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Stoic Virtue Series
Right Thing, Right Now: Justice in an Unjust World
In his New York Times bestselling book, Discipline Is Destiny, Ryan Holiday made the Stoic case for a life of self-discipline. In this much-anticipated third installment in the Stoic Virtues series, he argues for the necessity of doing what’s right – even when it isn’t easy
For the ancients, everything worth pursuing in life flowed from a strong sense of justice—or one’s commitment to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. In order to be courageous, wise, and self-disciplined, one must begin with justice. The influence of the modern world often tells us that acting justly is optional. Holiday argues that that’s simply untrue—and the fact that so few people today have the strength to stand by their convictions explains much about why we’re so unhappy.
In Right Thing. Right Now., Holiday draws on fascinating stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, whose examples of kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty we can emulate as pillars of upright living. Through the lives of these role models, readers learn the transformational power of living by a moral code and, through the cautionary tales of unjust leaders, the consequences of an ill-formed conscience.
The Stoics never claimed that living justly was easy, only that it was necessary. And that the alternative—sacrificing our principles for something lesser—was considered only by cowards and fools. Right Thing. Right Now. is a powerful antidote to the moral failures of our modern age, and a manual for living virtuously.
For the ancients, everything worth pursuing in life flowed from a strong sense of justice—or one’s commitment to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. In order to be courageous, wise, and self-disciplined, one must begin with justice. The influence of the modern world often tells us that acting justly is optional. Holiday argues that that’s simply untrue—and the fact that so few people today have the strength to stand by their convictions explains much about why we’re so unhappy.
In Right Thing. Right Now., Holiday draws on fascinating stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, whose examples of kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty we can emulate as pillars of upright living. Through the lives of these role models, readers learn the transformational power of living by a moral code and, through the cautionary tales of unjust leaders, the consequences of an ill-formed conscience.
The Stoics never claimed that living justly was easy, only that it was necessary. And that the alternative—sacrificing our principles for something lesser—was considered only by cowards and fools. Right Thing. Right Now. is a powerful antidote to the moral failures of our modern age, and a manual for living virtuously.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
About the author
Ryan Holiday
105 books15.6k followersRyan Holiday is media strategist for notorious clients like Tucker Max and Dov Charney. After dropping out of college at 19 to apprentice under the strategist Robert Greene, he went on to advise many bestselling authors and multi-platinum musicians. He is the Director of Marketing at American Apparel, where his work in advertising was internationally known. His strategies are used as case studies by Twitter, YouTube, and Google, and have been written about in AdAge, the New York Times, Gawker, and Fast Company. He is the author is *Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator*, which is due out in July. He currently lives in New Orleans, with his rebellious puppy, Hanno.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 25, 2024
I'm not a fan of RH and his "neo-stoicism", BUT I like to occasionally listen to his podcast. It's not really about his content - it subliminally triggers the "stoic mode" in myself & sets me into the desired way of thinking. So when I had the chance to get his latest book for free (or near to - there was some sort of discount, I think), I didn't think twice.
RTRN is all about the virtue of justice. The book is relatively short, but still - is there so much to say about justice via the lens of stoic doctrine? Well - yes & no.
Yes, because RH does his typical stuff - brings tons of oververbose examples, nearly full biographies of people he associates with justice. And damn, sometimes this association is very weak. Not just because it's extremely US-centric (that's also typical for RH), but just because he bends the definition of what can be subsumed under justice. But that's not the worst thing.
No, because even if we agree that the book is about justice, there's too little stoicism in that. Seriously - when RH started elaborating on the role "outrage" plays in bringing justice in, I nearly lost my speech. Really? How is that stoic?
I'll better get back to his podcast. The book was far less inspiration than I expected, in fact, the author went far too far from what I expected. I've made zero notes, which also tells a bit about how good it is. 1.7 stars, rounded up to 2.
RTRN is all about the virtue of justice. The book is relatively short, but still - is there so much to say about justice via the lens of stoic doctrine? Well - yes & no.
Yes, because RH does his typical stuff - brings tons of oververbose examples, nearly full biographies of people he associates with justice. And damn, sometimes this association is very weak. Not just because it's extremely US-centric (that's also typical for RH), but just because he bends the definition of what can be subsumed under justice. But that's not the worst thing.
No, because even if we agree that the book is about justice, there's too little stoicism in that. Seriously - when RH started elaborating on the role "outrage" plays in bringing justice in, I nearly lost my speech. Really? How is that stoic?
I'll better get back to his podcast. The book was far less inspiration than I expected, in fact, the author went far too far from what I expected. I've made zero notes, which also tells a bit about how good it is. 1.7 stars, rounded up to 2.
June 14, 2024
In his provocative new book "The Right Thing Right Now", Ryan Holiday offers a refreshingly honest and unflinching look at the concept of justice. Holiday deftly weaves together historical examples and philosophical insights to make a compelling case that our conventional notions of justice are often misguided or incomplete.
At the core of the book is Holiday's contention that true justice is inherently pro-social - it requires us to look outward beyond our own interests and development. He argues that merely focusing on our own moral growth and philosophies is not enough. Justice demands that we consider the full context of a situation and its impacts on others, rather than viewing it through the simplified lens of personal revenge, retribution or self-centered ideals.
While the idea of being pro-social is hopefully uncontroversial, Holiday's examples will likely resonate with some readers and challenge others. He brings his distinctive perspective to the book. His sense of justice may encompass causes that some readers might find provocative. Readers are advised to approach the book with an open mind and be prepared to reflect on their own beliefs and thought processes.
At the core of the book is Holiday's contention that true justice is inherently pro-social - it requires us to look outward beyond our own interests and development. He argues that merely focusing on our own moral growth and philosophies is not enough. Justice demands that we consider the full context of a situation and its impacts on others, rather than viewing it through the simplified lens of personal revenge, retribution or self-centered ideals.
While the idea of being pro-social is hopefully uncontroversial, Holiday's examples will likely resonate with some readers and challenge others. He brings his distinctive perspective to the book. His sense of justice may encompass causes that some readers might find provocative. Readers are advised to approach the book with an open mind and be prepared to reflect on their own beliefs and thought processes.
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July 7, 2024Of the four cardinal virtues, Courage, Self-Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom, Justice might be the most important.
If more people practiced justice, the need for courage, self-discipline, and wisdom would be considerably lower.
I pre-ordered this book several months ago, and it exceeded all my expectations, making the wait well worth it.
This book has several lessons. I could make a whole course on the lessons this book teaches you. Listing out just 5% of the good lessons in this post would make this text incredibly long; please read or listen to the book. My highlighter and pen got their workout for the month with solid advice.
I'll summarize the book with a poem summary at the end.
There was an old man who crossed a washed-out road. After he crossed it, he stopped going to his destination. He then stayed at the edge of the road and built a bridge so the person behind him could find success easier than he did.
One of Fast Forward's mottos was to pay it forward, and this book exemplifies that motto.
Please read this book.
If more people practiced justice, the need for courage, self-discipline, and wisdom would be considerably lower.
I pre-ordered this book several months ago, and it exceeded all my expectations, making the wait well worth it.
This book has several lessons. I could make a whole course on the lessons this book teaches you. Listing out just 5% of the good lessons in this post would make this text incredibly long; please read or listen to the book. My highlighter and pen got their workout for the month with solid advice.
I'll summarize the book with a poem summary at the end.
There was an old man who crossed a washed-out road. After he crossed it, he stopped going to his destination. He then stayed at the edge of the road and built a bridge so the person behind him could find success easier than he did.
One of Fast Forward's mottos was to pay it forward, and this book exemplifies that motto.
Please read this book.
June 27, 2024
4.5* roundup. A little score bump for the fantastic Afterword.
Classic Holiday. If you love his writing, you will like this book. Works really well in audiobook format.
Recommended
Classic Holiday. If you love his writing, you will like this book. Works really well in audiobook format.
Recommended
June 15, 2024
4.5 stars
July 15, 2024
Not my favorite. Too much American politicians. Still good book with some nuggets but I might have liked the afterword the best. 3.4
June 16, 2024
Arguably the best and most impactful of the Stoic Virtue series so far, this book reiterate the important that justice has not only to the other 3 stoic virtues, but how it is foundation of a lot of things in life
July 16, 2024
I Thoroughly Loved This Book
This book details a ton of noble and impressive moments of politicians and decision makers of history.
The book explains "in Robert Greene detail" how they helped society.
A truly great history book.
One of my new favorite Holiday books.
It read a little like The 48 Laws of Power, where it details why, and how, and what the improvement caused for society - I loved it!
We need leaders like this book details!
Highly recommend getting this book.
4.8/5
This book details a ton of noble and impressive moments of politicians and decision makers of history.
The book explains "in Robert Greene detail" how they helped society.
A truly great history book.
One of my new favorite Holiday books.
It read a little like The 48 Laws of Power, where it details why, and how, and what the improvement caused for society - I loved it!
We need leaders like this book details!
Highly recommend getting this book.
4.8/5
July 14, 2024
Ryan has shown his humble side in the foreword of this book. He has grown as a person and poured all his wisdom into this book including the challenges he has gone through and the conflicts he has solved for himself. “Justice” as a virtue is quite overarching on other virtues and encompassing responsibilities as an individual to do the right thing. This is a new perspective for me and opens a new paradigm that we can follow as individuals. Ryan also lucidly derives that love, affection, and generosity is at the core of Justice, something the stoics haven’t spoken enough. There is never one key takeaway- but if there was one, I would say that the interlink between Authenticity and Justice.
The writing style as always is superfluous and hard hitting.
The writing style as always is superfluous and hard hitting.
July 17, 2024
Ryan Holiday has done it again.
This book has changed my interpretation of Justice, one of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism.
RH weaves together history with a focus on justice, or as some could consider to be doing the right thing. He of course weaves quotes of philosophy throughout, which aids the understanding of the intention of the story.
What does Justice mean to me? Being responsible for your actions, being kind to yourself and others, acting with integrity, sticking to your morals, helping others, listening more, making amends as well as many many other examples.
Thank you again Ryan for such an inspirational, well resourced, well referenced and well written book.
This book has changed my interpretation of Justice, one of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism.
RH weaves together history with a focus on justice, or as some could consider to be doing the right thing. He of course weaves quotes of philosophy throughout, which aids the understanding of the intention of the story.
What does Justice mean to me? Being responsible for your actions, being kind to yourself and others, acting with integrity, sticking to your morals, helping others, listening more, making amends as well as many many other examples.
Thank you again Ryan for such an inspirational, well resourced, well referenced and well written book.
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars! I’m not well read on philosophy but stoicism has always been something I’ve wanted to learn more about. Ryan Howard did a great job showcasing the philosophy throughout history from the vantage point of important figures throughout the ages. That was very enjoyable for me and I added a lot of biographies to my TBR list thanks to this book. At times it felt like it bordered on self-help, hence the rating but I did still enjoy it all the way through.
June 22, 2024
Hard pill to swallow for those into “Broicism”. This made me think about how my actions affect those around me, realizing that I share this world with billions of people and we really do have to work together to make it better. Good little eye opener
July 9, 2024
I’ve enjoyed the Stoic Virtues series and this one is by far my favorite. Easy to read a chapter and take the time to reflect on the message. The anecdotes are well used and add to the learning. Something in here for everyone.
July 18, 2024
It was good but he went 180 on me at the end and started yelling about political issues
July 7, 2024
4.5. This is the first book I've read by Ryan Holiday and it definitely won't be my last. I've been intrigued by Stoic philosophy, particularly its relation to Christianity and the foundational virtues of courage, self-control, justice, and wisdom. This is the 3rd installment of the series.
Holiday calls us to act for the sake of others, to pursue justice in our relationships and with the world, and to cultivate forgiveness and love. Justice is the foundation for much of life. Highly recommend.
Holiday calls us to act for the sake of others, to pursue justice in our relationships and with the world, and to cultivate forgiveness and love. Justice is the foundation for much of life. Highly recommend.
June 30, 2024
This might be my favorite Holiday's book. I think that about his every new book but this one hits very close to home. A must read to every activist fighting to change the world for the better.
June 30, 2024
Another solid book in the Ryan Holiday Virtue series.
July 19, 2024
An amazing book of principles which the author invites us to weigh and implement in a life of integrity and justice. Significant bonus includes the voluminous examples in history that fascinatingly illustrate the principles described.
June 26, 2024
Another great installment in the stoic virtue series. I very much enjoy Holiday’s books and this one was special. A quick hitter that’s dense and thought provoking. I find these books to be invaluable in my effort to try and be a person of character. If you or anyone you know feels like they could use some guidance, be a pal and get em this book.
June 23, 2024
3.5/5
If you've read a Ryan Holiday book before, you've already read this one. Some great lessons and anecdotes here, but it runs too long and his writing style (his overuse of short sentences in particular) can get grating very quickly - at its worst, his writing reads more like a series of blog posts stitched together into a book
If you've read a Ryan Holiday book before, you've already read this one. Some great lessons and anecdotes here, but it runs too long and his writing style (his overuse of short sentences in particular) can get grating very quickly - at its worst, his writing reads more like a series of blog posts stitched together into a book
July 10, 2024
• Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
• Published: June 11, 2024
• Pages: 365
• Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Read: 6/14/2024 – 6/24/2024
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday is the third book in “The Stoic Virtue Series” preceded by Discipline is Destiny and Courage is Calling. It focuses on “justice” and how it goes hand in hand with discipline which focuses on being good internally while justice focuses on being good externally.
“We keep our word to ourselves— that’s discipline.
We keep our word to others because it’s justice.”
Ryan Holiday
The Lessons Learned series is different than normal book reviews. There are many great book reviews for Right Thing, Right Now and I believe I would be wasting your time creating another one. Instead, I strive to give you the lessons I was able to extract from the book to improve my life and perhaps yours.
Be Good, Even When Nobody Is Watching
It’s easier to do good when it benefits us. Putting in that extra effort at work is easy when our boss is watching and can benefit us in getting that promotion in the future. It’s easy to help an elderly person in need or give up your seat for a pregnant woman when your kids are watching. It shows them a good example of what being a good human being looks like. But what about when no one is watching? That is the true test of character. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of doing what’s right even when it may cost you.
“Care about others.
Treat them as you would wish to be treated.
Not just when it’s convenient or recognized, but especially when it isn’t.
Even when it’s not returned. Even when it costs you.”
A good practice to improve this habit is by using a tool that many religious individuals practice. It says to always act as if God is watching over your shoulder, if you aren’t religious, you can replace God with anyone important to you. Always act as if your kids are watching, or always act as if your parents are watching. This will help give you pause to think and become aware if you are making a bad decision.
Being good when nobody is watching goes hand in hand with being good when the going gets tough. It’s easy to do the right thing when the right thing is easy, and circumstances are perfect. But what about when the going gets tough? What about when the stakes are high, or you don’t feel well? This is when the importance of discipline kicks in and not relying on how you feel to do the right thing. A good practice to improve at this is to take a step back and ask ourselves, “What decision would I make right now if the circumstances weren’t difficult, and I felt great?” The right thing must be done all the time, not just when it’s convenient.
Acting as if the world is watching in everything you do, will impose justice into every aspect of your life. If you act as if your spouse is watching, you won’t step outside of your marriage. If you act as if your friend is watching, you won’t gossip behind their back. Ryan Holiday says that if we are inclined to hide something and would dread for it to become public then it’s probably not the right thing to do.
“Meanwhile, how many of our marriages would survive our spouse looking at our phone? Or our boss seeing what’s in our email? How many reputations would survive a lawsuit that made it to discovery?
If we’re inclined to hide it, we probably shouldn’t do it. If we dread the publicity, maybe we’re not living or doing right.”
Use the Past to Guide Your Future
A common theme you see when reading history and biographies are atrocities people committed because it was a product of that time or back then it was the standard. While we should show leniency to our ancestors in certain areas because it was a product of the time, other actions like slavery or the holocaust are irreprehensible, regardless of the period they were committed in. This leads to a lesson you can apply to your actions. Act with the mindset of, “What will the future think of this decision?” Some things that are a gray area today, will be crystal clear to our grandkids in the future. 100 years ago, people were unsure whether they should support the abolition of slavery, in the moment it was a tough decision with immense financial repercussions, but those who chose not to do the right thing are looked at negatively today. In whatever you support or believe in, try putting yourself in the shoes of people who are directly affected and think of what the history books will say about it in the future. If you are always doing the right thing, you are future-proofing your reputation and will be someone future generations can look up to.
Don’t Become Desensitized to Bad Things
Ryan Holiday talks about how people become desensitized to horrific acts committed in history. Perhaps the first time everyone was horrified but once it became “normal” people became accustomed to acting this way.
“The first time we see it, we’re horrified. New sailors on slave ships reacted with horror. The same goes for executives touring a sweatshop. Or the prison guard. The first taste of illicit money. But the third or the fourth time? After a while on the job? It just becomes part of the job. Our conscience is dulled.”
The first time we do something wrong is the hardest. It gets easier every time after that. Don’t let it get to that point, continue to let bad things make you feel bad by not letting it become a habit. Your conscious is the same as a friend trying to give you advice and they slowly stop because you never listen. That little voice in your head gets quieter and quieter the longer you ignore it until you catch yourself going too far and wishing you would have listened to that voice sooner. That’s what justice is about, not saying “Just this one time” or “It’s okay because no one will notice”, eventually someone will notice and one time will lead to two, that’s why we never put off doing the right thing.
A Life of Integrity Will Cost You
So far, the theme of justice has been doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances. One of the toughest challenges of this mantra is doing the right thing while others are succeeding while doing the wrong thing. In these moments where it’s tough to see the good in doing the right, it’s important to look long-term and at the big picture.
“When we see others pull ahead of us because they have acted without it, when we see them bending the rules or taking bribes, we must remember where that road ultimately ends.”
That road will lead to losing your integrity, and no amount of success can offset it. We see some of the most successful people in the world lose their integrity, their reputation never recovers regardless of all the assets they have. How you feel about yourself when no one is watching is something money can’t buy. When you are sitting alone with your thoughts you know who you truly are and someone who maintains their integrity can feel good about themselves and that goes a long way to being happy rather than having success with no integrity. It’s tough seeing others succeed by taking shortcuts, but there’s a price to pay in the end. Some individuals pay it after their death, when their atrocities come to light, and their descendants have to deal with the fallout.
Virtue Is Practiced Everyday
Doing the right thing is something that is never put off for later. It’s a lifestyle, not something we do when it's convenient. Ryan Holiday advises us to take Aristotle’s view of virtue and make it a part of our daily habits.
“I’ll do it later. I’ll do it when I’m more secure. I’ll do it when it will really count.
But this violates Aristotle’s view of virtue. It wasn’t a thing you arrived at, it was a daily practice— it was a habit. And in this daily practice, we become who we are.”
To help implement this lesson into your life think of yourself as being a virtuous person which allows you to do the right thing all the time because that’s who you are, not an action that you are trying to accomplish whenever it's convenient.
Do Not Excuse Your Actions
The easiest way to let wrongdoing run amuck is to stay in your bubble. You tell yourself that it’s not your business or you say it’s someone else’s problem, but that’s what allowed many of the worse moments in history to carry on for much longer than they should have. Too many people turning a blind eye because it didn’t affect them, or acting oblivious because it would be an inconvenience, it’s cowardice if you ask me. Perhaps you aren’t going to save the world but at the bare minimum, you have the power to make yourself a good person.
“The problem is that it’s so easy to stay in our bubbles. To not see what we don’t want to see. We don’t do the math— on what it would be like to live on such a wage, on where all these raw materials are coming from, on where our money is going. We ignore the smell . . . or let people cover it up for us.”
As I mentioned before, put yourself in the shoes of the affected person and then decide what you would do.
The book talked of the famous poem by Martin Niemöller on the effects of showing indifference to suffering until it affects you.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
If you weren’t there in someone else’s time of need then no one will be there in yours. Everyone’s time comes. Step out of your comfort zone and do the right thing. If you read a lot of history, you will understand that life on earth is a big cycle, history consistently repeats itself, and you must look to the past to not make the same mistake again when your time comes.
Another excuse people make is that they don’t want to start small, they try to hit a home run when they’ve never taken a swing before, they want to save the day or do nothing at all. If you want to make a change in any aspect of your life you must start small. No change is possible without that first tiny step, if you are looking to make a change in society start with your local politics instead of running for president.
Blaming the system is an excuse to do nothing. Ryan Holiday talks about how acting like an “outsider” is cool and how blaming the whole system being corrupt excuses you from taking action, but this is another form of cowardice. Perhaps the whole system is corrupt, but that doesn’t excuse you from working on what’s right.
“You can resign in protest. You can call them all bastards. You can damn the whole world as corrupt and broken. Just know that, in so doing, you may put yourself out of the running to be of service to anything but your sense of superiority.”
In the end, it's all an act to stay in your comfort zone and not do what’s right because it’s difficult. You are just watching from the sidelines and letting everyone else do the work.
Stop making excuses to not do the right thing.
Generosity Everyone Can Afford
You blame your lack of generosity on not having enough money to help. Yet some of the best forms of generosity exist outside of financial assistance. Ryan Holiday talks about kindness being a form of generosity we can always afford.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how much power you have (or how little), nothing is stopping you from being generous in some form or some way. How are you doing? Do you need anything? Great job. I appreciate you. These are expressions of generosity that don’t cost a thing.”
Sometimes you can’t afford to be generous financially, but many types of generosity are free and sometimes just asking someone “how they’re doing” is all the kindness they need. If you feel like you can’t be generous financially, then ask someone if there’s any other way you can be of assistance that isn’t financial. You will be surprised by how helpful you can be to someone without spending a penny.
The 7 Blunders of Humanity
The final lesson isn’t directly from Ryan Holiday but from his excerpt of the great ethicist Mahatma Gandhi. These seven blunders of humanity were passed on to his grandson while Gandhi lay on his deathbed.
“Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Religion without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.”
If you feel that it’s too difficult to navigate through all the self-help advice out there, simplify it by not committing any of Ghandhi’s seven blunders.
Right Thing, Right Now was another great addition to Ryan Holiday’s stoicism-based self-improvement books. Judgment is an area we certainly lack as most of the self-improvement is based on “self”, and we forget that a big chunk of being a good person is how we deal with others. I would recommend this book and look forward to Ryan’s final installment of his stoic virtue series.
If you enjoyed this kind of review, there are many more on www.bookponder.com
• Published: June 11, 2024
• Pages: 365
• Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Read: 6/14/2024 – 6/24/2024
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday is the third book in “The Stoic Virtue Series” preceded by Discipline is Destiny and Courage is Calling. It focuses on “justice” and how it goes hand in hand with discipline which focuses on being good internally while justice focuses on being good externally.
“We keep our word to ourselves— that’s discipline.
We keep our word to others because it’s justice.”
Ryan Holiday
The Lessons Learned series is different than normal book reviews. There are many great book reviews for Right Thing, Right Now and I believe I would be wasting your time creating another one. Instead, I strive to give you the lessons I was able to extract from the book to improve my life and perhaps yours.
Be Good, Even When Nobody Is Watching
It’s easier to do good when it benefits us. Putting in that extra effort at work is easy when our boss is watching and can benefit us in getting that promotion in the future. It’s easy to help an elderly person in need or give up your seat for a pregnant woman when your kids are watching. It shows them a good example of what being a good human being looks like. But what about when no one is watching? That is the true test of character. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of doing what’s right even when it may cost you.
“Care about others.
Treat them as you would wish to be treated.
Not just when it’s convenient or recognized, but especially when it isn’t.
Even when it’s not returned. Even when it costs you.”
A good practice to improve this habit is by using a tool that many religious individuals practice. It says to always act as if God is watching over your shoulder, if you aren’t religious, you can replace God with anyone important to you. Always act as if your kids are watching, or always act as if your parents are watching. This will help give you pause to think and become aware if you are making a bad decision.
Being good when nobody is watching goes hand in hand with being good when the going gets tough. It’s easy to do the right thing when the right thing is easy, and circumstances are perfect. But what about when the going gets tough? What about when the stakes are high, or you don’t feel well? This is when the importance of discipline kicks in and not relying on how you feel to do the right thing. A good practice to improve at this is to take a step back and ask ourselves, “What decision would I make right now if the circumstances weren’t difficult, and I felt great?” The right thing must be done all the time, not just when it’s convenient.
Acting as if the world is watching in everything you do, will impose justice into every aspect of your life. If you act as if your spouse is watching, you won’t step outside of your marriage. If you act as if your friend is watching, you won’t gossip behind their back. Ryan Holiday says that if we are inclined to hide something and would dread for it to become public then it’s probably not the right thing to do.
“Meanwhile, how many of our marriages would survive our spouse looking at our phone? Or our boss seeing what’s in our email? How many reputations would survive a lawsuit that made it to discovery?
If we’re inclined to hide it, we probably shouldn’t do it. If we dread the publicity, maybe we’re not living or doing right.”
Use the Past to Guide Your Future
A common theme you see when reading history and biographies are atrocities people committed because it was a product of that time or back then it was the standard. While we should show leniency to our ancestors in certain areas because it was a product of the time, other actions like slavery or the holocaust are irreprehensible, regardless of the period they were committed in. This leads to a lesson you can apply to your actions. Act with the mindset of, “What will the future think of this decision?” Some things that are a gray area today, will be crystal clear to our grandkids in the future. 100 years ago, people were unsure whether they should support the abolition of slavery, in the moment it was a tough decision with immense financial repercussions, but those who chose not to do the right thing are looked at negatively today. In whatever you support or believe in, try putting yourself in the shoes of people who are directly affected and think of what the history books will say about it in the future. If you are always doing the right thing, you are future-proofing your reputation and will be someone future generations can look up to.
Don’t Become Desensitized to Bad Things
Ryan Holiday talks about how people become desensitized to horrific acts committed in history. Perhaps the first time everyone was horrified but once it became “normal” people became accustomed to acting this way.
“The first time we see it, we’re horrified. New sailors on slave ships reacted with horror. The same goes for executives touring a sweatshop. Or the prison guard. The first taste of illicit money. But the third or the fourth time? After a while on the job? It just becomes part of the job. Our conscience is dulled.”
The first time we do something wrong is the hardest. It gets easier every time after that. Don’t let it get to that point, continue to let bad things make you feel bad by not letting it become a habit. Your conscious is the same as a friend trying to give you advice and they slowly stop because you never listen. That little voice in your head gets quieter and quieter the longer you ignore it until you catch yourself going too far and wishing you would have listened to that voice sooner. That’s what justice is about, not saying “Just this one time” or “It’s okay because no one will notice”, eventually someone will notice and one time will lead to two, that’s why we never put off doing the right thing.
A Life of Integrity Will Cost You
So far, the theme of justice has been doing the right thing regardless of the circumstances. One of the toughest challenges of this mantra is doing the right thing while others are succeeding while doing the wrong thing. In these moments where it’s tough to see the good in doing the right, it’s important to look long-term and at the big picture.
“When we see others pull ahead of us because they have acted without it, when we see them bending the rules or taking bribes, we must remember where that road ultimately ends.”
That road will lead to losing your integrity, and no amount of success can offset it. We see some of the most successful people in the world lose their integrity, their reputation never recovers regardless of all the assets they have. How you feel about yourself when no one is watching is something money can’t buy. When you are sitting alone with your thoughts you know who you truly are and someone who maintains their integrity can feel good about themselves and that goes a long way to being happy rather than having success with no integrity. It’s tough seeing others succeed by taking shortcuts, but there’s a price to pay in the end. Some individuals pay it after their death, when their atrocities come to light, and their descendants have to deal with the fallout.
Virtue Is Practiced Everyday
Doing the right thing is something that is never put off for later. It’s a lifestyle, not something we do when it's convenient. Ryan Holiday advises us to take Aristotle’s view of virtue and make it a part of our daily habits.
“I’ll do it later. I’ll do it when I’m more secure. I’ll do it when it will really count.
But this violates Aristotle’s view of virtue. It wasn’t a thing you arrived at, it was a daily practice— it was a habit. And in this daily practice, we become who we are.”
To help implement this lesson into your life think of yourself as being a virtuous person which allows you to do the right thing all the time because that’s who you are, not an action that you are trying to accomplish whenever it's convenient.
Do Not Excuse Your Actions
The easiest way to let wrongdoing run amuck is to stay in your bubble. You tell yourself that it’s not your business or you say it’s someone else’s problem, but that’s what allowed many of the worse moments in history to carry on for much longer than they should have. Too many people turning a blind eye because it didn’t affect them, or acting oblivious because it would be an inconvenience, it’s cowardice if you ask me. Perhaps you aren’t going to save the world but at the bare minimum, you have the power to make yourself a good person.
“The problem is that it’s so easy to stay in our bubbles. To not see what we don’t want to see. We don’t do the math— on what it would be like to live on such a wage, on where all these raw materials are coming from, on where our money is going. We ignore the smell . . . or let people cover it up for us.”
As I mentioned before, put yourself in the shoes of the affected person and then decide what you would do.
The book talked of the famous poem by Martin Niemöller on the effects of showing indifference to suffering until it affects you.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
If you weren’t there in someone else’s time of need then no one will be there in yours. Everyone’s time comes. Step out of your comfort zone and do the right thing. If you read a lot of history, you will understand that life on earth is a big cycle, history consistently repeats itself, and you must look to the past to not make the same mistake again when your time comes.
Another excuse people make is that they don’t want to start small, they try to hit a home run when they’ve never taken a swing before, they want to save the day or do nothing at all. If you want to make a change in any aspect of your life you must start small. No change is possible without that first tiny step, if you are looking to make a change in society start with your local politics instead of running for president.
Blaming the system is an excuse to do nothing. Ryan Holiday talks about how acting like an “outsider” is cool and how blaming the whole system being corrupt excuses you from taking action, but this is another form of cowardice. Perhaps the whole system is corrupt, but that doesn’t excuse you from working on what’s right.
“You can resign in protest. You can call them all bastards. You can damn the whole world as corrupt and broken. Just know that, in so doing, you may put yourself out of the running to be of service to anything but your sense of superiority.”
In the end, it's all an act to stay in your comfort zone and not do what’s right because it’s difficult. You are just watching from the sidelines and letting everyone else do the work.
Stop making excuses to not do the right thing.
Generosity Everyone Can Afford
You blame your lack of generosity on not having enough money to help. Yet some of the best forms of generosity exist outside of financial assistance. Ryan Holiday talks about kindness being a form of generosity we can always afford.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you have, how much power you have (or how little), nothing is stopping you from being generous in some form or some way. How are you doing? Do you need anything? Great job. I appreciate you. These are expressions of generosity that don’t cost a thing.”
Sometimes you can’t afford to be generous financially, but many types of generosity are free and sometimes just asking someone “how they’re doing” is all the kindness they need. If you feel like you can’t be generous financially, then ask someone if there’s any other way you can be of assistance that isn’t financial. You will be surprised by how helpful you can be to someone without spending a penny.
The 7 Blunders of Humanity
The final lesson isn’t directly from Ryan Holiday but from his excerpt of the great ethicist Mahatma Gandhi. These seven blunders of humanity were passed on to his grandson while Gandhi lay on his deathbed.
“Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Religion without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.”
If you feel that it’s too difficult to navigate through all the self-help advice out there, simplify it by not committing any of Ghandhi’s seven blunders.
Right Thing, Right Now was another great addition to Ryan Holiday’s stoicism-based self-improvement books. Judgment is an area we certainly lack as most of the self-improvement is based on “self”, and we forget that a big chunk of being a good person is how we deal with others. I would recommend this book and look forward to Ryan’s final installment of his stoic virtue series.
If you enjoyed this kind of review, there are many more on www.bookponder.com
June 26, 2024
I always look forward to Ryan's new books, and this one was a longer time in coming. It's Ryan's usual style, so you will either like it or you won't. This book came at a very opportune time for me, as I am in need of getting outside of my head, and thinking more about others. Nothing in here is world shattering, but that is kind of the point. A worthy touchstone to remind us of the importance of Justice, and thinking of others.
July 6, 2024
What does it take to be a decent human being?
This is the third book out of the four-part Stoic virtue series of Courage, Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom.
In this neatly organized book, the author, Ryan Holiday, breaks down the trait of justice into several chapters with the following themes: keep your words, tell the truth, take responsibility, be your own referee, be good and not great, be an open book or transparent, be decent, do your job, keep your hands clean, integrity is everything, realize your potential, be loyal, choose a north star (something to reach towards), the importance of timing, the importance of being kind, see how the other half lives, you have to help, start small, create alliances, be powerful and sometimes show power, practice pragmatism, develop competence, the importance of giving, grow a coaching tree, look out for the little guy, make good trouble, climb your second mountain (second act in life), don't do things for the recognition, give them hope, be an angel, on forgiveness, make amends, the great oneness, expand the circle, find the good in everyone, give the full measure of devotion, love wins, and pay it forward.
As usual for his writing style, Holiday uses plenty historical examples to make his excellent points, from political figures as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Mahatma Gandhi; to writers and poets like Walker Percy, Hesiod; sportsperson like golfer Patrick Reed, runners Abel Kiprop Mutai and Ivan Fernandez Anaya, tennis player Arthur Ashe; whistleblower like Frank Serpico and Cynthia Cooper; dancer Martha Graham; architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller; to many more historical figures such as Mother Teresa, Carl Jung, Ponticus, Florence Nightingale; and of course the usual Stoic heroes Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Chrysippus, Cato, and others.
This time around, however, the book feels too repetitive, rushed, and while he mentions a lot of historical figures Holiday only uses the same selection of US-centric historical examples for his core arguments. Most notably Harry Truman, who is mentioned almost in every single chapter of the book, even more so than the Stoics, and so much so that the book could become a semi-autobiography of him.
And what’s with the extra effort to portray Truman as a near-saint figure? The truth is, Truman remains the only world leader in history that decided to use atomic bomb to inflict mass casualties on the enemy's population. He is also responsible for “curbing” the spread of communism in Greece and Turkey, or in an unfiltered words, he’s staged a war in Europe to kill the organic spread of an ideology that happens to oppose US interests. But of course these huge chunk of Truman’s history are not mentioned in the book.
Moreover, throughout the book Truman is characterized as a principled man who champions justice, honesty, and selflessness, among others, which are undoubtedly true. But there's also another side of the man, one that made a controversial decision based on the lobbying by a close friend Jacobson, which turned him into an accomplice to a brutal neo-colonial project. But in the book, it got brushed off under the label of “loyalty” to a friend. Also not mentioned in the book is Truman’s racist tendencies, where he often used racial slurs, told racist jokes, and called Martin Luther King Jr. a troublemaker. Pretty ironic since the Civil War movement is the second most dominating story in the book. What’s with the whitewashing?
If I didn’t follow Holiday for years and read 12 out of 15 of his books, I would probably get easily misled to think that he’s building up Truman’s image only to justify some of his sins and their spillover effect till today, most specifically his one decision told in the chapter "create alliances." Decision that becomes this one elephant in the room that Holiday didn’t mention but addresses everything around it: like the chapter “keep going back” that lists all of the brutal events throughout history, which was even elaborated in chapter "make amends", but Holiday then conveniently forgot to mention this 1 brutal event in both cases (an event that other modern Stoic Donald Robertson is boldly vocal about).
I mean, if you don’t want to discuss current affairs, that’s understandable. But why discuss everything about current world politics, also saying that you’re divesting from Belarus because the country supports Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, even went to a great length to paint this victimhood picture of one side, only to completely ignore what they’ve done ever since? The things written in chapters "be an angel", "you have to help", "the great oneness", and "find the good in everyone" confirm this.
What happened with all the things preached in the book about courage in the face of unfairness, about not being indifferent and not choosing the safe option of being "neutral" while ignoring the huge injustice that is actually happening? Is this why the book was delayed by half a year after something happened just before the usual launch date for the Stoic virtue series? Is this why the content (not the organizational) of this book is kind of messy and unlike his other works that are meticulously researched and neatly written with good flow, because it was heavily edited halfway through?
Nevertheless, to be fair it isn't so much about what has been said, but what has NOT been said. And Holiday already has a big deposit in my credibility bank that he deserves the benefit of the doubt. And when we see the book from a personal-development lens, in the end of the day it is a good book. It teaches us to ultimately become a decent human being with a clear conscience, someone who has integrity and a great sense of fairness, and will act accordingly even though sometimes our actions to do the right things will cost us.
“It’s not virtue signaling to push back against cruelty and indifference,” Holiday remarks at his conclusion. “It doesn’t make you a “social justice warrior” to speak out for kindness and fairness and inalienable rights. But even if it was, is anything better to be a warrior for than justice and or anything better to signal than virtue? What has to happen to your brain to be opposed to those things?” Yes Ryan, what has to happen?
This is the third book out of the four-part Stoic virtue series of Courage, Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom.
In this neatly organized book, the author, Ryan Holiday, breaks down the trait of justice into several chapters with the following themes: keep your words, tell the truth, take responsibility, be your own referee, be good and not great, be an open book or transparent, be decent, do your job, keep your hands clean, integrity is everything, realize your potential, be loyal, choose a north star (something to reach towards), the importance of timing, the importance of being kind, see how the other half lives, you have to help, start small, create alliances, be powerful and sometimes show power, practice pragmatism, develop competence, the importance of giving, grow a coaching tree, look out for the little guy, make good trouble, climb your second mountain (second act in life), don't do things for the recognition, give them hope, be an angel, on forgiveness, make amends, the great oneness, expand the circle, find the good in everyone, give the full measure of devotion, love wins, and pay it forward.
As usual for his writing style, Holiday uses plenty historical examples to make his excellent points, from political figures as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Mahatma Gandhi; to writers and poets like Walker Percy, Hesiod; sportsperson like golfer Patrick Reed, runners Abel Kiprop Mutai and Ivan Fernandez Anaya, tennis player Arthur Ashe; whistleblower like Frank Serpico and Cynthia Cooper; dancer Martha Graham; architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller; to many more historical figures such as Mother Teresa, Carl Jung, Ponticus, Florence Nightingale; and of course the usual Stoic heroes Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Chrysippus, Cato, and others.
This time around, however, the book feels too repetitive, rushed, and while he mentions a lot of historical figures Holiday only uses the same selection of US-centric historical examples for his core arguments. Most notably Harry Truman, who is mentioned almost in every single chapter of the book, even more so than the Stoics, and so much so that the book could become a semi-autobiography of him.
And what’s with the extra effort to portray Truman as a near-saint figure? The truth is, Truman remains the only world leader in history that decided to use atomic bomb to inflict mass casualties on the enemy's population. He is also responsible for “curbing” the spread of communism in Greece and Turkey, or in an unfiltered words, he’s staged a war in Europe to kill the organic spread of an ideology that happens to oppose US interests. But of course these huge chunk of Truman’s history are not mentioned in the book.
Moreover, throughout the book Truman is characterized as a principled man who champions justice, honesty, and selflessness, among others, which are undoubtedly true. But there's also another side of the man, one that made a controversial decision based on the lobbying by a close friend Jacobson, which turned him into an accomplice to a brutal neo-colonial project. But in the book, it got brushed off under the label of “loyalty” to a friend. Also not mentioned in the book is Truman’s racist tendencies, where he often used racial slurs, told racist jokes, and called Martin Luther King Jr. a troublemaker. Pretty ironic since the Civil War movement is the second most dominating story in the book. What’s with the whitewashing?
If I didn’t follow Holiday for years and read 12 out of 15 of his books, I would probably get easily misled to think that he’s building up Truman’s image only to justify some of his sins and their spillover effect till today, most specifically his one decision told in the chapter "create alliances." Decision that becomes this one elephant in the room that Holiday didn’t mention but addresses everything around it: like the chapter “keep going back” that lists all of the brutal events throughout history, which was even elaborated in chapter "make amends", but Holiday then conveniently forgot to mention this 1 brutal event in both cases (an event that other modern Stoic Donald Robertson is boldly vocal about).
I mean, if you don’t want to discuss current affairs, that’s understandable. But why discuss everything about current world politics, also saying that you’re divesting from Belarus because the country supports Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, even went to a great length to paint this victimhood picture of one side, only to completely ignore what they’ve done ever since? The things written in chapters "be an angel", "you have to help", "the great oneness", and "find the good in everyone" confirm this.
What happened with all the things preached in the book about courage in the face of unfairness, about not being indifferent and not choosing the safe option of being "neutral" while ignoring the huge injustice that is actually happening? Is this why the book was delayed by half a year after something happened just before the usual launch date for the Stoic virtue series? Is this why the content (not the organizational) of this book is kind of messy and unlike his other works that are meticulously researched and neatly written with good flow, because it was heavily edited halfway through?
Nevertheless, to be fair it isn't so much about what has been said, but what has NOT been said. And Holiday already has a big deposit in my credibility bank that he deserves the benefit of the doubt. And when we see the book from a personal-development lens, in the end of the day it is a good book. It teaches us to ultimately become a decent human being with a clear conscience, someone who has integrity and a great sense of fairness, and will act accordingly even though sometimes our actions to do the right things will cost us.
“It’s not virtue signaling to push back against cruelty and indifference,” Holiday remarks at his conclusion. “It doesn’t make you a “social justice warrior” to speak out for kindness and fairness and inalienable rights. But even if it was, is anything better to be a warrior for than justice and or anything better to signal than virtue? What has to happen to your brain to be opposed to those things?” Yes Ryan, what has to happen?
July 1, 2024
Anyone who knows me well knows that Ryan Holiday is one of my favorite nonfiction authors. In fact, I'd be hard-pressed to name a nonfiction writer whose works I enjoy more than Holiday's books on Stoicism. So, I guess he IS my favorite nonfiction writer.
Consequently, I couldn't wait to read his four-book series on the cardinal virtues of Stoicism: Courage, Temperance (or Discipline), Justice, and Wisdom. I thought his first book on Courage was okay. Parts I and II were excellent, while Part III felt rushed and not up to his usual standard. Consequently, I gave it four stars.
Holiday redeemed himself in his second book on the cardinal virtues: "Discipline is Destiny." The writing was classic Holiday...part history lesson, part Stoicism textbook, part self-help book, part inspirational literature. So, I gave it five stars.
I believe this book falls in between those two. It was better than "Courage" - but not quite as good as "Discipline." Unfortunately, 4.5 stars isn't an option, so I'm giving it four stars.
As was the case with the first two books in the series, Holiday separated his essays into three parts:
Part 1: THE ME (PERSONAL)
Part 2: THE WE (SOCIOPOLITICAL)
Part 3: THE ALL (IS ONE)
In terms of his specific content, here's the marketing blurb/jacket description:
"In his New York Times bestselling book, 'Discipline Is Destiny,' Ryan Holiday made the Stoic case for a life of self-discipline. In this much-anticipated third installment in the Stoic Virtues series, he argues for the necessity of doing what’s right – even when it isn’t easy
For the ancients, everything worth pursuing in life flowed from a strong sense of justice—or one’s commitment to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. In order to be courageous, wise, and self-disciplined, one must begin with justice. The influence of the modern world often tells us that acting justly is optional. Holiday argues that that’s simply untrue—and the fact that so few people today have the strength to stand by their convictions explains much about why we’re so unhappy.
In 'Right Thing. Right Now.,' Holiday draws on fascinating stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, whose examples of kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty we can emulate as pillars of upright living. Through the lives of these role models, readers learn the transformational power of living by a moral code and, through the cautionary tales of unjust leaders, the consequences of an ill-formed conscience.
The Stoics never claimed that living justly was easy, only that it was necessary. And that the alternative—sacrificing our principles for something lesser—was considered only by cowards and fools. 'Right Thing. Right Now.' is a powerful antidote to the moral failures of our modern age, and a manual for living virtuously."
Overall, I enjoyed this work a lot. However, I thought that Part 2 got a little repetitive in terms of content. And some of his essays bordered on being too preachy (especially in Part 3).
Still, this is yet another of Holiday's works that I will reread again and again. And I'll close this review with a few of my favorite excerpts. (I ended up with 9 typed pages of notes.)
“Justice is not this thing we demand of other people, but something we demand of ourselves. It’s not a thing we talk about, it’s a way of life.” [p.22]
“Integrity is living by what you think is right. Not what you can get away with, not what everyone else is doing.” [p. 81]
“We don’t control what other people do. We don’t control whether we live in a time of mob justice. We don’t control the fact that these decisions are agonizing and complex and that there is no guidebook. We control what we do.” [pp. 95-96]
“It’s not about you. It never has been. Discipline is a me virtue. Justice, one might say, is a we virtue.” [p. 106]
“An idealogue or a philosopher can be pure. A leader has to make decisions. A leader has to take action. They must be an idealist as well as a realist…They can’t afford to judge a potential ally or insist on perfect messengers. They must take the world, the situation, as it is, not as they would like it to be – especially if they want to change it. They can’t let a hypothetical interfere with an opportunity to help, right here, right now. The fact that they can’t solve all the problems is not an excuse for not solving some of them. Standing on principle is one thing, but too easily we can find ourselves standing on something much flimsier, much more self-indulgent or symbolic.” [p. 177]
“The world is unfair and cruel. Do we contribute to that? Or alleviate it?” [p. 202]
“In October 1947, as he [Ghandi] said goodbye to his grandson, he handed him a small slip of paper that listed the seven blunders of humanity.
Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Religion without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.
The work of his life, he said, had been to address these root causes of injustice and the violence that followed them.” [p. 249]
“Better to do right and go unrewarded than to do wrong and go unpunished.” [p. 260]
“We can’t let those sons of bitches turn us into sons of bitches. We can’t let inhumanity deprive us of our humanity. We can’t let darkness make us dark – we must always [be] a conduit for light. Or else the world will become quite dim. We will become quite dim.” [p. 315]
“At the end of our lives, we won’t care that much if people think we were hardworking or that the risks we’ve taken in our careers have paid off. We’ll want someone to say, ‘That was a good person. They were honest and decent and generous and loyal and kind. They made the world a better place.’
Life is short.
Be good. Do good.
Love and be loved.
Try to leave the place better than you found it.
Do the right thing.
Right now.” [p. 338]
Consequently, I couldn't wait to read his four-book series on the cardinal virtues of Stoicism: Courage, Temperance (or Discipline), Justice, and Wisdom. I thought his first book on Courage was okay. Parts I and II were excellent, while Part III felt rushed and not up to his usual standard. Consequently, I gave it four stars.
Holiday redeemed himself in his second book on the cardinal virtues: "Discipline is Destiny." The writing was classic Holiday...part history lesson, part Stoicism textbook, part self-help book, part inspirational literature. So, I gave it five stars.
I believe this book falls in between those two. It was better than "Courage" - but not quite as good as "Discipline." Unfortunately, 4.5 stars isn't an option, so I'm giving it four stars.
As was the case with the first two books in the series, Holiday separated his essays into three parts:
Part 1: THE ME (PERSONAL)
Part 2: THE WE (SOCIOPOLITICAL)
Part 3: THE ALL (IS ONE)
In terms of his specific content, here's the marketing blurb/jacket description:
"In his New York Times bestselling book, 'Discipline Is Destiny,' Ryan Holiday made the Stoic case for a life of self-discipline. In this much-anticipated third installment in the Stoic Virtues series, he argues for the necessity of doing what’s right – even when it isn’t easy
For the ancients, everything worth pursuing in life flowed from a strong sense of justice—or one’s commitment to doing the right thing, no matter how difficult. In order to be courageous, wise, and self-disciplined, one must begin with justice. The influence of the modern world often tells us that acting justly is optional. Holiday argues that that’s simply untrue—and the fact that so few people today have the strength to stand by their convictions explains much about why we’re so unhappy.
In 'Right Thing. Right Now.,' Holiday draws on fascinating stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass, whose examples of kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty we can emulate as pillars of upright living. Through the lives of these role models, readers learn the transformational power of living by a moral code and, through the cautionary tales of unjust leaders, the consequences of an ill-formed conscience.
The Stoics never claimed that living justly was easy, only that it was necessary. And that the alternative—sacrificing our principles for something lesser—was considered only by cowards and fools. 'Right Thing. Right Now.' is a powerful antidote to the moral failures of our modern age, and a manual for living virtuously."
Overall, I enjoyed this work a lot. However, I thought that Part 2 got a little repetitive in terms of content. And some of his essays bordered on being too preachy (especially in Part 3).
Still, this is yet another of Holiday's works that I will reread again and again. And I'll close this review with a few of my favorite excerpts. (I ended up with 9 typed pages of notes.)
“Justice is not this thing we demand of other people, but something we demand of ourselves. It’s not a thing we talk about, it’s a way of life.” [p.22]
“Integrity is living by what you think is right. Not what you can get away with, not what everyone else is doing.” [p. 81]
“We don’t control what other people do. We don’t control whether we live in a time of mob justice. We don’t control the fact that these decisions are agonizing and complex and that there is no guidebook. We control what we do.” [pp. 95-96]
“It’s not about you. It never has been. Discipline is a me virtue. Justice, one might say, is a we virtue.” [p. 106]
“An idealogue or a philosopher can be pure. A leader has to make decisions. A leader has to take action. They must be an idealist as well as a realist…They can’t afford to judge a potential ally or insist on perfect messengers. They must take the world, the situation, as it is, not as they would like it to be – especially if they want to change it. They can’t let a hypothetical interfere with an opportunity to help, right here, right now. The fact that they can’t solve all the problems is not an excuse for not solving some of them. Standing on principle is one thing, but too easily we can find ourselves standing on something much flimsier, much more self-indulgent or symbolic.” [p. 177]
“The world is unfair and cruel. Do we contribute to that? Or alleviate it?” [p. 202]
“In October 1947, as he [Ghandi] said goodbye to his grandson, he handed him a small slip of paper that listed the seven blunders of humanity.
Wealth without work.
Pleasure without conscience.
Knowledge without character.
Commerce without morality.
Science without humanity.
Religion without sacrifice.
Politics without principle.
The work of his life, he said, had been to address these root causes of injustice and the violence that followed them.” [p. 249]
“Better to do right and go unrewarded than to do wrong and go unpunished.” [p. 260]
“We can’t let those sons of bitches turn us into sons of bitches. We can’t let inhumanity deprive us of our humanity. We can’t let darkness make us dark – we must always [be] a conduit for light. Or else the world will become quite dim. We will become quite dim.” [p. 315]
“At the end of our lives, we won’t care that much if people think we were hardworking or that the risks we’ve taken in our careers have paid off. We’ll want someone to say, ‘That was a good person. They were honest and decent and generous and loyal and kind. They made the world a better place.’
Life is short.
Be good. Do good.
Love and be loved.
Try to leave the place better than you found it.
Do the right thing.
Right now.” [p. 338]
June 16, 2024
The third in Ryan Holiday’s series on the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism, _Right Thing, Right Now_ unpacks the virtue of justice. Following his previous explorations of courage and temperance, Holiday delves into what it means to live justly in the modern world, offering practical advice grounded in ancient wisdom.
Caveat: This series of books profoundly connects with my core values and likely speaks to me beyond objectivity. If you read my profile note on how I rate books, this would be in that category of books that so firmly makes me say - "yes! This is exactly how I see it." Additionally, being so seen and feeling so connected to the text, I found myself thinking/reflecting deeply, laughing both in entertainment as well as in pure joy, and - in times of vulnerability - crying. This too aligns with my "5-Star book" category, meeting all the hallmarks of Coach Valvano's "a full day," in his "Don't Give Up" ESPY speech. And so, I say all this to warn that my review and rating might not match what you find. The modern nihilist or hedonist might not like this book…or at least not enjoy it as much as I did. Holiday is not everyone’s metaphorical “cup of tea," but as his book here would say - we don't do what we believe is right for the praise, but rather just because doing it is reward enough.
Holiday opens by defining justice as fairness, truth, and the protection of the weak. He reminds us that justice isn't just a legal concept but a personal and societal one. The book stresses that living justly requires continuous effort and self-examination.
As in the preceding two books, Holiday uses real-life case studies that draw from diverse sources.He masterfully weaves historical examples and contemporary figures, athletes and politicians, and the powerful and weak - all seemlessly. Holiday uses these case studies to illustrate how individuals have grappled with issues of justice in various contexts. From Nelson Mandela to Malcolm X, Lou Gehrig to Florence Nightengale, and President Truman to Mahatma Ghandi - Holiday uses stories to connect the virtue to verb.
Holiday doesn’t just rely on famous figures. He also includes stories of ordinary people making just choices. These narratives underscore that anyone can contribute to a just world, regardless of their status or position.
The practical advice in the book is grounded in Stoic philosophy. Holiday encourages readers to act justly in everyday situations - deeds, not word. He provides tools for self-reflection, urging the reader to consider the broader impact of our actions.
Additionally, Holiday stresses the relationship between empathy and justice. Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for just actions. Walking, as Harper Lee espoused through her character Atticus Finch, in another man's skin. Holiday acknowledges the challenges in this virtue, namely that acting justly isn't always rewarded. And yet we are called to our convictions, guided by a compass of our values, understanding that doing right is always right regardless of the outcome.
_Right Thing, Right Now_ is a profound exploration of justice that combines philosophical insights with practical advice and compelling case studies. His clear, concise language makes complex ideas accessible. The book's structure, with short chapters and actionable advice, keeps readers engaged. While some might not connect with Holiday's style or not be familiar with Stoicism, Holiday's book offers valuable lessons on living a just life.
Caveat: This series of books profoundly connects with my core values and likely speaks to me beyond objectivity. If you read my profile note on how I rate books, this would be in that category of books that so firmly makes me say - "yes! This is exactly how I see it." Additionally, being so seen and feeling so connected to the text, I found myself thinking/reflecting deeply, laughing both in entertainment as well as in pure joy, and - in times of vulnerability - crying. This too aligns with my "5-Star book" category, meeting all the hallmarks of Coach Valvano's "a full day," in his "Don't Give Up" ESPY speech. And so, I say all this to warn that my review and rating might not match what you find. The modern nihilist or hedonist might not like this book…or at least not enjoy it as much as I did. Holiday is not everyone’s metaphorical “cup of tea," but as his book here would say - we don't do what we believe is right for the praise, but rather just because doing it is reward enough.
Holiday opens by defining justice as fairness, truth, and the protection of the weak. He reminds us that justice isn't just a legal concept but a personal and societal one. The book stresses that living justly requires continuous effort and self-examination.
As in the preceding two books, Holiday uses real-life case studies that draw from diverse sources.He masterfully weaves historical examples and contemporary figures, athletes and politicians, and the powerful and weak - all seemlessly. Holiday uses these case studies to illustrate how individuals have grappled with issues of justice in various contexts. From Nelson Mandela to Malcolm X, Lou Gehrig to Florence Nightengale, and President Truman to Mahatma Ghandi - Holiday uses stories to connect the virtue to verb.
Holiday doesn’t just rely on famous figures. He also includes stories of ordinary people making just choices. These narratives underscore that anyone can contribute to a just world, regardless of their status or position.
The practical advice in the book is grounded in Stoic philosophy. Holiday encourages readers to act justly in everyday situations - deeds, not word. He provides tools for self-reflection, urging the reader to consider the broader impact of our actions.
Additionally, Holiday stresses the relationship between empathy and justice. Understanding others' perspectives is crucial for just actions. Walking, as Harper Lee espoused through her character Atticus Finch, in another man's skin. Holiday acknowledges the challenges in this virtue, namely that acting justly isn't always rewarded. And yet we are called to our convictions, guided by a compass of our values, understanding that doing right is always right regardless of the outcome.
_Right Thing, Right Now_ is a profound exploration of justice that combines philosophical insights with practical advice and compelling case studies. His clear, concise language makes complex ideas accessible. The book's structure, with short chapters and actionable advice, keeps readers engaged. While some might not connect with Holiday's style or not be familiar with Stoicism, Holiday's book offers valuable lessons on living a just life.
June 29, 2024
Denne boka er til deg som tar dårlige valg og skylder på andre. Til deg som er uærlig, selvmedlidende, utro, misunnelig, ærekjær eller litt for ofte setter seg selv først. Den er til menn som synes likestillingen har gått for langt og til kvinner som klager over at de ikke blir sett. Til deg som bruker opp livet på å skrape på stengte dører.
Boka er til de fleste av oss og mange kommer dessverre aldri kommer til å lese den.
Det er den tredje boka i Ryan Holidays ny-stoiske serie om de fire kardinal-dydene: mot, måtehold, rettferdighet og visdom. Denne boka handler om rettferdighet, og er skrevet av en mann som en gang var en fremmadstormende journalist, men som hoppet av hamsterhjulet for å gi stoisk visdom tilbake til et USA i fullstendig morask forfall og krise. Den er ganske amerikansk i fokus og form, men på en god måte synes jeg. Som om den er en del av et nasjonsbyggingsprosjekt der fordums presidenter var heltene og sammenlignbare med greske halvguder og romerske keisere og senatorer. Til tider blir boka litt belærende, men jeg håper likevel at tankegodset den bringer med seg kan vinne frem i et broket Amerika.
Men i tillegg er dette en bok om personlig utvikling. Den er en bok jeg blir litt klokere og litt mer fokusert av å lese. På flere tidspunkt i livet har jeg også vært for ambisiøs, for misunnelig eller uvillig til å ta ansvar for egne valg. Når jeg leser denne boka, blir jeg minnet om hvilke verdier jeg egentlig vil leve etter og om hvordan jeg kan gjøre det. Tar av meg hatten for Holiday. Han har skrevet en sakprosabok som får meg til å føle mye og ønske å være et bedre menneske og til å innse at det står på meg. Vi har alltid et valg!
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English version:
This book is for you who make bad choices and blame others. For you who are dishonest, self-pitying, unfaithful, envious, vain, or who often put yourself first. It is for men who think that gender equality has gone too far and for women who complain that they are not being seen. For you who spend your life scratching at closed doors.
The book is for most of us, and unfortunately, many will never read it.
It is the third book in Ryan Holiday's new Stoic series about the four cardinal virtues: courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom. This book is about justice and is written by a man who was once a rising journalist but who got off the hamster wheel to give Stoic wisdom back to a USA in complete decay and crisis. It is quite American in focus and form, but in a good way, I think. As if it is part of a nation-building project where past presidents were the heroes and comparable to Greek demigods and Roman emperors and senators. At times, the book can be a bit preachy, but I still hope that the ideas it brings can prevail in a diverse America.
But in addition, this is a book about personal development. It is a book that makes me a little wiser and more focused when I read it. At several points in my life, I have also been too ambitious, envious, or unwilling to take responsibility for my own choices. When I read this book, I am reminded of the values I really want to live by and how I can do it. Hats off to Holiday. He has written a non-fiction book that makes me feel a lot and want to be a better person and realize that it is up to me. There is always a choice!
Boka er til de fleste av oss og mange kommer dessverre aldri kommer til å lese den.
Det er den tredje boka i Ryan Holidays ny-stoiske serie om de fire kardinal-dydene: mot, måtehold, rettferdighet og visdom. Denne boka handler om rettferdighet, og er skrevet av en mann som en gang var en fremmadstormende journalist, men som hoppet av hamsterhjulet for å gi stoisk visdom tilbake til et USA i fullstendig morask forfall og krise. Den er ganske amerikansk i fokus og form, men på en god måte synes jeg. Som om den er en del av et nasjonsbyggingsprosjekt der fordums presidenter var heltene og sammenlignbare med greske halvguder og romerske keisere og senatorer. Til tider blir boka litt belærende, men jeg håper likevel at tankegodset den bringer med seg kan vinne frem i et broket Amerika.
Men i tillegg er dette en bok om personlig utvikling. Den er en bok jeg blir litt klokere og litt mer fokusert av å lese. På flere tidspunkt i livet har jeg også vært for ambisiøs, for misunnelig eller uvillig til å ta ansvar for egne valg. Når jeg leser denne boka, blir jeg minnet om hvilke verdier jeg egentlig vil leve etter og om hvordan jeg kan gjøre det. Tar av meg hatten for Holiday. Han har skrevet en sakprosabok som får meg til å føle mye og ønske å være et bedre menneske og til å innse at det står på meg. Vi har alltid et valg!
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English version:
This book is for you who make bad choices and blame others. For you who are dishonest, self-pitying, unfaithful, envious, vain, or who often put yourself first. It is for men who think that gender equality has gone too far and for women who complain that they are not being seen. For you who spend your life scratching at closed doors.
The book is for most of us, and unfortunately, many will never read it.
It is the third book in Ryan Holiday's new Stoic series about the four cardinal virtues: courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom. This book is about justice and is written by a man who was once a rising journalist but who got off the hamster wheel to give Stoic wisdom back to a USA in complete decay and crisis. It is quite American in focus and form, but in a good way, I think. As if it is part of a nation-building project where past presidents were the heroes and comparable to Greek demigods and Roman emperors and senators. At times, the book can be a bit preachy, but I still hope that the ideas it brings can prevail in a diverse America.
But in addition, this is a book about personal development. It is a book that makes me a little wiser and more focused when I read it. At several points in my life, I have also been too ambitious, envious, or unwilling to take responsibility for my own choices. When I read this book, I am reminded of the values I really want to live by and how I can do it. Hats off to Holiday. He has written a non-fiction book that makes me feel a lot and want to be a better person and realize that it is up to me. There is always a choice!
June 21, 2024
Great Content but one HUGE red flag...
I'll start by saying I respect Ryan Holiday very much. I have almost his entire collection of works. Not just the Stoic stuff, either. Perennial Seller and Trust Me, I'm Lying as well. In fact, I preordered 5 copies of Right Thing, Right Now from the Daily Stoic website. I even got the pre-order bonus of a signed copy of a page from the original manuscript (which I framed after the photo was taken - Page 144).
Right Thing, Right Now is the 3rd book of the Stoic virtues series. Discipline is Destiny and Courage is Calling were both great books. There is something in Ryan's work, however, that doesn't sit right with me and I'll allow you to come up with your own opinion on the matter. For me, it's the liberalism.
Ryan doesn't like Donald Trump (understandable) and some other leftist views are thrown into his work. This isn't entirely wrong, necessarily, but the biggest issue I have is the gay rights support. I understand the civil rights movement and women's rights movement. No complaints there. The gay rights movement, however, is a different story.
If you look across the internet, you'll find that "transgender" people are parading around naked in front of children. They are telling young children that it's okay to pretend to be a different biological sex. I don't think that type of content is right for kids. Especially the adult dancing. Now you could argue that it's a rumor. That it isn't true. But there are tons of videos out there as evidence. It's undeniable.
When it comes to Justice (the virtue), I can't seem to make the connection that the gay rights movement is somehow just.
Leave the kids alone.
I'll start by saying I respect Ryan Holiday very much. I have almost his entire collection of works. Not just the Stoic stuff, either. Perennial Seller and Trust Me, I'm Lying as well. In fact, I preordered 5 copies of Right Thing, Right Now from the Daily Stoic website. I even got the pre-order bonus of a signed copy of a page from the original manuscript (which I framed after the photo was taken - Page 144).
Right Thing, Right Now is the 3rd book of the Stoic virtues series. Discipline is Destiny and Courage is Calling were both great books. There is something in Ryan's work, however, that doesn't sit right with me and I'll allow you to come up with your own opinion on the matter. For me, it's the liberalism.
Ryan doesn't like Donald Trump (understandable) and some other leftist views are thrown into his work. This isn't entirely wrong, necessarily, but the biggest issue I have is the gay rights support. I understand the civil rights movement and women's rights movement. No complaints there. The gay rights movement, however, is a different story.
If you look across the internet, you'll find that "transgender" people are parading around naked in front of children. They are telling young children that it's okay to pretend to be a different biological sex. I don't think that type of content is right for kids. Especially the adult dancing. Now you could argue that it's a rumor. That it isn't true. But there are tons of videos out there as evidence. It's undeniable.
When it comes to Justice (the virtue), I can't seem to make the connection that the gay rights movement is somehow just.
Leave the kids alone.
July 7, 2024
As much as I appreciated learning some little known (for me, anyway) stories about historical figures "doing the right thing" even if it cost them their careers or, in some cases, lives, I am confused about the author's motives. His series is based on history, on those who came before, yet he spearheaded, financially, the removal of a Civil War monument? Rome still maintains statues of Caligula, Nero, and Tiberius. London did not tear down its infamous Tower, nor close its" Bloody" one. Or perhaps the author's personal message is that money and clout actually DO get things done? As a reader, I see a large disconnect between Holiday's preaching of philosophers and his own personal actions.
Also, the author's treatise on Gandhi was long-winded; if this great man had been woven more throughout the entire book like President Truman was, I would not have skipped 20 or more pages. (I came back to them later, but, for me, it interrupted the message's flow.) Finally, to laud ACT UP activists who disrupted the faithful at Mass inside NYC's St. Patrick's Cathedral (219-220) is disgusting. Of course, something had to be done to get public attention to fight this horrible disease, but interrupting the innocent during a religious service was not appropriate, not "right," not "justice."
I see myself as a stoic for having completed this particular book of Holiday's, but I do not think I am interested in tackling any other books in this series.
Also, the author's treatise on Gandhi was long-winded; if this great man had been woven more throughout the entire book like President Truman was, I would not have skipped 20 or more pages. (I came back to them later, but, for me, it interrupted the message's flow.) Finally, to laud ACT UP activists who disrupted the faithful at Mass inside NYC's St. Patrick's Cathedral (219-220) is disgusting. Of course, something had to be done to get public attention to fight this horrible disease, but interrupting the innocent during a religious service was not appropriate, not "right," not "justice."
I see myself as a stoic for having completed this particular book of Holiday's, but I do not think I am interested in tackling any other books in this series.
July 8, 2024
I was happy to pre-order a copy from The Painted Porch (Ryan Holiday's bookshop in Bastrop, Texas).
Right Thing. Right Now is Holiday's third installment in the four virtues series (after Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave and Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control addressing justice. Not the "justice system" as many might first think of it but the virtue of justice.
Holiday makes the case why justice should be a verb and not a noun, "something we do, not something we get."
Having read his other books in this series and others, I really enjoy his style of telling stories of historical figures and how their actions shaped something bigger.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did Discipline is Destiny.
Right Thing. Right Now is Holiday's third installment in the four virtues series (after Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave and Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control addressing justice. Not the "justice system" as many might first think of it but the virtue of justice.
"We are concerned with what's lawful, we fight for "our rights" a lot more than what is right. It might be too on the nose to call this an "indictment" of modern values, but it's hard to see it as anything else.
Holiday makes the case why justice should be a verb and not a noun, "something we do, not something we get."
Having read his other books in this series and others, I really enjoy his style of telling stories of historical figures and how their actions shaped something bigger.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did Discipline is Destiny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
I'm going to start by saying I've been a fan of Ryan Holiday for a years. Obstacle is one of my all time favorite books and I give it as a gift whenever I can. But I was sorely disappointed in this one. Not that there isn't a lot of good stuff. But I couldn't quite articulate what I thought was wrong until the afterword. There was something there that clarified the problem to me. Holiday mentions the aphorism: "One who isn't a liberal in their 20s has no heart, one who isn't a conservative in their 30s has no brain." Then he goes on to decry it how it means that people go from thinking of others to thinking of themselves. This is a horrible misunderstanding of the statement.
The meaning is we do things based on emotion when we're young, and hopefully based on reason when we're older.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. This is the liberal/conservative dichotomy in the aphorism. Seeing past the immediate result. I would recommend a bit more Thomas Sowell.
The meaning is we do things based on emotion when we're young, and hopefully based on reason when we're older.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. This is the liberal/conservative dichotomy in the aphorism. Seeing past the immediate result. I would recommend a bit more Thomas Sowell.
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