Authors
Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday is an author, marketer, and media strategist best known for books that apply Stoic philosophy to modern life, including The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy. His work focuses on practical resilience and decision-making, a theme captured by the quote 'Doubt is the enemy of progress.'
Quotes: 3
Quotes by Ryan Holiday

Choosing Progress Over the Myth of Perfection
Ryan Holiday’s line cuts through a common self-deception: the belief that we must be flawless before we begin. In practice, “perfection” often becomes a socially acceptable excuse for delay—endless planning, tweaking, and waiting for ideal conditions that rarely arrive. By shifting the focus to progress, the goal changes from avoiding mistakes to making forward motion. This reframing matters because action reveals reality. Once you move, you discover what works, what doesn’t, and what actually needs improvement—information you can’t get from daydreaming about a perfect outcome. [...]
Created on: 2/16/2026

Doubt Is the Enemy of Progress - Ryan Holiday
As a modern Stoic writer, Ryan Holiday draws from Stoic philosophy, which teaches the importance of inner control and clarity. This quote reflects the Stoic idea that mental clarity and purpose are essential for personal advancement. [...]
Created on: 3/30/2025

Success Requires a Level of Discomfort - Ryan Holiday
Discomfort pushes individuals to improve and adapt. Without facing discomfort, people may remain stagnant and fail to reach their full potential. [...]
Created on: 2/21/2025