Stoicism As A Warrior Philosophy: William Spears On Morality And Military Life

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Today, I sit down with William Spears, an active-duty Navy commander, former enlisted sailor, submarine officer, and author of the upcoming book Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. 

Mr. Spears shares his journey from enlisting just months before 9/11, to serving on submarines as an officer, to becoming an executive officer responsible for leading and shaping command culture. His story combines experience in nuclear power, submarine operations, and philosophy—offering a unique perspective on military life and leadership.

In our conversation, Mr. Spears and I discuss the challenges of Navy bureaucracy, shipyard culture, and the mental health struggles service members face in high-pressure environments. He opens up about his time as an XO, where he balanced accountability, morale, and mission success, while also emphasizing the importance of communication and transparency with the crew. We also examine the culture of “hurry up and wait,” the ripple effects of poor processes, and how good leadership can prevent burnout, misconduct, and declining morale.

Mr. Spears dives into the philosophy of stoicism—what it really means beyond social media clichés—and explains how its principles apply to military leadership, mental health, and everyday life. He highlights Vice Admiral James Stockdale’s legacy, the connection between stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy, and how philosophy can equip service members to face challenges with resilience. 

https://www.amazon.com/Stoicism-Warrior-Philosophy-Insights-Morality/dp/1636246230

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