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945 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
945 reviews for:
The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph
Ryan Holiday
3.86 AVERAGE
A good introduction into philosophy. I did learn quite a few things in this book, the main one being the realisation that philosophy and action go hand in hand- a philosopher and a person of action are not contradictions.
The author goes through the core of Stoicism, bringing up many examples throughout history of great men and women who utilised stoicism & philosophy in their lives and came out all the better for it. Initially I was giving it a 3 stars in my mind, but halfway through and towards the end it got bumped up to a 4 stars because it was that type of book that keeps getting better as you go on.
Perhaps it was a few disagreements in perception of certain values in the first few chapters that dropped a star, but I do understand that no one is going to agree 100% on everything, much less life philosophies.
Getting on to the book, the author is trying to tell the reader that based on ancient philosophy proven through generations of action, the obstacle is literally the way. He explains it by dividing the book into three parts: Perception, Action, and Will (which I appreciate, because it makes it organised and easy to understand).
“Perception is the discipline of the mind.
Action is the discipline of the body.
Will is the discipline of the heart and soul.
First, see clearly.
Next, act correctly.
Finally, endure and accept the world as it is.”
He blends all three together to provide the reader a deeper understanding of what is available to us at any stage in life- not a control of Fate or of life circumstances, but a control of ourselves. A response to what life throws us, instead of an immediate reaction. A mental exercise in wisdom, fortitude, persistence, and perseverance... Instead of excuses looking for the path of least resistance.
Was this book convincing? Do I feel as though I’m ready to take on those obstacles in life?
Well, this book isn’t a tactical book. It’s not a how-to. It’s a book that you read with an open mind, reflecting on your current beliefs and testing to see whether those beliefs are right in their foundations. It’s a book that lets you question your journey and make better choices based on the wisdom of the Stoics.
My favourite quote from the book:
“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it... But love it.” Nietzsche
The author goes through the core of Stoicism, bringing up many examples throughout history of great men and women who utilised stoicism & philosophy in their lives and came out all the better for it. Initially I was giving it a 3 stars in my mind, but halfway through and towards the end it got bumped up to a 4 stars because it was that type of book that keeps getting better as you go on.
Perhaps it was a few disagreements in perception of certain values in the first few chapters that dropped a star, but I do understand that no one is going to agree 100% on everything, much less life philosophies.
Getting on to the book, the author is trying to tell the reader that based on ancient philosophy proven through generations of action, the obstacle is literally the way. He explains it by dividing the book into three parts: Perception, Action, and Will (which I appreciate, because it makes it organised and easy to understand).
“Perception is the discipline of the mind.
Action is the discipline of the body.
Will is the discipline of the heart and soul.
First, see clearly.
Next, act correctly.
Finally, endure and accept the world as it is.”
He blends all three together to provide the reader a deeper understanding of what is available to us at any stage in life- not a control of Fate or of life circumstances, but a control of ourselves. A response to what life throws us, instead of an immediate reaction. A mental exercise in wisdom, fortitude, persistence, and perseverance... Instead of excuses looking for the path of least resistance.
Was this book convincing? Do I feel as though I’m ready to take on those obstacles in life?
Well, this book isn’t a tactical book. It’s not a how-to. It’s a book that you read with an open mind, reflecting on your current beliefs and testing to see whether those beliefs are right in their foundations. It’s a book that lets you question your journey and make better choices based on the wisdom of the Stoics.
My favourite quote from the book:
“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it... But love it.” Nietzsche
It seems like people either love this book or hate it. I find myself right in the middle. The book wasn't horrible but I can see the point of view that some readers have that state that the book lacks depth.
I found this book relevant for a younger generation that may struggle with challenges. There were a lot of good nuggets that I got from the book that I found helpful.
I found this book relevant for a younger generation that may struggle with challenges. There were a lot of good nuggets that I got from the book that I found helpful.
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time in your life. If I could tell Ryan Holiday personally how much this book has helped me deal with the pandemic, I think he would be pleased.
A great book for leadership.
A great book for leadership.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I’m not sure why I expected this to be more fleshed out, but it’s essentially the Daily Stoic podcast back to back to back (albeit without the constant merch sales pitches) interspersed with vaguely connected stories about famous people. The concepts are there and they are useful, but you have to stop in between each (incredibly brief) chapter and do the elaborating to fill in the gaps yourself. I recognise that reflection is a big part of Stoicism with the journaling, etc., but I just anticipated Ryan Holiday would build a bit more onto the topic in this longer book format.
I preferred “How To Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald J. Robertson.
I preferred “How To Think Like a Roman Emperor” by Donald J. Robertson.
Excellent read
In a way that is both practical and not unsympathetic, the author delivers a method of rationalizing and problem-solving that is as useful as it is plainly said. As an evidently longtime practitioner of stoicism without ever naming it, I can attest to the power of this mindset in handling seeming crises and moments of calamity. I'd highly recommend this book.
In a way that is both practical and not unsympathetic, the author delivers a method of rationalizing and problem-solving that is as useful as it is plainly said. As an evidently longtime practitioner of stoicism without ever naming it, I can attest to the power of this mindset in handling seeming crises and moments of calamity. I'd highly recommend this book.
DNFing at 50%. The author (a white dude) seems to suggest that people should embrace experiences of racism or sexism (see, for example, the Amelia Earhart story as described by the author) to be successful. Has the author ever had to experience racism and/or sexism?! His language is also sexist. Any time a hypothetical boss is described of course the author makes them a man. Any time a hypothetical scientist is described? Also a man. Any hypothetical wise older leader? Need I state the obvious? Gotta love the description of “nagging wives” on top of all that (see, for example, the Socrates story as described in the book). Perhaps one of my biggest problems with this book is the fact that the author doesn’t seem to realize that mental and/or physical disabilities make it impossible for some people to overcome obstacles in the ways that he suggests. Also, not at any point in the book (up to the point I read) does the author acknowledge the privilege imbued in the success of the white men he describes.
Was very inconsistent in it's narrative. Sometimes the author is empathic, other times he's very aggressive. I suppose, those are the condradictions in life. Too much self-help vibes for my taste, would have prefered more on stoicism.