marquesmind Book Discussion: Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds

 

Ryan Holiday’s Right Thing, Right Now: Good Values. Good Character. Good Deeds is a profound exploration of justice as the cornerstone of a virtuous life. As the third installment in his Stoic Virtues series, this book focuses on the importance of doing what’s right—even when it’s difficult—and how justice serves as the foundation for courage, wisdom, and self-discipline.

Holiday, known for his ability to distill ancient Stoic philosophy into practical lessons, weaves together historical examples, philosophical insights, and actionable advice. Drawing on figures like Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, he demonstrates how living by a moral code can transform not only individual lives but also society as a whole. Through their stories, Holiday illustrates the power of kindness, integrity, and fairness while cautioning against the consequences of moral compromise.

What struck me most about this book is its relevance to our modern age. In a world often marked by moral ambiguity and self-interest, Holiday’s call to prioritize justice feels both timely and necessary. His writing challenges readers to look beyond personal gain and consider the broader impact of their actions on others.

As someone who has grappled with making tough ethical decisions, I found Holiday’s insights deeply resonant. His emphasis on justice as a pro-social virtue—one that requires us to act for the common good—offers a refreshing perspective in an era that often glorifies individualism.

Right Thing, Right Now is not just a guide for personal growth; it’s a manual for creating a more just and empathetic world. Whether you’re navigating workplace dilemmas or striving to be a better friend or citizen, this book provides the tools and inspiration to act with integrity.

Questions to ponder:

1. How does Holiday’s view of justice challenge or align with your own understanding of morality?

2. Which historical figure from the book inspired you most, and why?

3. How might prioritizing justice over convenience change your daily decisions?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4iv8tXS (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

marquesmind Book Discussion: Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave

 

Ryan Holiday’s “Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave” is a compelling exploration of courage as a foundational virtue in our lives. As the first installment in Holiday’s series on cardinal virtues, this book delves into the nature of courage, its importance, and how we can cultivate it in our daily lives.

Holiday, known for his work on Stoic philosophy, brings his trademark blend of historical anecdotes, philosophical insights, and practical advice to this exploration of courage. From Florence Nightingale to Charles de Gaulle, he weaves inspiring stories of individuals who answered the call of courage, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

What struck me most about this book is Holiday’s nuanced understanding of courage. He argues that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it. This perspective is both comforting and challenging, reminding us that we all have the capacity for courage, even as it urges us to step out of our comfort zones.

As someone who often grapples with self-doubt, I found Holiday’s insights on overcoming fear particularly valuable. His practical strategies for cultivating courage in our daily lives offer a roadmap for personal growth and meaningful action.

“Courage Is Calling” is essential reading for anyone seeking to live a more purposeful and impactful life. In a world often paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, Holiday’s call to courage is both timely and inspiring. Whether you’re facing personal challenges or seeking to make a difference in the world, this book offers the motivation and tools to take that crucial first step.

Questions to ponder:

1. What area of your life could benefit most from a greater dose of courage?

2. How might reframing fear as a call to courage change your approach to challenges?

3. What small act of courage could you commit to this week?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/3XyFNoy  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

marquesmind Book Discussion: Stillness is the Key

 

Ryan Holiday’s “Stillness is the Key” is a powerful exploration of an ancient but urgently necessary way of living in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world. As the final installment in Holiday’s trilogy on timeless wisdom, this book delves into the transformative power of stillness - the ability to be steady while the world spins around you.

Holiday, a modern-day philosopher and marketing strategist turned bestselling author, draws from a wide range of sources including Stoicism, Buddhism, and contemporary examples to illustrate how stillness can lead to clarity, creativity, and self-mastery. His accessible writing style and compelling anecdotes make complex philosophical concepts relatable and applicable to everyday life.

What sets this book apart is Holiday’s ability to weave together historical examples, from Anne Frank to Tiger Woods, demonstrating how stillness has been a crucial element in the lives of great leaders, thinkers, and artists throughout history. He breaks down the concept of stillness into three domains - mind, spirit, and body - offering practical strategies for cultivating inner peace in each area.

As someone who often feels overwhelmed by the constant noise and demands of modern life, I found this book to be a refreshing reminder of the power of slowing down. Holiday’s insights on the importance of solitude, the danger of ego, and the value of deep work resonated deeply with me.

“Stillness is the Key” is essential reading for anyone feeling burnt out, distracted, or searching for meaning in a chaotic world. It offers a roadmap to finding clarity, making better decisions, and ultimately living a more fulfilling life.

Questions to ponder:

1. How might incorporating moments of stillness change your daily routine and decision-making process?

2. Which historical figure’s use of stillness in the book inspired you most, and why?

3. In what ways do you see the “noise” of modern life affecting your ability to think clearly and act purposefully?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/41vPeX0  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

marquesmind Book Discussion: Ego is the Enemy

 

Ryan Holiday’s “Ego is the Enemy” is a powerful exploration of how our own ego can sabotage our success and happiness. Drawing from ancient philosophy, particularly Stoicism, and modern examples, Holiday presents a compelling case for humility, self-awareness, and purpose-driven action.

The book is structured around three key phases of life: aspiration, success, and failure. Holiday argues that ego is a threat in each of these stages, whether it’s overestimating our abilities when starting out, becoming complacent with success, or allowing pride to prevent us from learning from our failures.

As someone who has grappled with ego-driven decisions, I found Holiday’s insights both challenging and liberating. His anecdotes about historical figures and contemporary leaders provide vivid illustrations of ego’s pitfalls and the benefits of its absence.

Holiday, a marketing strategist turned philosophical writer, brings a unique blend of practical wisdom and scholarly depth to his work. His accessible writing style makes complex ideas digestible without sacrificing their impact.

“Ego is the Enemy” is essential reading for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and personal growth. It offers a powerful antidote to the cult of self-esteem and self-promotion that dominates much of our culture. By advocating for humility, continuous learning, and focus on the work itself rather than recognition, Holiday provides a roadmap for genuine achievement and fulfillment.

Questions to ponder:

1. How has ego influenced your own decision-making in the past?

2. In what ways can you cultivate humility and self-awareness in your personal or professional life?

3. How might applying the book’s principles change your approach to failure or setbacks?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4isnKIz  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.

marquesmind Book Discussion: The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

 

Ryan Holiday’s “The Obstacle Is the Way” is a powerful guide to turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Drawing inspiration from ancient Stoic philosophy, Holiday presents a timeless framework for overcoming adversity and achieving greatness.

The book is structured around three core principles: perception, action, and will. Holiday argues that by shifting our perspective, taking decisive action, and cultivating inner resilience, we can transform obstacles into stepping stones toward our goals. Through compelling anecdotes of historical figures like Thomas Edison, Amelia Earhart, and Theodore Roosevelt, Holiday illustrates how this mindset has been applied to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

As a reader, I found Holiday’s practical approach to Stoicism refreshing and applicable to modern life. His insights on embracing discomfort, maintaining objectivity, and persevering through setbacks resonated deeply with my own experiences facing challenges in both personal and professional spheres.

Holiday, a marketing strategist turned philosophical writer, brings a unique blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance to his work. His accessible writing style makes complex Stoic principles digestible for a wide audience, without sacrificing depth or impact.

“The Obstacle Is the Way” is essential reading for anyone seeking to develop mental toughness and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable trials. It offers a powerful antidote to the victim mentality, empowering readers to take control of their responses to adversity and use obstacles as catalysts for personal growth.

Questions to ponder:

1. How might applying the book’s principles change your approach to a current challenge in your life?

2. Which historical example from the book resonated most with you, and why?

3. In what ways can the Stoic approach to obstacles enhance your decision-making process?

Like the book? 

Enjoy to share ideas about new books contact me at bookdiscussion@marquesmind.com.

You can purchase the book on the following website: https://amzn.to/4i7LVwu  (Amazon)

*DISCLOSURE: This message may contain affiliate links, meaning I might get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.