10 Years Of Lessons From The Obstacle Is The Way

Summary

In a reflective journey, the author discusses the evolution of his book, *The Obstacle Is the Way*, marking its 10th anniversary. He recalls the inception of the book in a small New York apartment and how it unexpectedly sold millions and popularized stoicism. As he revises the manuscript, he recognizes his personal growth and the shifting cultural landscape around stoicism. The author emphasizes the importance of humility in revisiting past work, sharing lessons learned from parenting, and expressing gratitude for the readers and feedback that have shaped his perspective. This process highlights the transformative power of writing and life experiences.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Going for a run can lead to unexpected insights and ideas.
• 📚 The journey of revisiting and updating a published work reveals personal growth and changing perspectives over time.
• 🌀 Stoicism teaches that both we and our circumstances are always changing, akin to not stepping into the same river twice.
• 🔄 The experience of editing past work can be humbling, prompting reflection on one's growth and the passage of time.
• 📅 The process of creating a 10th-anniversary edition allows for the inclusion of new insights gained over the years.
• 📖 Engaging with criticism and feedback can enhance one's understanding and improve future work.
• 💡 The popularity of Stoicism has significantly increased, necessitating a more nuanced presentation of its concepts.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Parenthood presents unique challenges that can inform one's application of Stoic principles.
• ✍️ Making small contributions consistently can lead to significant progress over time.
• 🙏 Gratitude plays a central role in recognizing the support of readers and the impact of shared experiences.

Q & A

What was the initial setting where the author began writing 'The Obstacle is the Way'?

The author began writing the book almost ten years ago in a small nook under a loft bed in an apartment in New York City.

How has 'The Obstacle is the Way' performed since its release?

The book has sold millions of copies and has been translated into 40 languages, reintroducing stoicism to many people.

What is the author currently working on regarding the book?

The author is working on a new forward for the 10th-anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle is the Way', making updates and corrections based on his evolved understanding.

What is one key lesson the author learned from his experience of revisiting the book?

One key lesson is that while we may change and grow, the process of reflecting on past work can be humbling, reminding us that certainty and simplification often don't age well.

How does the author describe his changes in perspective since writing the book?

The author acknowledges that he has become kinder, more empathetic, and nuanced in his thinking, and he aims to carry these changes into future projects.

What personal changes has the author experienced in the last decade?

The author has gotten married, had two children, and his life has become noisier and more chaotic, which influences his approach to writing and parenting.

What does the author mean by the phrase 'we never step in the same river twice'?

This phrase signifies that both the world and individuals are constantly changing, so past experiences and thoughts can be viewed differently over time.

How does the author feel about editing his previous work?

The author feels a sense of mortification when revisiting his past work, recognizing that what he thought was his best may not have aged well, and he often envies the mute for their lack of such reflections.

What specific updates is the author making to the book?

The author is adding new insights, clarifying points about historical figures like Rockefeller, and including more nuanced stories about Marcus Aurelius's struggles.

What overarching emotion does the author express regarding the success of 'The Obstacle is the Way'?

The author expresses deep gratitude for the book's success and the platform it has provided for discussing stoicism, acknowledging that this would not have been possible without the support of readers and feedback.