Stillness is the key by Ryan Holiday

My Rating of “Stillness is the key” by Ryan Holiday: 9 / 10

Ryan Holiday needs no introduction. His works on stoicism for are well known. I’ve been reading his book “The Daily Stoic” year after year since 2015. The aim of this book is to only read one page a day. Each day I get perspective on a topic I can leverage throughout the day. The compounding effect of reading this book every year is now paying serious dividends.

Whilst this review isn’t about the Daily Stoic, it was the reason why I bought and read Stillness is the Key. This book revolves around the mind, spirit and body. It takes what I’ve read from Holiday to a deeper level. Stillness is the Key provides more explanation, stories, examples and justification. Reading one page a day from the Daily Stoic only takes you so far. If you’re after more of the philosophy, background and thought process then this is the next book to try out.

I’m fortunate to have delved into philosophy over the last five years; especially stoicism. My life has changed based on the learnings from books like Holiday’s. It’s worth checking one of his books out – which one is up to you!

Three key takeaways from the book:

1. Remember, there’s no greatness in the future. Or clarity. Or insight. Or happiness. Or peace. There is only this moment.
2. The green light is a powerful symbol in our culture. We forget what Mr. Rogers was trying to make us see — that the yellow light and the red light are just as important. Slow down. Stop.
3. To have an impulse and to resist it, to sit with it and examine it, to let it pass by like a bad smell — this is how we develop spiritual strength.