LinkedIn Voices: Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday stands as one of the most influential modern voices of Stoicism, a writer, marketer, and philosopher who has bridged ancient wisdom with the demands of today’s chaotic world. Through bestselling books like The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Discipline Is Destiny, Ryan has helped millions rediscover timeless virtues in a modern context.

And now, with his upcoming book Wisdom Takes Work (on sale October 21, 2025), he’s completing his six-year journey through the four Stoic virtues, wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, reminding the world that philosophy isn’t an idea to study, but a practice to live.

Who Is Ryan Holiday?

Ryan Holiday is an American author, marketer, and speaker known for reviving Stoic philosophy for contemporary readers. His works, translated into more than 30 languages, have sold millions of copies worldwide and influenced world-class performers, from Super Bowl-winning teams like the New England Patriots and NBA champions like the San Antonio Spurs, to Olympic gold medalists, U.S. Senators, and military leaders.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Ryan served as Director of Marketing at American Apparel, where his innovative and sometimes controversial campaigns became case studies in modern PR.

He later founded Brass Check, a creative agency that has advised clients such as Google, TASER, Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, and Robert Greene.

Through his brands, The Daily Stoic, The Daily Dad, and The Daily Philosopher, Ryan has turned classical philosophy into a daily discipline for millions of readers seeking clarity, resilience, and wisdom in a distracted world.

From Hustle to Harmony

Ryan Holiday’s journey is as much about unlearning as it is about success. In his early years, he embodied the archetype of the overworked creative, ambitious, exhausted, and driven by ego.

He’s spoken openly about panic attacks, burnout, and what Bertrand Russell called “the belief that your work is terribly, terribly important.”

That breaking point became the foundation for his life’s mission: to live deliberately, think clearly, and work meaningfully.

Through The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan reframed adversity as the raw material of greatness. Ego Is the Enemy exposed how self-importance blocks progress. Stillness Is the Key reminded readers that calm is not inaction, it’s mastery.

And now, Wisdom Takes Work completes the circle, exploring how knowledge only becomes wisdom through action, reflection, and humility.

Mission: Philosophy in Practice

At the core of Ryan Holiday’s mission lies one belief: Philosophy is not a lecture; it’s a lifestyle.

Through his books, newsletters, and social media platforms, Ryan transforms Stoic thought into daily guidance for leaders, creators, and athletes who seek balance between ambition and peace.

His messages resonate because they’re lived, not just written. Whether he’s working at his bookstore, The Painted Porch, in Texas, or posting short reflections from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, Ryan’s consistency is his message:

“We don’t control what others do. We control whether bad times make us bad people.”

That timeless reminder, control what you can, accept what you can’t, defines both his writing and his public life.

Themes & Message Pillars

1. Stoicism as a Modern Operating System: Ryan reframes ancient philosophy into practical tools for modern living, focusing on courage, discipline, humility, and wisdom as everyday virtues for high performers.

   
   

2. Ego, Resilience, and Growth: His writing dissects how unchecked ego derails ambition and how adversity, when embraced, becomes a teacher.

   
   

3. Stillness in the Digital Age: In an era of constant noise, Ryan advocates for quiet reflection, journaling, and presence, as the foundation for clear decision-making.

   
   

4. Wisdom as a Daily Practice: His new book emphasizes that wisdom isn’t innate; it’s earned, through study, struggle, and self-correction.

LinkedIn Content Strategy: Stoic Storytelling for Leaders

On LinkedIn, Ryan Holiday’s presence stands out for its emotional intelligence and narrative depth. His posts often merge history, personal reflection, and practical philosophy, creating rare, meditative moments in the endless scroll of business content.

Strategy Highlights:

• Narrative Teaching: Each post reads like a short parable, weaving real stories of leaders, philosophers, and athletes with timeless lessons.

• Emotional Authenticity: He shares personal vulnerabilities, from burnout to failure — showing that philosophy begins where pretension ends.

• Cultural Relevance: Ryan connects Stoicism to modern issues, hustle culture, mental health, leadership, and moral decision-making.

• Engagement through Simplicity: His tone is grounded, unpretentious, and deeply human, making readers pause, think, and share.

Some of Ryan Holiday Posts:

Without This, You’ll Never Reach Your Potential | Ryan Holiday | 42 comments

For thousands of years, this is how trades—and life—were taught. Not in a classroom with hundreds of other students, but...

All of the books that I read during the making of "Wisdom Takes Work" which comes out in 8 days.

We have a bunch of preorder bonuses, including signed first editions, bonus chapters, manuscript… | Ryan Holiday | 51 comments

Please Don’t Do This To Yourself | Ryan Holiday | 106 comments

It wasn’t exactly a nervous breakdown, but it was something close.

The World Lost a Great Man (and my friend) But His Legacy Lives On… | Ryan Holiday | 49 comments

When he was born, he was legally considered less than fully human.

Tone & Style

Calm. Reflective. Disciplined.

Ryan writes the way a Stoic might speak clear, grounded, and slow enough to make meaning land. His language avoids hype, replacing it with humility. Each idea feels tested by experience rather than theory.

In a digital world obsessed with attention, his voice offers intention.

Why Ryan Holiday Matters

Ryan Holiday isn’t just a bestselling author, he’s the modern face of ancient wisdom.

In a time defined by distraction, outrage, and ego, he offers a reminder that character outlasts circumstance. His writings show that philosophy isn’t an escape from the world but a better way to engage with it.

For millions, he’s proof that timeless ideas can still shape timely leaders

“Greatness is a choice,” he reminds us. “But wisdom, that takes work.”

Some of His Talks & Series

Profile Summary

Ryan Holiday LinkedIn Profile:

Ryan Holiday - The Painted Porch Book Shop | LinkedIn

Ryan Holiday is the bestselling author of Trust Me, I’m Lying; The Obstacle Is the Way;… · Experience: The Painted Porch...