
Wisdom Takes Work
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of THE DAILY STOIC
Ryan Holiday(Author)
Profile Books Ltd (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 5. November 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-78816-630-0 (ISBN)
Description
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Foster curiosity, discernment and life-changing wisdom: book 4 in the bestselling Stoic Virtues series
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
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
PRAISE FOR THE STOIC VIRTUES SERIES * : * COURAGE IS CALLING'An urgent call to arms for each and all of us -- Matthew McConaughey DISCIPLINE IS DESTINY
'Ryan Holiday is a genius -- Chris Evans RIGHT THING, RIGHT NOW
'A message all of us need to hear -- Arnold Schwarzenegger WISDOM TAKES WORK
'Some authors give advice. Ryan Holiday distills wisdom -- Cal Newport 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 Ryan Holiday is one of his generation's finest thinkers -- Steven Pressfield, author of The War of Art A clear and inspiring guide -- Robert Greene 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 * Ryan Holiday is among the most psychologically wise writers I know -- Angela Duckworth
More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-78816-630-0 (9781788166300)
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
E-Book
10/2025
Profile Books Ltd
€19.49
Available for download

Ryan Holiday
Wisdom Takes Work
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER from the author of THE DAILY STOIC
Book
10/2025
Profile Books Ltd
€20.50
Available immediately
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.