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936 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
936 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their outlook on life. This book is a fantastic introduction to the philosophy of stoicism and provides a unique perspective on challenges and obstacles. Ryan Holiday's writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book both enjoyable and educational. I found myself inspired and motivated after reading it, and I believe it will have a positive impact on anyone who picks it up. I highly recommend this book and give it a full 5 stars.
informative
medium-paced
watered down stoicism. forgetful and to be honest, very boring and unoriginal.
I liked just about everything the author had to say. This book is a smorgasbord of self-help ideas to, most of which are about discipline and not just the bright side of opposition but the necessity of it.
I use self-help books like a mild drug. They give me an expected pick-me-up and help fight the symptoms of a mind searching for fulfillment in life.
The author of The Obstacle is the Way, at the start of the book, explains what he will do: take concepts from Stoicism; condense and paraphrase them; apply them to stories of historical figures.
Like a good drug, this book was easy to swallow, gave me the expected lift, and provided a few amusing anecdotes from historical figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to John D Rockefeller. Nothing new in these pages, but not a bad read either.
The author of The Obstacle is the Way, at the start of the book, explains what he will do: take concepts from Stoicism; condense and paraphrase them; apply them to stories of historical figures.
Like a good drug, this book was easy to swallow, gave me the expected lift, and provided a few amusing anecdotes from historical figures ranging from Abraham Lincoln to John D Rockefeller. Nothing new in these pages, but not a bad read either.
Only scratches the surface, it's a little superficial and written about and towards men but first the good; Mr. Holiday is sending a good message, mostly- to have perservearance and take the punches life throws with a grin and determination, but he kind of just keeps saying this in a hundred little stories of the worlds most powerful men. It's hard to keep my attention and relate as all to these anecdotes,"men who do this", "men who won't quit"...um, have you heard of writing for everyone? Theres i counted 2 examples of strong women in this book, both extrememely breif, one was a queen and the other was Laura Engles Wilder. I am not an ancient greek philosopher or Abe Lincoln or a MLB player, i am a 30 year old female artist who feels a little mislead by the title. The book should maybe be called "How to be gritty like the Men who built the world" or some glorified BS like that clearly admitting in the title it's super male centered. That being said, maybe this book is great for some.
Bit of a slog compared to Ego is the Enemy. But it's Ryan Holiday, so it's still a great read, even if it does kiss the asses of some pretty terrible people.
If you have not been properly introduced to the Stoics (which is highly likely the case considering that I degreed in philosophy and hadn't been until I was by Tim Ferriss, Ryan Holiday and William Irvine), then I recommend reading Ryan Holiday's book(s) (He wrote another on entitled Ego is the Enemy) on the subject. I also recommend William Irvine's A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy.
I agree with most of the one star reviews. But the book did help, if only to clarify in my own mind how much I disagree with a lot of what the author said.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, however; it was an terrible bore to slog through.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, however; it was an terrible bore to slog through.
I’m going to need someone to explain this one to me. How is this book a massive bestseller? What’s the incredible, life-changing philosophy that’s so inspiring to readers?
The Obstacle is the Way is nothing more than a collection of romanticized anecdotes about “inspiring” historical figures (including a literal Nazi, Erwin Rommel). There is no cohesive theme, no step-by-step guide to overcoming your “obstacles” (unless you count the nebulous steps, “Perception. Action. Will.”), nothing whatsoever original or thought provoking.
You call this a top book on Stoicism, Goodreads? Please. I’m disappointed that I wasted a couple of hours reading this, but not as disappointed in all of you for giving this book such a high rating.
The Obstacle is the Way is nothing more than a collection of romanticized anecdotes about “inspiring” historical figures (including a literal Nazi, Erwin Rommel). There is no cohesive theme, no step-by-step guide to overcoming your “obstacles” (unless you count the nebulous steps, “Perception. Action. Will.”), nothing whatsoever original or thought provoking.
You call this a top book on Stoicism, Goodreads? Please. I’m disappointed that I wasted a couple of hours reading this, but not as disappointed in all of you for giving this book such a high rating.