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926 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
926 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
It's one of the first non-fiction books I've really enjoyed, not as good as his most recent ones but good.
medium-paced
I really enjoyed the Everyday Stoic (not sure that is the title), so someone recommended I read this, his first book. I found the "every day" book better for me because it was a short reading followed by a full day of reflection. Listening to this book, there were no natural breaks in terms of how this applies to my life.
Also, I recently listed to Simon Sinek's Infinite Game and the two books seem so different - Holiday uses a lot of "win, victory, crush, etc." language, which is exactly what Sinek says is the wrong way to think about your company, career, relationships, etc. Definitely a contrast effect since I read one right after the other - but interesting to see such a sharp contrast in language.
I listened to this on Audible and although Ryan Holiday was easy to understand, I found his voice distracting (he sounds congested).
Also, I recently listed to Simon Sinek's Infinite Game and the two books seem so different - Holiday uses a lot of "win, victory, crush, etc." language, which is exactly what Sinek says is the wrong way to think about your company, career, relationships, etc. Definitely a contrast effect since I read one right after the other - but interesting to see such a sharp contrast in language.
I listened to this on Audible and although Ryan Holiday was easy to understand, I found his voice distracting (he sounds congested).
This short book is inspired by the ancient Stoic philosophers, with various principles laid out, using stories of modern humans. I didn't care for all of the stories - I find Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs to be less than inspiring - but some were new and fresh.
This book is less about learning valuable information and more about getting a kick in the pants to suck it up and make things happen. It seems to be targeted mainly towards people wanting to create software startups, but the principles could apply to anyone.
Strangely, the book is padded with a lengthy interview of the author by Tim Ferriss at the end - likely from an episode of the latter's podcast. I found it to be wholly unnecessary. Skip it and this book is even shorter.
This book is less about learning valuable information and more about getting a kick in the pants to suck it up and make things happen. It seems to be targeted mainly towards people wanting to create software startups, but the principles could apply to anyone.
Strangely, the book is padded with a lengthy interview of the author by Tim Ferriss at the end - likely from an episode of the latter's podcast. I found it to be wholly unnecessary. Skip it and this book is even shorter.
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Some good general overall advice but I didn't feel like I was able to really get stuck into it. Felt it was mostly just anecdotes vaguely sewn together
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
I have long been a fan of Ryan Holiday’s “The Daily Stoic.” Having read it consistently every day since January of 2020. I did not realize how pivotal it would be in helping me navigate the Pandemic. That book I thought was enough but then I was gifted this book and of course I have had so much more to learn.
It reminds me of an updated version of Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power.” More concise and to the point. Grouped neatly into three key sections that build neatly on each other. Its brevity is what helps make it sticky. Strong historical anecdotes set the scene and deep analysis give you actionable summaries. Holiday’s style is to move you to act not just be inspired.
This is a compelling book in the motivational category that is not burdened by the cliche and kitschy language of similar entries in this genre. Slowly, over the course of reading it the mantra will creep into and settle deep into your brain; The Obstacle is the Way! Or put another way, this is the way. The stoic, measured view on the world. I am looking forward to reading more by Holiday.
It reminds me of an updated version of Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power.” More concise and to the point. Grouped neatly into three key sections that build neatly on each other. Its brevity is what helps make it sticky. Strong historical anecdotes set the scene and deep analysis give you actionable summaries. Holiday’s style is to move you to act not just be inspired.
This is a compelling book in the motivational category that is not burdened by the cliche and kitschy language of similar entries in this genre. Slowly, over the course of reading it the mantra will creep into and settle deep into your brain; The Obstacle is the Way! Or put another way, this is the way. The stoic, measured view on the world. I am looking forward to reading more by Holiday.
The Obstacle is the Way discusses and illustrates the philosophy of stoicism using examples from history. Stoicism has 3 components: perception, action, and will. Holiday explains each component by using figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and U.S Grant to show you how you can turn the obstacles life throws in your way into advantages. The obstacles will become part of the solution rather then remain a problem.
Holiday's is a well-written book that is easy and enjoyable to read. He expounds upon stoic philosophy in an intelligible way that anyone can understand. Holiday engages readers by framing each, brief chapter around a historical person. Each chapter allows readers to learn about important historic figures and invites them to think about how they would view the problem the figure faced.
I found this book inspiring and I plan to read Marcus Aurelius' Meditations as a result--the foundational text of stoic philosophy.
Holiday's is a well-written book that is easy and enjoyable to read. He expounds upon stoic philosophy in an intelligible way that anyone can understand. Holiday engages readers by framing each, brief chapter around a historical person. Each chapter allows readers to learn about important historic figures and invites them to think about how they would view the problem the figure faced.
I found this book inspiring and I plan to read Marcus Aurelius' Meditations as a result--the foundational text of stoic philosophy.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced