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The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Ryan Holiday (Author, Narrator), Penguin Audio (Publisher)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,584 ratings
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#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

The Obstacle is the Way has become a cult classic, beloved by men and women around the world who apply its wisdom to become more successful at whatever they do.

Its many fans include a former governor and movie star (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a hip hop icon (LL Cool J), an Irish tennis pro (James McGee), an NBC sportscaster (Michele Tafoya), and the coaches and players of winning teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Cubs, and University of Texas men’s basketball team.

The book draws its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience. Stoics focus on the things they can control, let go of everything else, and turn every new obstacle into an opportunity to get better, stronger, tougher. As Marcus Aurelius put it nearly 2000 years ago: “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Ryan Holiday shows us how some of the most successful people in history—from John D. Rockefeller to Amelia Earhart to Ulysses S. Grant to Steve Jobs—have applied stoicism to overcome difficult or even impossible situations. Their embrace of these principles ultimately mattered more than their natural intelligence, talents, or luck.

If you’re feeling frustrated, demoralized, or stuck in a rut, this book can help you turn your problems into your biggest advantages. And along the way it will inspire you with dozens of true stories of the greats from every age and era.

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  1. Listening Length
    4 hours and 38 minutes
  2. Author
    Ryan Holiday
  3. Narrator
    Ryan Holiday
  4. Audible release date
    February 14, 2023
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Penguin Audio
  7. ASIN
    B0BT53FNVH
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 4 hours and 38 minutes
Author Ryan Holiday
Narrator Ryan Holiday
Audible.com Release Date February 14, 2023
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0BT53FNVH
Best Sellers Rank #1,115 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#15 in Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#28 in Motivational Management & Leadership
#37 in Business Motivation & Self-Improvement (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4,584 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring and providing actionable ideas. They describe it as a concise, easy read with short chapters. The stories are interesting and thought-provoking. Many readers appreciate the quality of the material and the quick pacing. However, some feel the pacing is underwhelming if you're looking for more concrete ways to approach problems.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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InspirationReadabilityStory qualityShort chaptersSturdinessTimingEase of applicationPacing
281 customers mention "Inspiration"257 positive24 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and well-written. It provides valuable life lessons and ideas for problem solving. The author's message of perseverance is backed by historical examples. Readers appreciate the relatable characters and situations that help them overcome tough situations. Overall, the book motivates readers to take action and develop a unique brand of optimism.

"...the negative, I'd add this well written, interesting, and helpful book to your list." Read more

"...the same tired stereotyped figures from the past, but finds new, more relatable, characters and situations...." Read more

"...the reader to three wide themes of Stoic philosophy – and this is a practical and easy read – don’t worry. The first theme is perception...." Read more

"...that in spite of life’s challenges, we must keep going and overcome our challenges...." Read more

114 customers mention "Readability"103 positive11 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and helpful. They appreciate the concise and straightforward presentation of stoic living principles. The writing is engaging and inspirational, making it simple to apply the principles.

"...If you need encouragement seeing beyond the negative, I'd add this well written, interesting, and helpful book to your list." Read more

"...three wide themes of Stoic philosophy – and this is a practical and easy read – don’t worry. The first theme is perception...." Read more

"...I enjoyed this one for it's simplicity and the tales interwoven throughout the book of famous individuals who overcame adversity to find great..." Read more

"...This book is well written and brings lasting truths into actionable ideas and pensive reveries I am very pleased I bought this book...." Read more

39 customers mention "Story quality"33 positive6 negative

Customers find the book's stories engaging and informative. They find the narrative relatable and thought-provoking, describing it as an easy read that gives a new perspective on life. The stories inspire readers and make them feel excited about their own lives.

"...seeing beyond the negative, I'd add this well written, interesting, and helpful book to your list." Read more

"...Throughout the book you'll find great snippets from some of the great Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius along with quotes from more..." Read more

"...He is one heck of a marketer with a healthy view on life...." Read more

"This book is a great introduction to stoicism. It's very readable and relatable. I've suggested it to many friends and coworkers...." Read more

19 customers mention "Short chapters"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the short chapters. They find the book has 30 chapters, each about 3-5 pages long. The chapters are quick to read, which allows them to focus on one thought. The book isn't deep-dive, and it's packed with historical insights and examples.

"...Obstacle is a 3 Act book with short and concise chapters that skillfully shows how philosophy is not only for white tower academics arguing over..." Read more

"...Very readable with short targeted chapters that explore each aspect of the Stoic's way of seeing, acting, and living, and specifically why it works...." Read more

"The book is over 30 chapters, each about 3-5 pages long. The author introduces each chapter with a real-life example to provide “context.”..." Read more

"...The chapters are short and digestible and include no fat...." Read more

19 customers mention "Sturdiness"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness. They find it starts strong but gets preachy in the middle. The material is great, and everything arrived intact. They describe it as a quality book with solid advice and structure.

"Great book! Bought this book. It came in excellent condition, better than listed...." Read more

"...taking creative and consistent action, and having the humility, resilience, and flexibility to accept the outcome, many of us can achieve far more..." Read more

"...Quick/easy read. Easy to come back and reference. Great material you can use over and over." Read more

"This book starts a little slow but ends strong. There are stories that will inspire and it is very well written...." Read more

12 customers mention "Timing"9 positive3 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-paced. They say it moves quickly and covers the subject thoroughly.

"...considering the state of the world at the moment, I'd consider it perfect timing...." Read more

"This book was an excellent, quick, distilled read...." Read more

"The first half of the book was good but then stalled in the second half...." Read more

"A great book but hey it’s worth a read. Its quick and easy to read and next time you feel like there is no path or you feel defeated you can pick up..." Read more

18 customers mention "Ease of application"10 positive8 negative

Customers find the book easy to apply in real-life. They appreciate the simplicity of setup and application of timeless wisdom. However, some feel the execution is complicated and lacks techniques or insights into overcoming obstacles. It needs instructions, even though there is video on line. Some customers feel the book is too simplistic and generic, and didn't finish it.

"...Holiday's writing is engaging and inspirational, making it easy to apply the principles he discusses in real-life situations...." Read more

"...It is not perfect due to the flaws being so beginner friendly. Stoicism in nature is polarizing and the best stoics are the most polarizing...." Read more

"...As an intro to stoicism for people who want a fast, easy, motivational read, I give it four. So I split the difference and went with three...." Read more

"...Second, needs instructions although there is video on line. What I like is the ease it is to unpack and setup. You only have two pieces...." Read more

32 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive25 negative

Customers find the book's pacing slow and repetitive. They feel it lacks concrete ideas and is boring compared to other books by the author. Readers also mention that the recommendations are poor.

"...Quite underwhelming if you're looking for more concrete ways to approach obstacles, more modern day examples, references to scientific studies or..." Read more

"...No idea how the book is as I can't read it. Not worth the headache." Read more

"...Unfortunately, I thought the book sucked. This book reminds me of a chapter from Robert Greene's book the 50th law...." Read more

"...I'm more present and more calm. I held my hand over my heart several times while reading. Eye-opening. Thank you for sharing." Read more

Seller, The Prophet’s Eye was amazing and so is the book.
5 out of 5 stars
Seller, The Prophet’s Eye was amazing and so is the book.
Great book! Bought this book. It came in excellent condition, better than listed. The seller, The Prophet’s Eye was great in answering my questions before buying and made me feel very comfortable about this purchase. They went way above and beyond and for this I am thankful. It also arrived 4 days sooner than estimated arrival date, which means I got it super fast. I will buy from this seller for sure again!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect timing...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A friend recommended this book, and considering the state of the world at the moment, I'd consider it perfect timing. If you need encouragement seeing beyond the negative, I'd add this well written, interesting, and helpful book to your list.
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  • Clubber Lang
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ryan Holiday? Great book if you want to learn. Not a book for people who believe in "The Secret".
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    While I know Ryan personally, I believe that I am uniquely qualified to review this book and, after reading a lot of the comments, add to the discussion. A lot of people miss that Ryan is articulating a journey and is translating it into something edible and powerful. Something 99% of us at ANY age cannot do, even with "wisdom of experience".

    Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time, but actual mass communication has been around for a very short time (relatively). It looks as if the "paper book" business will become a specialty- if surviving at all. I know that Ryan knows this as he has always been quick to lend an idea, do some digging and most important- analyze and decide. As he uses as an example in his book, he pulls an Amelia Earhart and ACTS. He can talk about Tesla in the same sentence as popular games on the meat markets in early Chicago. He has read (studied) Marshall McLuhan to Malcolm Gladwell. This rabid quest to find out and face his own soul searching path- has delivered a perfect book for the RIGHT PERSON. This is not Chicken Soup for the Soul.

    Ryan has done WAY more and influenced WAY more decisions than he would ever talk about, but has helped untangle talent and communication complications (i.e- market properly) using many of his methods he developed under Robert Greene and even 50 Cent and Tucker Max. He helped in stealth, but in critical ways, to launch, maintain and capitalize on #1 Films, TV Shows, YouTube and MANY multi platinum musical artists. I can vouch for it myself.

    It is always amazing to read a review somewhere when that person has never faced down rejection and fear and can criticize anyone for at least putting their thoughts and ideas out there for judgment. To do that, when the WORLD is telling you that finishing college is the only way to go and you have the same people close to you saying that you will fail- it truly was an Obstacle to overcome. It only got more intense for Ryan, but his lessons are earned. He was led to the water, but unlike most people, he drank. How can you question the message, integrity and courage of that? Steven Pressfield, one of our generations best and most diverse authors, has called it "The Resistance". Even he endorsees the book on the dust jacket.

    The reason that I preface the review this way is to show you Ryan's true accomplishment here- articulating what he has learned, applying it to clear examples people can remember and also help people. There have been big choices in Ryan's life- not the least of which was whether to go in house for a safe "job" or "bet on himself". He DID what he talks about here. It is the true reflection on a part of his life and the methods HE used to combat them. This is especially important for a generation who "has ADD" and can't relate to the past. At 22- I think it would be silly to not monitor this refreshing voice and mind as he progress'. He actually went and spent time with Dr. Drew after reading his not so best selling books.

    Marcus Aurelius is the clear hero in this book, being compared to boxer "Hurricane" Carter (among others), while dealing with your internal power. The ideas and themes of the book seem to come from some Herman Hesse and Tom Wolfe as much as out of print magazines and long dead historical stars of their time. That is what is so attractive. Anyone should find a part of this to relate to. This is especially helpful to someone who wants a quick boost of intellect instead of trying to muscle through a biography (but he def refers to a lot of interesting people I need to read more about). Ryan does not rely on the same tired stereotyped figures from the past, but finds new, more relatable, characters and situations. Athletes, Entrepreneurs, Parents and CEO's, and those looking to look at life in a certain lens, will benefit greatly.

    Think you are having a bad day? Open your eyes and you will find out that another historical leader (other than Churchill) suffered severe depression while running the country that may or may not exist depending on his choices- Abraham Lincoln (didn't see a lot of that in the movie). Grant, Nietzsche and Edison all make a story about fortitude and acceptance. A much different approach than looking in a window and imaging you will get the new purse that is in there and moving on. Again- this is intended for action and not philosophy.

    Self Help crap would be fine if it worked, but that means there would only be one book- and it would work. Awareness. Dealing with fear and uncertainty. Mindful and deliberate. Shame and guilt. Accountability and results. How did other people deal with this? Only through careful research do these stories become just as powerful to the man who believes that history is a verb as they are to someone just trying to make it through their day.

    The point is- you are not alone. In fact, you are not even close to being the first person today to experience multiple obstacles. It is comforting to see how adversity has been confronted in the past. This is a book for those who believe in Realpolitik and seeing life for what it is. I would say it is the actual back up action plan to what a mystical book like the Mayan based best seller, "The 4 Agreements", is. Although the book is very much based on stoic principles it makes no judgements about your belief system in a macro way.

    I can see how this book can have some legs for people try to cope with a new world where you have too much or think you have too little- information to ingest. It is a reference book that can be returned to over and over.

    Ryan Holiday is an important voice in the book space these days. Mostly because he is willing to actually commit to writing good books as well as growing his digital presence quickly. Non fiction at that age in 2014 is pretty impressive and patient. He can deal w Dov Charney, 50 Cent, Tucker Max and many others- due to his diversity. His "Read to Lead" mentality is refreshing and way more valuable than any class. He has a Best Seller in "Growth Hacking" at the same time, so holding his own with decades older armchair authors, while understanding the generation gap in communication is not such a bad way to describe this book.

    And finally...yes- he uses the bible as reference at times..
    108 people found this helpful
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  • Peter Butler Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Review: "The Obstacle is the Way"
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The Obstacle is the Way is the first of a three-book series on the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic philosophers. “Stoicism” has a bad name in modern times, but the name has been corrupted in a similar way to how the name “Puritan” has been corrupted. Stoicism is – in many ways – what we now call Cognitive Behavioral Training.

    In this volume, Ryan Holiday introduces the reader to three wide themes of Stoic philosophy – and this is a practical and easy read – don’t worry.

    The first theme is perception. In this, the Stoics said to look at your situation – what is happening – as objectively as you can. What is this really? Putting aside emotions and presuppositions – What do I actually have here, and can I turn it into a positive? (This is not positivity thinking but turning whatever is before you over – looking at it from every angle, understanding what is truly is and from what perspective it is good, bad, or neutral.)

    Once you have an objective understanding of what is before you, you then ask what is in my power and what is not in my power? What can I change and what can’t I change?

    The second theme is action. That is directed action. This is a planned action to remove the obstacle in front of you and/or to transform it into the way in which you want to go. You set you actions and keep doing more, because there is always more that can be done. That does not mean there is no rest – you need to take action to rest, as well.

    “Persist in your efforts. Resist giving in to distractions, discouragements, or disorder” (80). Do your job and do it right.

    The third theme is will. “Will is our internal power, which can never be affected by the outside world” (125). This means to “bear and forebear. Acknowledge the pain but trod onward in your task” (131). This is the process of saying, I will do this and then I will do this, and so forth until my goal is accomplished. There is no giving up.

    It is also to accept that no matter how well we perceive, no matter what actions we plan, we may fail to achieve what we desire. The biggest realization to keep before us is that we will die – we are finite creatures. Eventually, no matter how well we perfect perception, action, and will, we die. It just is. It is something we must accept. We are not to be morbid about it, rather we accept it as truth.

    In the end, if we perceive the obstacles rightly and considered what we can do and what we cant’t do, and then we set up a plan of action and act upon it, and we persist and will our way towards the goal, we will always be happy, because there is nothing more we can do. We will have done everything.

    The book ends with an extensive “selected” bibliography and recommended reading list, as well as ways to get in contact with the author.

    I am finding Stoicism to be helpful in working forward in my life. I am also using his book, The Daily Stoic, which are short primary readings and commentary, as a devotional. And I look forward to reading the other two books in the series.

    [This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
    34 people found this helpful
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  • Kevin Stecyk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Having read The Obstacle is the Way, I can appreciate why it has been read by so many people.

    Life will always be challenging. This book teaches you that in spite of life’s challenges, we must keep going and overcome our challenges. In fact, it is overcoming our challenges that makes us stronger.

    I highly recommend Ryan Holiday’s book.
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  • David Mannering
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book for attorneys, businessmen, athletes, and for anyone facing a trial in their life.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book, I first listened to it on audible then read the hard back version about a year and a half later. The first time I listened it was right around when my dog died suddenly one day with the groomer. I was beside myself, but this book helped reframe my mindset to turn that obstacle into a precipice for change in my life. I came back to it about year and half later while waiting for the release of Right Thing, Right Now, at the same time in the midst of reading the first section I was called to trial (I’m at attorney). It was my first solo trial, no second chair, no help, but I was able to use the lessons, which have been passed down for a couple thousand of years, to lean into the challenge presented as a pathway to be creative, resourceful, and accepting of the challenge which lead to significant advancements in my professional career.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • jack jacome
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ryan Holiday does not miss
    Reviewed in Canada on July 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A very good book. Ryan and his knowledge of stoicism has given us readers a versatile breadth of knowledge with his books. This book is no different. Very, very clearly lays out how adversity is necessary if you want to succeed. Uses not only stoicism but other historical accounts to back up his points. it is both a great self-help book and history lesson in a way.
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  • RON
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Muy claro, ágil y fácil de entender por los ejemplos reales y tangibles que incluye.
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  • Isabella Mader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read especially for top executives
    Reviewed in Germany on December 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A brilliant read for anyone who wants to perfect consistent thinking.
    Bonus: The author seems to practice what he preaches. Do follow him on Social Media.
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  • Jon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I already owned a digital version of this book which I’ve read several times, but when I saw the Anniversary hardback edition I knew I had to have it. The amount of value I’ve gotten from this book (and all of Ryan’s work) is astounding.
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  • Nathalie S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable
    Reviewed in France on July 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Pour tout bon stoïcien.
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