“Courage calls each of us differently, at different times, in different forms. But in every case, as they say, coming from inside the house.
First, we are called to rise above our fear and cowardice. Next, we are called to bravery, over the elements, over the odds, over our limitations. Finally, we are called to heroism, perhaps for only just a single magnificent moment, when we are called to do something for someone other than ourselves.
Whatever call you’re hearing right now, what matters is that you answer. What matters is that you go to it.
In an ugly world, courage is beautiful. It allows beautiful things to exist.
Who says it has to be rare?
You picked up this book because you know it doesn’t.”
~ Ryan Holiday from Courage Is Calling
As we discussed in the last couple notes, I took 18 months off of creating new Notes as I was deep in CEO-creative mode getting Heroic launched. The first book I bought when I knew I’d be hammering more Notes? This one.
As I’ve said many times, Ryan Holiday is one of my favorite writers and thinkers and philosophers. We’ve covered a bunch of his other great books including: The Obstacle Is the Way, The Daily Stoic, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key.
And... As I told my wife Alexandra after reading the first part of this book in my AM1 Deep Work time block this morning (before finishing it in the next two), “Ryan is truly an INCREDIBLE writer.” As in, an ASTONISHINGLY compelling writer.
He has truly mastered his craft—which is why he’s one of the world’s bestselling living philosophers whose books have been translated into more than forty languages, spent more than three hundred weeks on bestseller lists and have sold more than four million copies.
I rarely unconditionally encourage you to get a book. Get this one. (here.)
The book has three parts: Part I on Fear; Part II on Courage; and Part III on The Heroic.
Of course, it’s packed with Big Ideas. Let’s explore a few of my favorites now as we strive to show up with more Wisdom, Self-Mastery, COURAGE, and Love—not someday but TODAY.
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