Stillness is the Key

Essential reading for today's times, but is as timeless as ever. Many books preach inner peace, enlightenment, and self improvement, but it's rare to find a book that distills the elements of these pursuits as effectively or pragmatically as this one. In today's world we have smartphones, social media, and the outrage news cycle all feeding off our time and attention, but this book begins by reminding us that as far back as 2,000 years, human being have struggled to block out the noise and find a sense of peace. Inner stillness is a very human need and a very valuable pursuit, and this book proves that. The great value from this book and this school of philosophy in general is not derived from its words or what it preaches, but through the practical application of its teachings in our day to day lives. We all constantly struggle, whether that's with self doubt, anxiety, personal relationships, family issues, or health problems, and life will continually provide us with challenges to overcome. We don't need another book reminding us how hard life is, or a set of steps to overcome whatever is currently challenging us. What we need is a set of values and priorities to apply regularly and repeatedly, so we can rise above the noise, focus on what matters, face our inner demons and make the best use of this vessel we call our body until our death ultimately arrives. That's the greatest strength of Stillness is the Key, it's preachy at times, and it may get too detailed and talkative in its historical examples, but every time it does it quickly gets back to what matters - how you can apply these lessons in your own life, regularly, and be reminded of them to make the most of the things that actually matter. I highly I recommend this book, as well as the other two books in this trilogy, which I've also read. They're meant to be read and felt deeply, and few books will provide such a practical application to battling the inherent challenges of life.

This book is unbelievably good. I thought it was going to say -- you should meditate and some basic advice on things I'm already doing or aware of. While he mentions meditation briefly, this book talks about many many different areas of life. From believing in a higher power to owning material possessions - he covers all the things that really matter. Like his other books, and something he is soooo good at, he peppers in stories from famous athletes and celebrities to bigger than life historical figures. He draws on lessons from Jesus, Buddha, the 12 steps and (obviously) the stoics. So this isn't just for people who fetishize one school of thought. Not that it matters to most people, but I also want to mention as someone who's in recovery, that Ryan is spot on with his understanding of the 12 Steps and the fellowships that embody them. This is very rare... But rather he gets the deeper spiritual meaning of things, like being of service. So while I'm not an expert stoic or buddhist, I trust that he's turned these ancient traditions into a modern day piece of philosophy that is easy to consume and very practical. And that is just the thing... This book is a book of philosophy written for the 21 century -- where we have smart phones, social media, remote work and globalization. Personally, I've tried to get into the some of the ancient texts on these topics, but I always struggled to really wrap my head around them, since they are written for such a different time with such a different style than modern communication... But not with this. I'm very excited to see what else he creates in the years to come. Now that I just finished this book, I'm quite literally going to restart it.

Ryan holiday does a great job in highlighting the moments of stillness in important figures in our culture. It is important to utilize this stillness in order to maintain the quality of our thoughts, feelings, etc. In a noisy world, it is a must read. 👍

There's a lot here to ponder and reflect on. The wisdom of previous philosophers shared in a way modern audiences can understand and use to understand how and why stillness is, indeed, the key.

Libro in inglese per chi ama approfondire le strategie economiche

"Stillness Is The Key" by Ryan Holiday is not just a page turner but also a multiple page marker. The urge to mark pages, paragraphs and even more number of lines while reading will just hold on to the book and the "Wisdom thoughts" that you come across them will definitely instil a feel of even write, read and reread to go into the profound depth & meaning of the words mentioned.The book also acts as a shortcut for readers to gain the essence of having read multiple books with emphasis on the importance of temperence, spirituality, humanity,compassion ,virtue and above all to stay Still and live life complete and full, besides co.ing across to know and learn about many successful people, their stories,ideas,mistakes etc mentioning both their successes and failures.The valuable quotes before the beginning of each chapter that come across while reading are all touching and thought-provoking.The book also reflects upon seeking solitude(eg.putting the emphasis on reflecting on thoughts rather than reacting),seeing deep into the nature and experiencing the Joyous stillness(eg.Japanese concept of taking a forest bath or like in the poetry of William Wordsworth),having a good walk and the ideas of worth that comes out(eg.Walt Whitman,Kierkegaard,Ernest Hemmingway etc),cultivating an hobby(eg.as that of cutting trees by William Gladstone),controlling anger(eg.Micheal Jordon who was slighted but who made a strong winning mentality instead of despairing -- NB: May Google or watch on Youtube and enjoy ) and many more to read and remember.You also read and learn not just about leading a happy & and successful life but also to face death fearlessly. A book that can be a pathfinder for happy living.

Thought it would be a simple add up to the two previous books, but hey, it's another masterpiece. Get Ego, Obstacle and this one, really read it and understand it. Apply it. Watch your life change. Thank you MR Holiday, my life will never be the same again.

Thought provoking, practical and good for the soul. I've thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend to other readers. Thank you, Ryan.

not suitable for Europeans and others.