By Alexa Tanen
Ryan Holiday
4 months ago · 3 minute read
- Author/Entrepreneur
Website
Industry
- Self-Improvement
Social Media
X: @RyanHoliday
Instagram: @ryanholiday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanholiday/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanholiday/
Ryan Holiday breaks the mold of a typical author. Instead of traditional libraries and scholarly towers, this 36-year-old writer made a name for himself by diving headfirst into the dynamic world of marketing and media. His journey is one of bold choices, unexpected twists, and, ultimately, mastering the art of overcoming life’s challenges.
Holiday’s book, “The Obstacle Is the Way,” shifted my perspective on challenges, framing them as opportunities for growth. His emphasis on controlling perception, action, and will aligns seamlessly with the core tenets of stoicism. Holiday’s insights on resilience, drawn from historical examples, offer practical guidance for navigating life’s inevitable setbacks.
Through his books and podcast (The Daily Stoic), he shares wisdom and vulnerability, acknowledging the ongoing nature of personal development. I appreciate how Holiday challenges conventional thinking, urging readers to embrace discomfort and view obstacles as stepping stones. He talks about how fortune favors the brave to excel in personal and professional life. His impact extends beyond literature; Holiday’s work has become a blueprint for cultivating a resilient mindset in a tumultuous world.
Starting out: At just 19, Holiday left college and learned the ropes from Robert Greene, the author of “The 48 Laws of Power,” soaking up marketing strategies like a sponge. This unique education led him to a prestigious role at American Apparel. His sharp mind and unconventional tactics propelled the brand to viral fame (and occasional controversy) there.
From hype to wisdom: Holiday realized the shallowness of the attention-driven world. Seeking more profound meaning, he embraced Stoicism, an ancient philosophy of resilience and virtue. In 2012, his book “Trust Me, I’m Lying” exposed the dark side of media manipulation, striking a chord with a generation hungry for authenticity.
Stoicism for today: This was just the beginning. Holiday became a prolific author, producing bestsellers like “The Obstacle is the Way” and “Ego is the Enemy,” applying Stoic principles to everyday challenges. His relatable language and practical advice resonated with a diverse audience, from NFL coaches to world-class athletes, establishing him as a modern Stoic guru.
His popular podcast, “The Daily Stoic,” provides daily doses of Stoic wisdom. His media consulting firm, Brass Check, has guided prominent brands and authors. As a sought-after speaker, he inspires audiences to find calm in the chaos of modern life. Ryan also owns a bookstore by the name “The Painted Porch.”
Ryan Holiday’s story exemplifies the power of reinvention. From marketing mastermind to Stoic sage, he teaches us that wisdom can be found in unexpected places. Even the most challenging obstacles can be navigated with a dose of ancient philosophy and a lot of heart.
Famous Publications
- The Obstacle Is the Way (2014)
- Ego Is the Enemy (2016)
- The Daily Stoic (2016)
- Stillness Is the Key (2019)
- Lives of the Stoics (2017)
- Trust Me, I’m Lying (2012)
- Growth Hacker Marketing (2014)
- Perception is Reality (2016)
- Discipline Is Destiny (2015)
- Courage Is Calling (2019)
Achievements
- Multiple bestselling books translated into over 30 languages
- Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, and others.
- Described as “one of the most influential writers in the world” by Fortune Magazine.
- Popularized Stoicism for modern audiences
- Influential voice in personal development
- Podcast host of “The Daily Stoic”
