So whether it’s Marcus Aurelius or Seneca, their writings are reminders of the problems that you tend to bump into. So I think that, when you look at the exercises, you see all sorts of things that are supposed to be reminders or solutions to the problems that a person like that faces. Not college professors, but people who are leading soldiers into battle, running a government, representing the people, that sort of thing. And so, I see Stoicism as being adapted for people who do stuff in the world. Leaders, generals, politicians, you know? For most of the later Stoics, the focus was very much of ethics or operating principles. So, what I like about Stoicism is that, historically, it was the philosophy for men (and, I’m saying men because it was only men then) of action. Do you agree that its focus is entirely practical?

When I first read straight from the source though, it struck me that Stoicism is much more like a collection of practices and exercises than a traditional philosophy. What jumps out to me about Stoicism is that while it’s become popular in a sense, it seems like the mainstream only sees the same couple of thoughts continuously reemerging, as if these were the core principles of the philosophy. And along the way it will inspire you with dozens of true stories of the greats from every age and era.Ryan Holiday, author of The Obstacle is the Way (May, 2014) If you're feeling frustrated, demoralized, or stuck in a rut, this book can help you turn your problems into your biggest advantages. Their embrace of these principles ultimately mattered more than their natural intelligence, talents, or luck. Grant to Steve Jobs-have applied stoicism to overcome difficult or even impossible situations. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Ryan Holiday shows us how some of the most successful people in history-from John D. As Marcus Aurelius put it nearly 2000 years ago: 'The impediment to action advances action. Stoics focus on the things they can control, let go of everything else, and turn every new obstacle into an opportunity to get better, stronger, tougher. The book draws its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience. Its many fans include a former governor and movie star (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a hip hop icon (LL Cool J), an Irish tennis pro (James McGee), an NBC sportscaster (Michele Tafoya), and the coaches and players of winning teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Cubs, and University of Texas men's basketball team. The Obstacle is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do.

Stoic obstacle is the way