Skip to main content

Wisdom Takes Work

 The final book in Ryan Holiday's Stoic Virtues series came out this year.

The book Wisdom Takes Work is a powerful and thought provoking addition to his phenomenal works on Stoicism. 

The book's central theme is that wisdom ties together all the other virtues. There is no courage, discipline, or justice without wisdom. 

Holiday breaks down the concept of wisdom into five key attributes: knowledge, education, self reflection, truth, and peace. 

Knowledge and education covers both traditional schooling and learning as well as self education, the 'school of life' so to speak. 

As part of the journey to becoming a wise man, or woman, there must be self reflection so that don't just memorise lessons but internalise and apply them. 

Doing this self reflection leads you to look beneath the surface of life leading you to truth and peace. 

If you haven't already, read Ryan Holiday's Virtues series: Courage is Calling, Discipline is Destiny, Right Thing, Right Now, and Wisdom Takes Work. 

It is the perfect New Year's Resolution for 2026.



Philosopher's Mind


Strive for the philosopher's mind, you never know where knowledge might lurk.

My friend, wisdom takes work.

Courage is calling. 

Don't get disheartened if your discipline is falling.


For moderation is your destiny.

It teaches you how to do the right thing right now and be free.

Do not be fooled by the philosopher's stone.

Understand the wise man has a mind of his own.


A philosopher does not need a flyer,

He relies on his internal fire.

Strive for the philosopher's mind, you never know where knowledge might lurk.

My friend, wisdom takes work.


© Chris Van Ingen 31/12/2025

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Together Project

This blog post is the third in the series inspired by my reflections on the abuse and neglect suffered by people with disabilities. The Together Project is an art collaboration designed to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences. For me watching people's creations has made me reflect on my own life experiences. I know statistically between 85 to 90 % of people with disabilities may experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. Until recently I would have said that I do not fit into that category but I am speaking up in this blog to demonstrate that abuse can be severe or subtle. Please read my poem 'Lock Box' to discover my true experience. For anyone that is interested in getting involved the exhibition will have a space at the 'Having A Say' Conference 2019 because together we can find a way. Lock Box A moment in fear all I hear is the ticking of the clocks.  I have an unhealthy obsession with security; I hide everything...
1 comment
Read more

More Than Politics

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Vision for an Inclusive Australia (DRC Final Report)

 The final revised version of the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) into violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation was published on 2 November 2023.  The Royal Commission ran for four years with hundreds of people with disabilities testifying at hearings and thousands more supplying the Commission with written submissions.  The final report titled Our Vision for An Inclusive Australia  made 222 recommendations to improve laws, policies, structures, and practices to ensure a more inclusive and just society. That supports the independence of people with disabilities and their right to live a life free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.  The report covers 12 volumes ranging from:  Voices of People with Disability  About the Royal Commission Nature and Extent of Violence, Abuse, and Exploitation Realising the Human Rights of People with Disability  Governing for Inclusion Inclusive Education, Employment, and Housing Enabling Autonomy an...
Post a Comment
Read more