Ryan Holiday – Daily Stoic – Read to Lead 2022: A Daily Stoic Reading Challenge

We tend to think how much we read is proof we’re making progress. We like to show off our library. We listen to audiobooks on 2x or 3x speed. We think, “Less is more? Quality over quantity? Not with books!” We think: because reading is a good thing, wouldn’t more be better?

Far from it.

Not all reading is created equal. As Epictetus said, “I cannot call somebody ‘hard-working’ knowing only that they read. Even if ‘all night long’ is added, I cannot say it—not until I know the focus of all this energy…” Of course, spending hours or days in front of books is better than say, hours watching stupid internet videos. But, it can still be a waste of time. “Far too many good brains,” Seneca said, “have been afflicted by the pointless enthusiasm for useless knowledge.”

To be a great reader, it is not enough that you read, it’s how you read. It’s not about reading to impress people or for the mental gymnastics. It’s not about pouring inputs into your brain. It’s about getting better! It’s about filtering what gets into your brain. It’s about finding useful knowledge, knowledge you can use in your actual life. It’s about putting the information up to the test, examining it, seeing how it applies to your life, asking yourself how you might use it, what it’s prompting you to think.

If you want to become a great reader, the Stoics can help. We built out their best insights into our Read to Lead: A Daily Stoic Reading Challenge. Since it first launched in 2019, Read to Lead has been our most popular challenge, taken on by almost ten thousand participants.

Invest in your future today.

TESTIMONIALS

“Buying READ TO LEAD has already proved to be one of the best online learning investments truly I have ever made and it’s only Day One. The first day has already matched and delivered the value that I received from a 3 month $2000 writing course.” – Danielle Grigsby

“Firstly of all I’d like to say that your reading challenge has been the most eye opening thing I have done in years. I had done common placing in the past without even knowing it was a practice and had great success with it.” – Christopher Garnett-Scherer

“The Daily Stoic challenge is the best investment I’ve made for myself so far this year.” – Eric Hokanson
“Before this course I used to consider myself a reader, but now I feel like I’m truly “reading” for the first time in my life. I just finished The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff using the skills I’ve learned in the course and it was amazing how different my experience was. I remember more pieces of the book, and have a ton of stickies with notes and quotes to add to my common place book. That simple process of taking quotes I’ve normally kept in a Word document and writing them to an index card has brought me closer to many of the reasons why I captured the quote in the first place. I feel like as I write them down I’m contemplating the meaning behind the words more. I seriously can’t thank you enough for pointing me in the right direction!” – Rob Kriner

“The Daily Stoic Challenge kicked off an avalanche of change in my life. This was a unique experience and has probably saved me a ton of money that would have gone to a shrink.” – Mary Madsen

Members of Daily Stoic Life receive this course, and every course and challenge that we sell, completely free! They also receive other benefits, from quarterly Q&As with Ryan Holiday to product discounts and more. Find out more here.

Ryan Holiday – Read to Lead 2022: A Daily Stoic Reading Challenge

Harness the Wisdom of the Ages—One Page at a Time

Reading isn’t just about information—it’s transformation. In a world flooded with distractions, the true leader is the one who reads deeply, thinks clearly, and acts with principle.

Read to Lead 2022, curated by bestselling author Ryan Holiday, is not your average reading challenge. Rooted in Stoic philosophy, this structured experience is designed to sharpen your discipline, clarify your values, and train your mind through the daily habit of intentional reading.

Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile or just beginning your Stoic journey, this program invites you into a year of guided reflection, philosophical insight, and daily intellectual training.

What This Reading Challenge Offers

This isn’t about checking books off a list. It’s about reading with purpose, application, and transformation—just as the Stoics themselves practiced.

What You’ll Gain:

Curated Readings with Context
Explore timeless works—both ancient and modern—chosen to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and ethical clarity.

Daily Prompts for Deeper Engagement
Each day includes a thought-provoking question or exercise to help you internalize and apply what you read, making philosophy a living practice.

Practical Integration of Stoic Teachings
Move beyond theory. Learn how to apply Stoic concepts like amor fati, discipline, and temperance to your leadership, relationships, and personal growth.

Developing the Reader’s Mindset
Build the mental discipline to read attentively, interpret critically, and act with wisdom. It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality of thought.

Consistency Without Burnout
The structure is simple, sustainable, and deeply effective: one page, one idea, one step forward—every single day.

This challenge is not only about books—it’s about building the kind of character that great books inspire.

Who This Challenge is For

• Leaders and entrepreneurs seeking clarity and direction through daily intellectual sharpening

• Philosophically curious individuals ready to turn reading into personal evolution

• Students of Stoicism wanting more structure and insight in their practice

• Busy professionals looking for depth without overwhelming time commitments

• Anyone interested in building mental resilience and reflective calm through daily reading

About Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is the author of The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Discipline Is Destiny. As one of the most influential voices in modern Stoicism, his work bridges timeless wisdom with the demands of contemporary life. Through the Daily Stoic, Ryan has guided millions toward deeper thought, more deliberate action, and a life built on enduring values.

Why This Challenge Stands Apart

• Brings structure and accountability to meaningful reading

• Connects ancient philosophy with real-life application

• Includes actionable prompts, not just inspirational quotes

• Fosters inner stillness and focus in a noisy, fast-paced world

• A rare blend of timeless ideas and modern execution

Let Reading Shape Who You Become

Read to Lead 2022 isn’t just about what you read—it’s about who you become by reading. Let this daily practice be your anchor, your mirror, and your mentor.