Ryan Holiday’s Must-Read Books for Tough Times

Ryan Holiday Shares Essential Reading List

Bestselling author Ryan Holiday, known for books like “The Obstacle Is the Way” and the popular “Daily Stoic” podcast, shared his top book recommendations for navigating challenging times. Holiday, who also owns an independent bookstore in Texas, recently inspired a viewer to buy a stack of his recommended titles. He joined a broadcast to discuss these books, emphasizing their timeless wisdom for readers this weekend.

‘A Man Turning Away from a Broken World’

Holiday highlighted “A Man Turning Away from a Broken World” by Stefan Zweig. The book tells the story of how Zweig, fleeing Nazis, discovered the writings of Montaigne, a 16th-century French thinker. Montaigne wrote during a time of religious conflict and persecution.

Zweig’s work focuses on Montaigne’s philosophy of finding humanity amidst chaos. Holiday shared a favorite line from Montaigne: “Our job is to remain human in inhuman times.” He described the book as a short, inspiring, and soul-affirming read, perfect for finishing on a plane or over a few nights.

‘War Is a Racket’ Offers Timeless Perspective

Another key recommendation was “War Is a Racket” by General Smedley Butler. Butler, a highly decorated Marine, wrote this in 1935, long before recent political events. Holiday stressed that the recommendations are not tied to current news but offer lasting insights.

In the book, Butler defines a racket as something that isn’t what it seems. He exposes war profiteering and how the public can be influenced to support conflicts.

Holiday noted that Butler’s perspective comes from someone who fought in wars and served his country. This book, along with Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience,” offers a powerful critique of war and government overreach.

Civil Rights Movement as a Masterclass in Strategy

Holiday also discussed “Waging a Good War: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement” by Tom Ricks. Ricks, a military historian, examines the Civil Rights Movement not just as a moral struggle but as a brilliant strategic campaign.

The movement’s leaders used creative tactics and executed well-planned maneuvers to win back cities and communities. Holiday pointed out that many leaders were trained in nonviolent resistance, such as at the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee. Rosa Parks, for example, was part of this rigorous training.

Marcus Aurelius’s ‘Meditations’ for Modern Life

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Marcus Aurelius’s “Meditations.” Holiday, whose own work draws heavily from Stoic philosophy, explained how this book changed his life. He wrote his first book on Stoicism at just 25, a bold move that paid off.

“Meditations” contains the private thoughts of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, written nearly 2,000 years ago. These writings were never intended for publication but miraculously survived. The book reminds readers about resisting corruption, staying true to values, and fulfilling obligations to others.

Aurelius also addressed practical daily challenges. He wrote about motivating himself to get out of bed, controlling his temper, and contemplating his own mortality. Holiday described it as a practical guide that connects readers to a wise and compassionate mind across centuries.

Holiday emphasized that “Meditations” is a tool for anyone, especially leaders. He quoted Matthew Arnold, who noted that Marcus Aurelius proved himself worthy of the high regard people held for him. The book offers lessons for both success and failure, teaching the importance of humility, discipline, decency, and generosity.

Aurelius’s core message, as interpreted by Holiday, is to “fight to be the person that philosophy tried to make.” This involves practicing the four Stoic virtues: courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom. Holiday stated that difficult situations demand these virtues the most. He shared a favorite passage: “Concentrate on what you have to do.

Fix your eyes on it. Remind yourself that your task is to be a good human being and then do it without hesitation and speak the truth as you see it but with kindness, with humility and without hypocrisy.” This, he believes, is a formula for our times and all times.

Learning from History with Doris Kearns Goodwin

Finally, Holiday recommended “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. He noted that understanding the past, especially during crises like the Civil War, can be calming. The book shows leaders who weren’t afraid of disagreement and surrounded themselves with challenging advisors.

Goodwin portrays Lincoln not just as a moral figure but as a skilled politician and leader. He excelled at drawing the best out of imperfect people.

Reading about such leaders helps us realize that the country has faced and overcome difficult moments before. This inspires hope and calls for strong leadership today.

Source: Ryan Holiday shares his recommended reading list from 'Montaigne' to 'Team of Rivals' (YouTube)