Discipline is Destiny Summary Review | Ryan Holiday
Discipline Is Destiny is a book by Ryan Holiday aimed at helping readers master the Stoic virtue of temperance, commonly referred to as discipline. The book proposes that by controlling the body, mind and spirit, one can attain the highest level of self-discipline and ultimately, success.
The book starts off with a story about Hercules, the legendary Greek demigod, who was at a crossroads and serves as a metaphor for those looking to improve their lives. Holiday then follows up with three parts about how to master and implement the concept of discipline into your life in the three areas – body, mind and spirit. He suggests that one should begin by controlling the body as this is the easiest way to build discipline. As an example, he mentions Lou Gehrig, a baseball player who managed to play over 2,000 games without missing a single one, despite feeling unwell at times.
The second lesson is that one needs to practice restraint and moderation in order to be truly happy. He emphasizes that self-discipline is both predictive and deterministic, meaning that it not only predicts success but also creates success. To achieve this, one needs to stay away from temptations, be mindful of their goals and lead with their minds over their moods.
The third lesson is that the highest level of discipline is on the plane of the spirit, where one has to balance many activities and roles while performing in a life-or-death situation. This is exemplified by the Roman charioteers, who had to stay disciplined in order to entertain their community. Holiday encourages readers to use their discipline for a higher purpose and accept failure as part of the equation.
The book then goes on to give 25 habits that will guarantee success, such as “Attack the Dawn” and “Just Be About The Work”. Lastly, the author encourages readers to practice self-discipline in their daily lives by setting clear goals, understanding why they are doing something, building helpful habits and getting rid of temptation.
In conclusion, Discipline Is Destiny is an important read for anyone looking to become more disciplined and successful in their lives. Through a mix of stories, practical advice and habits, the book encourages its readers to take charge of their bodies and minds, practice restraint and moderation, and ultimately use their self-discipline for a higher purpose.
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We rate this book 4/5.
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