
Wisdom Takes Work
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of THE DAILY STOIC
Ryan Holiday(Author)
Profile Books Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 21. October 2025
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-1-78816-629-4 (ISBN)
Description
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Foster curiosity, discernment and life-changing wisdom: book 4 in the bestselling Stoic Virtues series
'Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distils wisdom' CAL NEWPORT, bestselling author of Deep Work
'Ryan Holiday is one of his generation's finest thinkers' STEVEN PRESSFIELD, author of The War of Art
Wisdom is central to a meaningful life. It gives us perspective, reveals knowledge and guides our path. Without it, our best qualities become our worst: courage turns to foolhardiness, self-discipline to cruelty, justice to empty moralising. We all aspire to be wise - but wisdom is earned.
In this fourth and final instalment of his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday uncovers tried and true methods for cultivating wisdom. Drawing on lessons from heroes across history, including Marcus Aurelius, Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou and Joan Didion, he shows how to keep an open mind in times of division and disruption; to listen more than we talk; to think with nuance and ruthlessly question our own beliefs. Through cautionary figures like Elon Musk, he shows how dangerous intelligence can be without wisdom - and how we can all escape today's traps of tribalism, certainty and self-righteousness.
Are you open to listening? Are you willing to question? Are you here to learn? Wisdom is work. But it's worth it.
Foster curiosity, discernment and life-changing wisdom: book 4 in the bestselling Stoic Virtues series
'Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distils wisdom' CAL NEWPORT, bestselling author of Deep Work
'Ryan Holiday is one of his generation's finest thinkers' STEVEN PRESSFIELD, author of The War of Art
Wisdom is central to a meaningful life. It gives us perspective, reveals knowledge and guides our path. Without it, our best qualities become our worst: courage turns to foolhardiness, self-discipline to cruelty, justice to empty moralising. We all aspire to be wise - but wisdom is earned.
In this fourth and final instalment of his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday uncovers tried and true methods for cultivating wisdom. Drawing on lessons from heroes across history, including Marcus Aurelius, Abraham Lincoln, Maya Angelou and Joan Didion, he shows how to keep an open mind in times of division and disruption; to listen more than we talk; to think with nuance and ruthlessly question our own beliefs. Through cautionary figures like Elon Musk, he shows how dangerous intelligence can be without wisdom - and how we can all escape today's traps of tribalism, certainty and self-righteousness.
Are you open to listening? Are you willing to question? Are you here to learn? Wisdom is work. But it's worth it.
Reviews / Votes
A deeply thoughtful yet entertainingly readable description of the journey to wisdom by a modern age philosopher. -- General Stanley McChrystal, retired US Army general and author of On Character PRAISE FOR THE STOIC VIRTUES SERIES * : * An urgent call to arms for each and all of us -- Matthew McConaughey Ryan Holiday is a genius -- Chris Evans A clear and inspiring guide -- Robert Greene A message all of us need to hear -- Arnold Schwarzenegger A gift to humanity -- Dr. Edith Eva Eger Ryan Holiday has helped bring the ancient teaching of Stoicism to millions of readers - from athletes and politicians to CEOs. * Good Morning America * Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distills wisdom -- Cal Newport Ryan Holiday is among the most psychologically wise writers I know -- Angela DuckworthMore details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Dimensions
Height: 182 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 39 mm
Weight
416 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78816-629-4 (9781788166294)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ryan Holiday
Wisdom Takes Work
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of THE DAILY STOIC
Book
approx. 11/2026
Profile Books Ltd
€15.50
Not yet published

Ryan Holiday
Wisdom Takes Work
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of THE DAILY STOIC
E-Book
10/2025
Profile Books Ltd
€19.49
Available for download
Person
Ryan Holiday is one of the world's bestselling living philosophers. His books include The Daily Stoic, The Obstacle Is the Way, Stillness Is the Keyand the New York Times bestselling Stoic Virtues series. Together, they've been translated into over 40 languages, sold over 10 million copies and spent over 300 weeks on the bestseller lists. He lives outside Austin with his wife and two boys ... and a small herd of cows and donkeys and goats. His bookstore, The Painted Porch, sits on historic Main St in Bastrop, Texas.