23 Quotes by Famous Author Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key, has become one of the most influential modern thinkers on Stoicism, resilience, and self-discipline. His wisdom is deeply rooted in ancient philosophy, yet highly relevant in today’s world. Below are 23 of his most profound quotes, each with a brief explanation to help you apply them to your life.
1. The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.
Inspired by Stoic philosophy, this quote reminds us that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones to growth.
2. Ego is the enemy—of what you want to achieve, of the people you want to become, of the discipline required to get there.
Pride and arrogance often blind us to improvement. Humility and self-awareness lead to true success.
3. You don’t control the world around you, but you control how you respond to it.
External events are unpredictable, but our reactions determine our experience. Stoic wisdom teaches us to focus on what’s within our control.
4. We don’t get to choose what happens to us, but we always get to choose how we feel about it.
No matter the situation, our perception shapes our reality. A shift in mindset can turn hardships into lessons.
5. Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.
Hold yourself to high standards while showing compassion and patience toward others.
6. Ambition means tying your well-being to what other people say or do. Self-indulgence means tying it to what happens to you. Sanity means tying it to your own actions.
True peace comes from focusing on our actions, not external validation or circumstances.
7. Think progress, not perfection.
Growth happens incrementally. Waiting for perfection often leads to inaction.
8. A wise man knows he knows nothing.
Adopting a beginner’s mindset allows us to remain open to learning and improving.
9. Courage isn’t just standing up to the enemy. It’s also standing up to yourself and your flaws.
True bravery is about self-awareness and addressing personal weaknesses.
10. The best way to prepare for the future is to focus on the present.
Overthinking the future breeds anxiety. Mastering the moment leads to a better tomorrow.
11. The more you say no to things that don’t matter, the more you can say yes to things that do.
Prioritization is key. Saying no allows you to focus on what truly adds value to your life.
12. Success is not something that happens to you but something that happens because of you.
Hard work, discipline, and daily choices shape success—not luck or circumstance.
13. Always stay a student.
Lifelong learning prevents stagnation. Stay curious, humble, and open to new knowledge.
14. Don't let perfection become procrastination. Do the best you can with what you have.
Perfectionism often prevents us from starting. Action, no matter how imperfect, is the key to progress.
15. Stillness is the key to thinking clearly, making good decisions, and being at peace with yourself.
A calm mind leads to better choices. In a world of distractions, stillness is a superpower.
16. If you want momentum, you have to create it yourself, right now, by getting up and getting started.
Waiting for motivation is a mistake. Taking action fuels progress.
17. Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best.
External achievements mean little if you’re not at peace with yourself.
18. What’s right is not always popular, and what’s popular is not always right.
Integrity matters. Don’t sacrifice your principles for short-term approval.
19. If someone offends you, realize that you are complicit in taking offense.
You have the power to control how much something affects you.
20. Fear is a liar. Most of the things we worry about never happen.
Anxiety often stems from imagined scenarios. Face challenges head-on.
21. Discipline is destiny.
Your habits and discipline determine your future. Consistency leads to long-term success.
22. You can’t learn what you think you already know.
Ego blocks growth. Be humble enough to accept that there’s always more to learn.
23. True freedom is the ability to maintain control over your own mind.
External freedom means little if you’re a prisoner to your own thoughts and emotions.
Final Thoughts
Ryan Holiday’s work teaches us that discipline, resilience, and humility are the foundations of a fulfilling life. His modern take on Stoicism offers a practical guide to overcoming obstacles, taming the ego, and finding clarity in a noisy world.