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940 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
940 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
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.
challenging
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
At times motivating/inspiring, at others a bit preachy and unoriginal (the latter I guess is understandable since he’s applying stoicism along the way).
I also wonder if the environment I read this in (often distracted) made me not enjoy this as much as his “Ego is the Enemy.” Timing probably plays a part in my reception of books.
I also wonder if the environment I read this in (often distracted) made me not enjoy this as much as his “Ego is the Enemy.” Timing probably plays a part in my reception of books.
You know, sometimes, you know you are probably being too harsh but you can't help it? I felt like that the entire time I was reading this.
But like this is like the equivalent of baby food. It's not badly written. I guess if you don't want to read the original stoics then this is something that is accessible. But first of all, the stoics aren't that inaccessible in themselves and just do yourself a favor and pick up Letters From a Stoic or Aurelius' Meditations.
But like this is like the equivalent of baby food. It's not badly written. I guess if you don't want to read the original stoics then this is something that is accessible. But first of all, the stoics aren't that inaccessible in themselves and just do yourself a favor and pick up Letters From a Stoic or Aurelius' Meditations.
It had some great points and examples, and I did write several quotes down. I’d recommend it.
But… Could this have been a PowerPoint instead? Or a tattoo we ask Ryan Holiday about?
But… Could this have been a PowerPoint instead? Or a tattoo we ask Ryan Holiday about?