“Courage is Calling” by Ryan Holiday – Book Review
“Courage is Calling” by Ryan Holiday reminds you that the only difference between your current self and your ideal self is having the courage to get there.
Check it out on Amazon, or my personal favorite, Bookshop.org!
Table of contents
Why did I read “Courage is Calling”?
I had just finished reading “Discipline is Destiny” by Ryan Holiday (book review forthcoming), the 2nd book in his Stoic Virtue Series, absolutely loved it, and had a burning desire to dive into another one of his books. I figured it made sense to read the book that immediately preceded it and dove in.
General Overview
“Courage is Calling” is a comprehensive and insightful book that explores the concept of courage and its role in personal and professional success. The author, Ryan Holiday, argues that courage is not just a desirable trait, but it is essential for overcoming challenges, taking risks, and making difficult decisions. The book provides a thorough examination of what courage is and how it can be developed, dispelling the myth that courage means being fearless and explaining that it is actually the ability to face one’s fears and act despite them.
The book is structured into three parts: Fear, Courage, and The Heroic. In the first part, Holiday explores the role of fear in our lives and how it can hold us back and prevent us from pursuing our goals and dreams. He highlights the importance of facing our fears and overcoming them in order to achieve success. In the second part, the author focuses on what courage is and how it can be developed. He presents different types of courage and the benefits of embracing it in various aspects of our lives. He also shares stories of individuals who demonstrated courage in the face of adversity and how their bravery has inspired others.
The final part of the book, The Heroic, explores the idea of heroism and what it means to be a hero. Holiday draws from a range of historical figures and events to show how ordinary people can become heroes by demonstrating courage in their daily lives. He encourages readers to strive for aspirational heroism and to make a positive impact in the world through their own acts of courage.
3 Main Takeaways
- Courage is a crucial characteristic for success: Ryan Holiday emphasizes that courage is not just a desirable trait, but it is essential for success in both personal and professional life. He argues that having the courage to take risks, persevere through challenges, and make difficult decisions is what sets successful people apart from those who struggle.
- Courage is not the absence of fear: The author dispels the myth that courage means being fearless and explains that courage is actually the ability to face one’s fears and act despite them. He stresses that it’s normal to feel afraid, but the key is to acknowledge those feelings and move forward anyway.
- Courage can be learned and cultivated: While some people may be naturally more courageous, Holiday believes that anyone can learn and develop this characteristic. He provides practical tips and exercises for building courage and suggests that it is a skill that can be improved over time through practice and deliberate effort.
Who Should Read “Courage is Calling”?
The book is well-suited for a wide range of readers, including:
- Individuals looking to improve their personal or professional life: The book provides practical tips and exercises for building courage, which can help readers overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Entrepreneurs and business professionals: The book emphasizes the importance of courage in taking risks and making difficult decisions, making it particularly relevant for those in business and leadership roles.
- Anyone seeking inspiration and guidance: The book is filled with inspiring stories of individuals who demonstrated courage in the face of adversity, and its clear and engaging style makes it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
- Those interested in self-help and personal development: “Courage is Calling” offers valuable insights and guidance for developing the courage you need to succeed, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve themselves.
- Fans of Ryan Holiday’s writing: If you have enjoyed other books by Ryan Holiday, “Courage is Calling” is likely to be a must-read.
Overall, “Courage is Calling” is a book that can benefit anyone looking to develop the courage they need to succeed and make a positive impact in their lives and the world.
My Top 3 Quotes
1. “You just learn to stop thinking about what they think. You’ll never do original work if you can’t. You have to be willing not only to step away from the heard but get up in front of them and say what you truly think or feel. It’s called “public life” for a reason. You don’t get to succeed privately.”
Ryan Holiday, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors The Brave
2. “Our fears points us, like a self-indicting arrow, in the direction of the right thing to do.”
Ryan Holiday, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors The Brave
3. “To know the truth and not say the truth…this is to betray the truth.”
Ryan Holiday, Courage is Calling: Fortune Favors The Brave
Final Thoughts on “Courage is Calling”
Overall, “Courage is Calling” is a thought-provoking and inspiring read that encourages readers to embrace their own courage and pursue their goals with greater determination and purpose. The book provides practical tips and exercises for building courage, and its clear and engaging style makes it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are looking to improve your personal or professional life, “Courage is Calling” offers valuable insights and guidance for developing the courage you need to succeed.
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You can find “Courage is Calling” on Amazon, or my personal favorite, Bookshop.org!
