns The Vermeer Group, a residential real estate company that matches service academy families with trusted real estate teams all across the country. Text (650) 282-1964 with any real estate questions.

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