Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is an American author, media strategist, and one of the most prominent modern interpreters of Stoic philosophy. He is the author of multiple international bestsellers, including Trust Me, I’m Lying (2013), The Obstacle Is the Way (2014), Ego Is the Enemy (2016), Conspiracy (2018), Stillness Is the Key (2019), and Discipline Is Destiny (2022). His books have sold over 4 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Born in 1987, Ryan Holiday dropped out of college at 19 to apprentice under Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power. He went on to serve as director of marketing at American Apparel before founding Brass Check. This creative agency has advised high-profile clients, including Google, TASER, and Complex, as well as bestselling authors such as Tim Ferriss, Tony Robbins, and Neil Strauss.

His early book, Trust Me, I’m Lying, offered an insider’s look at media manipulation and remains a touchstone in discussions about digital culture.

Holiday’s enduring influence comes from his ability to translate ancient Stoic wisdom into practical lessons for modern life. The Obstacle Is the Way, inspired by a passage from Marcus Aurelius, became a cult classic in sports and business circles, adopted by NFL teams, Olympic athletes, and Fortune 500 executives.

His later works—including The Daily Stoic (2016), co-authored with Stephen Hanselman, and Courage Is Calling (2021)—extend this exploration of philosophy as a tool for resilience, ethical decision-making, and personal growth.

Ryan Holiday often emphasises that Stoicism is less a subject of study than a way of living. He cites Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus as continual sources of guidance, whether facing adversity, making moral choices, or managing success.

“Objective judgment, unselfish action, and willing acceptance of external events—that’s all you need,” he notes, quoting the emperor-philosopher.

In addition to his books, Holiday writes widely for outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Fast Company, and Forbes. He also runs DailyStoic.com, which delivers philosophical reflections and resources to hundreds of thousands of subscribers worldwide.

Ryan Holiday lives on a ranch outside Austin, Texas, with his wife and children.

Photo credit: ryanholiday.net