Discipline Is Destiny

The Power of Self-Control

By: Ryan Holiday

Narrated by: Ryan Holiday

The instant New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller!

In his New York Times bestselling book Courage is Calling, author Ryan Holiday made the Stoic case for a bold and brave life. In this much-anticipated second book of his Stoic Virtue series, Holiday celebrates the awesome power of self-discipline and those who have seized it.

To master anything, one must first master themselves–one’s emotions, one’s thoughts, one’s actions. Eisenhower famously said that freedom is really the opportunity to practice self-discipline. Cicero called the virtue of temperance the polish of life. 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.

In Discipline is Destiny, Holiday draws on the stories of historical figures we can emulate as pillars of self-discipline, including Lou Gehrig, Queen Elizabeth II, boxer Floyd Patterson, Marcus Aurelius and writer Toni Morrison, as well as the cautionary tales of Napoleon, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Babe Ruth. Through these engaging examples, Holiday teaches listeners the power of self-discipline and balance, and cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism.

At the heart of Stoicism are four simple virtues: courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. Everything else, the Stoics believed, flows from them. Discipline is Destiny will guide listeners down the path to self-mastery, upon which all the other virtues depend. Discipline is predictive. You cannot succeed without it. And if you lose it, you cannot help but bring yourself failure and unhappiness.

©2022 Ryan Holiday (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Ryan Holiday has helped bring the ancient teaching of Stoicism to millions of readers—from athletes and politicians to CEOs.”—GOOD MORNING AMERICA

“A brisk and absorbing read.”—ANNIE DUKE, bestselling author of Thinking In Bets

"A powerful case for the virtues and values that leaders must live by in the modern world."—ADMIRAL JAMES STAVRIDIS, former NATO 16th Supreme Allied Commander

Great book except...

I will never understand why the queen of England made it into this book about temperance....she's a billionaire that's never "had" to do anything she didn't want. The rest was great!

Life changing

For me this book found me at a perfect time for me to move past some of the obstacles and undisciplined behaviors I needed to get past. I’m coming to see you in Bastrop to thank you Ryan.

Fantastic read

Exactly what I was looking for in my search of a wholesome book regarding self-discipline.

Well written, well read

One of the best audible books I’ve heard. He writes in a way that is engaging and accessible, and as it is read by the author you can literally hear the enthusiasm and passion in his words. 10/10, highly recommend. Will be checking out his many other books now.

For those who will actually listen.

I equate this book to wisdom our parents share with us as a child. They tell us all the things we “already know”. The words don’t sink in when we are young, though. Rather when we get older we understand what our parents were saying. Ryan holiday does this with stoic philosophy by letting us learn from those who have practiced what they preached in the past. Yes we all know the words and phrases in the book. But it goes further and shows us how those manifested in the lives of great people. Great read! Highly suggested.

Good daily reminder to not suck

Second run through for me, still love it. Have to say it will be a staple to me listening list.

Good listen.

Worth your time. Take your time and enjoy all the effort Ryan put into this book.

I really enjoyed this book!

It does a good way of explaining discipline with different anecdotes. It’s not a step by step guide if that’s what you are looking for. It’s current and mentions the pandemic, changing careers, and the importance of discipline as it pertains to work life home/ family balance. It was perfect for me!! Not boring. I enjoyed it very much.

A writer for this century

Ryan is so completely thorough it's easy to take his immense gift of writing for granted. He lives what he writes about. I highly recommend any and all of his books. Incredible.

Excellent Coaching

I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. Lots of useful ideas. This will remain in my library and I’ll be buying the hard copy too. Love The Daily Stoic too! Thank you Ryan and team!