The Obstacle is the Way Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition

The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

By: Ryan Holiday

Narrated by: Ryan Holiday

An updated and expanded edition of the book that launched a global phenomenon, The Obstacle Is the Way presents an infinitely elastic formula for turning our toughest trials into our greatest triumphs.

Since bestselling author Ryan Holiday introduced Stoicism to the world with The Obstacle Is the Way in 2014, this simple but powerful philosophy for life has taken the world by storm. This brilliant and engaging book is an invaluable source of wisdom for anyone who wants to become more successful at what they do, whether you’re a student, a parent, a professional athlete, or a world leader. Now, Ryan Holiday has updated and expanded this modern classic with a new introduction and new content featuring a diverse set of inspiring characters.

Icons of history—from Epictetus and Demosthenes to Amelia Earhart and Richard Wright—followed a simple formula to achieve greatness. They were not exceptionally brilliant, lucky, or gifted. Their success in overcoming extreme obstacles was the result of a timeless set of philosophical principles that the greatest men and women have always pursued.

In The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday unpacks those lessons and reframes them for today's world, giving us an indispensable formula for turning our toughest trials into triumphs. This new edition is a chance for old fans to revisit a classic and for a new generation to discover the power of Stoicism.

The Hurdlers Coach

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday shifted my perspective in a way I didn’t expect. I’ve always seen myself as a hurdler—not in the rational, calculated sense, but in the lived reality of constantly facing obstacles. Before this book, my focus was on getting through them. This book helped me see something deeper: the obstacle isn’t just something to overcome—it is the path. The resistance, the delay, the challenge isn’t in the way of success; it’s the way to it. That reframing alone made this a powerful listen for me.

Phenomenal! First time learning about Stoicism

This book has framed Stoicism with real life examples from persons across history that is so incredibly valuable and made me want to dig more into this way of thought. Id recommend this book to absolutely anyone who wants more out of life and who are willing to take on the challenges that it inevitably brings.

Book to be read or listened to annually

We all at some point in our lives need to be reminded of the benefit of being presented an obstacle to overcome regardless of perceived magnitude. For this obstacle gives us the opportunity to prove time and again that we have the endurance and fortitude to overcome it.

Great Mindset Shifter

Thoroughly enjoyed the content and the author’s style. This is a great introduction to stoicism and how to apply it today. There are also a lot of resources included so you can do a deeper dive.

Ryan Holliday - our modern day philosopher

Re-listening to this book with its additions was such an education. I recommend it for audible and hard copy.