THE PROBLEM
The modern world is filled with tiny distractions, small things that draw us away from the path of maximum productivity and health. If we are not careful, we can easily allow ourselves to be tempted and harmed by these distractions.
Philosopher Ryan Holiday wants to help readers seize the power of self-discipline through his new book Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control.
“To master anything, one must first master themselves-–one’s emotions, one’s thoughts, one’s actions… Without boundaries and restraint, we risk not only failing to meet our full potential and jeopardizing what we have achieved, but we ensure misery and shame. In a world of temptation and excess, this ancient idea is more urgent than ever,” says the publisher.
BACKING UP A BIT
Holiday is a Stoic philosopher, an apprentice to 48 Laws of Power author Robert Greene, and the author of ten books—among them being The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and The Daily Stoic.
His work draws heavily upon ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Cicero to offer a fresh perspective on virtuous living. This newest book is the second book in his Stoic Virtues series following Courage Is Calling.
Discipline Is Destiny is currently Audible’s second most popular book.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Holiday asserts in his book that self-control offers a pathway toward greater prosperity, health, and success in a world filled with distractions and comforts.
“We live in times of plenty and freedom that would have been unfathomable to even our most recent ancestors. An ordinary person in a developed nation has at their disposal luxuries and opportunities that tall-powerful kings were once impotent to acquire. We are warm in the winter, cool in the summer, stuffed full far more often than hungry. We can go where we want. Do what we want. Believe what we want. With the snap of our fingers, pleasures and distractions appear,” says Holiday.
“And yet, what do we have to show for all this? Certainly not widespread flourishing… why are we so damn unhappy? Because we mistake liberty for license… everybody benefits from self-discipline and self-control.”
The book was published on September 27, 2022, by Portfolio.
