Discipline Will Define Your Destiny and other books by Ryan Holiday

Oh, Stoicism… How much good it has done me personally and how misunderstood it is today. But we are not here to talk about this – we will talk about it later. great stoic books later on—but to do so Ryan Holiday, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest exponents of stoicism today.

About Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is an American author known for revitalizing Stoic philosophy in the modern era. Through his works, has offered practical tools for dealing with everyday challenges, based on the teachings of ancient philosophers —and the best known— such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus.

Before turning to writing, Holiday was the marketing director for American Apparel, an experience that influenced his early work on media and information manipulation. Her approach combines historical stories with applicable advice, which has resonated with readers around the world.

Anyway, I'm going to present you with a chronological list of his books, along with a brief synopsis of each one:

1. Trust me, I'm lying.either (2012)

In this book, Holiday reveals the manipulation tactics used in digital media. Drawing on her experience in marketing, exposes how news can be distorted and how companies and individuals influence public opinionIt is an incisive critique of the state of journalism in the Internet age.

2. Growth Hacker Marketing (2013)

Holiday introduces the concept of “growth hacking,” a marketing strategy that prioritizes rapid and efficient growth using innovative and low-cost techniquesThe book offers examples of companies that have successfully implemented these tactics, providing a guide for those looking for alternatives to traditional marketing.

3. The obstacle is the path (2014)

Probably one of the best-known books by this author. Inspired by Stoic philosophy, Holiday argues that Obstacles are not impediments, but opportunities for growth and success. Through stories of historical figures who overcame adversity, it shows how changing our perception can transform challenges into advantages.

4. The ego is the enemy (2016)

This book explores how ego can sabotage our success and personal growth. Holiday uses historical examples to illustrate how humility and discipline are essential to achieving one's true potential, warning of the dangers of complacency and arrogance.

5. Everyday Stoicism (2016)

Co-written with Stephen Hanselman, this work offers 366 daily meditations based on Stoic teachings. Each reflection seeks to provide wisdom and perspective for facing daily challenges, promoting a life of virtue and serenity.

6. Perennial Seller (2017) [English]

Holiday discusses how to create work that lasts over time, whether it's books, businesses or products. He offers strategies for developing quality content and marketing it effectively, ensuring its long-term relevance.

7. Conspiracy (2018) [English]

This book tells the true story of how billionaire Peter Thiel orchestrated a conspiracy to destroy the media outlet Gawker, using wrestler Hulk Hogan's lawsuit as a tool. Ryan Holiday explores themes of power, revenge, and ethics in the modern world.

8. Stillness is the key (2019)

Holiday argues that in a world filled with noise and distraction, inner stillness is essential to achieving excellence and peace. He combines teachings from various philosophical and religious traditions to offer a guide to serenity and focus.

9. Life of the Stoics (2020)

Together with Stephen Hanselman, Holiday presents biographies of the major Stoic philosophers, from Zeno to Marcus Aurelius. The book offers practical lessons from their lives and how they applied their teachings in times of adversity.

The 4 virtues of Stoicism series

If you know anything about Stoicism, you will know that one of the goals of the Stoics was to achieve the 4 virtues. In the book series «The 4 Stoic Virtues»Ryan Holiday explores the cardinal virtues of this philosophy: courage, discipline, justice and wisdom.

Each book focuses on a specific virtue, combining philosophical teachings with historical examples and practical advice.

The Four Stoic Virtues series provides a comprehensive framework for facing life’s challenges with a Stoic mindset. Each virtue is presented as a practical and necessary tool for living a balanced, meaningful and ethical life.

Holiday makes these ancient teachings resonate with the modern reader, showing how to apply them to everyday decisions and complex situations.

This series has become an essential guide for those seeking personal growth and strength in times of adversity. Let's take a look at the themes of each one.

1. The call of courage (2021)

Virtue: Courage.

This book addresses how courage is essential to facing fear and uncertainty. Holiday discusses that courage is not limited to epic heroic acts, but includes small, everyday decisions, such as defending our beliefs or facing personal challenges.

Inspired by historical figures such as Florence Nightingale and Winston Churchill, the author shows how courage is a driving force to overcome obstacles.

Main lesson: Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting despite it.

2. Discipline will mark your destiny (2022)

Virtue: Discipline.

In this second volume, Holiday highlights the importance of self-discipline and temperance in achieving success and staying focused on what really matters. Discipline is seen as a tool to master our impulses and avoid distractions, allowing us to remain firm in our values and goals.

Through examples such as Spartan training and the lives of athletes, the author illustrates how this virtue is essential to building a solid and virtuous life.

Main lesson: Without discipline, talent and potential are wasted.

3. Being fair in an unfair world (2023)

Virtue: Justice.

This book explores the concept of justice in a broad sense, covering the equity, integrity and duty to othersRyan Holiday discusses how making the right, though difficult, decisions can change both our lives and the environment around us.

Stories of leaders like Abraham Lincoln and examples of ethical decisions highlight the importance of acting with justice in a world that often seems to lack it.

Main lesson: Justice is always acting with what is right for the community in mind, not just for oneself.

4. Wisdom (Coming Soon)

Virtue: Wisdom.

The last of the virtues that Holiday discusses in this series. Although not yet published, this book will focus on how wisdom is the virtue that guides the others. Wisdom allows us to evaluate our actions, make decisions based on reasoning, and apply lessons learned from the past.

Holiday will seek to connect philosophical theory with contemporary examples to teach how to live with mental clarity and emotional depth.

Main lesson (early): Wisdom is not just knowledge, but applying it for the common good.