book: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday

A very "angry" book, in particular on Elon Musk.
Lamenting that Success is not the same as Wisdom. 

It assumes "fully rational" people, so "fully responsible", ignoring human imperfect biological nature.
While it may appeal to some audience, is also undermines whole premise of value of wisdom,
at least the way it was presented. 

So it is neither a good argument for why wise behavior is good,
nor how to really improve. "Work harder" is rarely the answer.
Or maybe this was the objective, to provoke thinking...  
And this makes "stoicism" that it advocates questionable.

For example, what makes Marcus Aurelius the last "good emperor",
when his chosen successor effectively started downfall of Rome.
Did his celebrated virtue resulted with those bad results as well as some good results?
Becomes almost rhetorical argument, good biology (able to discipline),
good effort, maybe good results... Yes, worth a try... 

This angry style is just not productive, whatever was author's reason.


Wisdom Takes Work: Learn. Apply. Repeat. (The Stoic Virtues Series): Holiday, Ryan: 9780593191736: Amazon.com: Books

"Of all the stoic virtues - courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom - wisdom is the most elusive. This is especially apparent in an age where reaction and idle chatter are rewarded, and restraint and thoughtfulness are unfashionable. The great statesman and philosophers of the past would not be fooled, as we are, by headlines or appearances or the primal pull of tribalism. They knew too much of history, of their own flaws, of the need for collaboration to do any of that. That's wisdom - and we need it more than ever"



Wisdom Takes Work | Summary, Quotes, Audio @sobrief

• Wisdom is Earned, Not Given: Embrace Lifelong Learning
• Cultivate Relentless Curiosity and Ask Deep Questions
• Master Focus and Create a "Second Brain" for Knowledge
• Seek Mentors and a Challenging "Scene" for Growth
• Guard Against the "Storm Within": Ego, Bias, and Delusion
• Embrace Humility and Be Willing to Change Your Mind
• Learn from Experience and Mistakes, But Don't Break Your Brain
• Practice Empathy and Understand People, Even Your Opponents
• Don't Lose the Wonder: Find Joy and Meaning in the Mystery
• Grasp the Essence: Simplify Complexity for Clarity and Action
• Free Yourself from Fear and Suffering: Wisdom Leads to Happiness
• Live a Virtuous Life: Deeds Over Words, Always