Ryan Holiday

The world speaks to us, but often in no more than a whisper. Most teachers do not repeat themselves, do not beg for us to sit and be quiet and listen

There is clarity (and joy) in seeing what others can’t see, in finding grace and harmony in places others overlook. Isn’t that far better than seeing the world as some dark place?

A person that thinks all the time has nothing to think about except thoughts.

We have to find the people who can teach us and open ourselves to learning from them. Whatever stage of life we’re in, there is someone who knows more than us, who has been through more than us, who can open doors for us.

you must reclaim the ability to abstain because within it is your clarity and self-control.

Be quiet, work hard, and stay healthy. It’s not ambition or skill that is going to set you apart but sanity.

In a world of distraction, focusing is a superpower.

Attempting to destroy something out of hate or ego often ensures that it will be preserved and disseminated forever.

Vires acquirit eundo (We gather strength as we go).

You don’t control the situation, but you control what you think about it.

5 Habits That Are Killing Your Productivity:

1. You don’t wake up early (Marcus Aurelius)
2. You focus on what’s outside your control (Epictetus)
3. You don’t know how to say “no” (Seneca)
4. You’re in the wrong crowd (Marcus Aurelius)
5. You think you’ll live forever (Seneca)

When we remove ego, we’re left with what is real. What replaces ego is humility, yes — but rock-hard humility and confidence. Whereas ego is artificial, this type of confidence can hold weight. Ego is stolen. Confidence is earned. Ego is self-anointed, its swagger is artifice. One is girding yourself, the other gaslighting. It’s the difference between potent and poisonous.

The most powerful predictor of what spreads online is anger.

Knowledge — self-knowledge in particular — is freedom.

Decide who you want to be, and then do that work.