New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller

In his bestseller "Discipline is Destiny," author Ryan Holiday argues in favor of the Stoic idea of living a bold and courageous life. In the highly anticipated second book of the series, Holiday honors the tremendous power of self-discipline and those who have embraced it.

To master anything, we must first master ourselves – our emotions, our thoughts, our actions. Eisenhower, as he is widely known, said that freedom is actually the opportunity to practice self-discipline. Cicero called the virtue of temperance the polish of life. Without boundaries and self-restraint, we not only risk failing to fully realize our potential and jeopardize our achievements, but we also ensure misery and shame. In a world full of temptations and excesses, this ancient idea is more critical than ever.

In "The Power of Self-Discipline," Holiday draws from historical figures we can emulate as pillars of self-discipline, including Lou Gehrig, Queen Elizabeth II, boxer Floyd Patterson, Marcus Aurelius, and author Toni Morrison, as well as cautionary examples to avoid like Napoleon, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Babe Ruth. Through these compelling examples, Holiday teaches readers about the power of self-discipline and balance, while warning of the dangers of excess and hedonism.

At the heart of Stoicism are four simple virtues: courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom. All other virtues, the Stoics believed, stem from these. The second book will guide readers toward self-mastery, from which all other virtues depend. Discipline is essential. You do not succeed without it. And if you lose it, you can only bring failure and misery upon yourself.