Ryan Holiday is an American author who writes on the topics of stoicism, culture, and self-discipline. He is known for his books The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key, which provide philosophies and strategies for overcoming challenges and living a meaningful life.
10 books on the list
Man's Search for Meaning
Ryan HolidaysourceLooks at how we find purpose by dedicating ourselves to a cause, learning to love and finding a meaning to our suffering
This is a profound work by a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust and one of the truly great books concerning human suffering and the ability to endure it. It is about meaning in life under the most brutal conditions, based on his experience in a Nazi concentration camp. He introduces to us logotherapy – a psychotherapy that emphasizes the will to find meaning as the primary motivational force in human life. This book lets one get an understanding of how a man may behave with dignity against the adversities of life and that he may find a meaning in his life even where there is no hope. It's a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to transcend unimaginable adversity.
The 4-Hour Workweek
Ryan HolidaysourceРечь идет не о том, чтобы работать четыре часа в неделю, а о том, чтобы не делать больше четырех часов в неделю работы, которая вам не нравится или которая на самом деле не нужна
This guide breaks from the normal 9-to-5 work parameters, in that it provides a plan for leaving the rat race by outsourcing money-making and task completion processes. It is a book about lifestyle design with ways to have more of life while working less. Packed with personal stories, pragmatic advice, and step-by-step strategies, readers learn how to best manage time by cutting out unnecessary work while seeking financial freedom. Aimed at all the enthusiasts out there who look for their big life change, it lays down a roadmap towards traveling the world and living the dreams of your youth without being shackled by a full-time job.
The Psychology of Money
Ryan HolidaysourceIf you’re looking to navigate the unpredictable nature of the global economy as an individual who hopes to plan (and be secure) for the future, this book is great
This book talks about how our personal beliefs and behaviors shape our decisions on money. It is said that knowing money is not mathematics but is closely knitted to human psychology. Armed with witty stories and stories, the author explains why we make such irrational decisions when it comes to money and how to make better ones. It speaks of savings, of the role that luck plays in the acquisition of wealth, and the importance of taking risks, but more importantly, the critical input of thinking long term in the accumulation of wealth. This guide really does offer something new in the context of perspective on wealth, success, and happiness, so it is a must-read for any person battling to better their financial mindset.
Essentialism
Ryan HolidaysourceCut out the crap, focus on the truly important thing
The heart of this book, embracing the way of the essentialist, is all about less doing and more finding. This is an ascetic, systematic approach in seeing where our highest point of contribution lies and then making the doing of those things nearly effortless. The author is of the view that by focusing on the vital few instead of the trivial many, then the highest possible contribution toward what really matters is likely to be attained. It teaches us, through practical tips and real-life examples, how to prioritize your task, say no to the things not of great importance, and get back our own choice again.
Meditations
Ryan HolidaysourceThe private thoughts of the most powerful man in the world, admonishing himself on how to be better, more just, more immune to temptation
Imagine you are to choose a book that is just ideal for reading right now, one that delves into the personal struggles and life’s philosophical ponderings of a Roman Emperor. This book gives one deep knowledge of Stoicism focused on self-discipline, personal ethics, and inner peace. The author questions, through a series of personal reflections, the nature of human existence that must be lived in consonance with reason and virtue. A map for resilience and serenity in an increasingly mad world, it’s an invitation to the readers to focus on what they can control and let go of the rest.
Mastery
Ryan HolidaysourceRead Mastery so that you can figure your life’s task and how to dedicate yourself to it
"Mastery" explores the lives of historical and contemporary masters, uncovering the path to supreme levels of excellence in any field. The book shows, through rigorous study and captivating stories, that real mastery results from a special blend of passion, dedication, and intelligent practice. It asserts that anybody can master by following this blueprint because it is about the importance of mentorship, the mastery of the basics, and embracing the creative process. This handbook can inspire and offer insight, not only to them but in a very practical way to all on a journey towards becoming masters in their own fields.
The Black Swan
Ryan HolidaysourceThe things you’re worried about happening are not the things you should be worried about happening
The book is an exploration of the deep influence of highly unlikely events, which the author calls "Black Swans," to be rare and unpredictable incidents, which in their nature revolutionize the usual understanding of the world. The author argues that despite our focus on the predictable, it's the unexpected events that shape our lives and history the most. Through engaging examples and a compelling narrative, the book challenges readers to reconsider how they think about risk, luck, and the future. It's a thought-provoking exploration of uncertainty and the limitations of human knowledge.
The Great Gatsby
Ryan HolidaysourceSome books I’ve read and re-read many times
Set in the roaring twenties, the novel follows mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby as he passionately pursues the beautiful but married Daisy Buchanan. Seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway, Gatsby's neighbor and friend, he undergoes a journey of finding themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Gatsby's flamboyant way of life and uninterrupted partying, they all masked his yearning for Daisy and to what height he would go just to get her back. Ultimately, the story reveals the illusion of the American Dream and the consequences of living in the past.
Range
Ryan HolidaysourceThe best books I read this year
The book really goes against the idea of early specialization being the route to great accomplishment, but rather suggests that having a range of experience and skills may generate the most creativity and achievement. The writer gives real-life examples from sports, business, and science to show how generalists often find their path in life later and become very good at what they do by blending the knowledge obtained in the areas concerned. He then makes his irrefutable argument in favor of cultivating people with diverse interests and abilities. He claims that this will ensure more creative and flexible individuals and cultures.
Blue Ocean Strategy
Ryan HolidaysourceDon’t compete where everyone else is competing - that is strategic death.
In this groundbreaking work, authors show how the most successful companies find their customers. They argue that success doesn't come from battling competitors in "red oceans" of bloody competition, but from creating "blue oceans" of untapped new market spaces ripe for innovation. With persuasive examples and analytical rigour, they show how companies break out of the red ocean of bloody competition to create their own blue oceans, and thereby make the competition irrelevant. This book helps present a systematic plan that businesses can use to identify and seize these opportunities – fundamentally shifting how business is carried out.