8 inspiring quotes from "Discipline is Destiny" by Ryan Holiday

Bestselling author Ryan Holiday is known for the Stoic wisdom beyond his years which he shares through his books. Stoicism helps you face whatever life may have in store for you with a level head and clear mind. Here are some insightful quotes from "Discipline is Destiny."

In the ancient world, virtue was comprised of four key components - courage, temperance, justice and wisdom; "the touchstones of goodness", king Marcus Aurelius called them... Near universal ideals adopted by Christianity and most of Western philosophy.

"Self-discipline is pointless without courage, and of course, the defining characteristic of courage is self-discipline - steeling yourself for what must be done."

“We must practice temperance now, in times of plenty, because none of us know what the future holds- only that plenty never lasts.”

"In the modern era, we might be hooked on cigarettes or soda, likes on social media, or watching cable news. It doesn’t matter whether it’s socially acceptable or not, what matters is whether it’s good for you...so many of our habits are slowly, imperceptibly killing us."

“Two words should be taken to heart and obeyed when exerting ourselves for good and restraining ourselves from evil—words that will ensure a blameless and untroubled life: persist and resist. Epictetus”

"Turning the other cheek is a spiritual principle - something rooted in the virtue of justice to be sure - but it is also an act of will. You have to do it, even though it hurts."

"The Stoics tell us that we must learn how to focus in every moment like a Roman, to seize this thought, this opportunity that is in front of us. We can't waste it. We have to winnow our thoughts, we have to narrow our gaze."

"That's the thing about discipline: It never fails us, but sometimes we fail it."

Holiday's brilliance is in how he takes ancient wisdom and makes it relevant and easily applicable to modern day life.

Bottom line: A virtuous life is a disciplined life which centers around courage, temperance, justice and wisdom.