Wisdom Takes Work

Learn. Apply. Repeat.

By: Ryan Holiday

Narrated by: Ryan Holiday

Foster curiosity, discernment and life-changing wisdom: book 4 in the New York Times-bestselling Stoic Virtues series

'Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distils wisdom' CAL NEWPORT, bestselling author of Deep Work

Wisdom is central to a meaningful life. It gives us perspective, reveals knowledge and guides our path. Without it, our best qualities become our worst: courage turns to foolhardiness, self-discipline to cruelty, justice to empty moralising. We all aspire to be wise - but wisdom is earned.

In this fourth and final instalment of his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday uncovers tried and true methods for cultivating wisdom. Drawing on lessons from heroes across history, including Marcus Aurelius, Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou and Joan Didion, he shows how to keep an open mind in times of division and disruption; to listen more than we talk; to think with nuance and ruthlessly question our own beliefs. Through cautionary figures like Elon Musk, he shows how dangerous intelligence can be without wisdom - and how we can all escape today's traps of tribalism, certainty and self-righteousness.

Are you open to listening? Are you willing to question? Are you here to learn? Wisdom is work. But it's worth it.

'Ryan Holiday is one of his generation's finest thinkers' STEVEN PRESSFIELD, author of The War of Art ©2025 Ryan Holiday (P)2025 Profile Books Ltd

The honesty.

This book needs a second if not third listen. Ryan's honesty in this book will have many on an emotional roller-coaster, but it is his valid and researched opinion. This book is another cracker from Ryan. Enjoy.

Interesting

Ryan wraps up all essential lessons of stoicism. A zoom out, big picture of what matters most in a daily life. He analizes several biographies; and the best review is Elon Musk’s. A lot of blind spots also discussed.

Loaded with wisdom despite the flaw

Well researched and expertly constructed narrative on an elusive topic. The book is original and most of the content oscillate between insightful and entertaining.

I just wish the author had less beef to pick with Musk. Much of his criticism is spot on and well deserved, but there is an awful amount that I deem ill understood from the author's perspective. It almost comes across as a personal vendetta, which ranks very low on the wisdom scale.