Courage is Calling
SowSee Summary
About the Book
Ryan Holiday’s Courage Is Calling invites you to explore courage not as a distant ideal but as an accessible and necessary virtue for living a life of meaning. Drawing on ancient Stoic philosophy and modern examples, Holiday defines courage as the ability to act rightly in the face of fear. This book is not a mere call to bravery; it is a blueprint for overcoming hesitation, embracing growth, and living with integrity.
About the Author
Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author and public speaker who blends ancient Stoic philosophy with modern-day relevance. Known for works like The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy, Holiday focuses on how individuals can live virtuously and effectively in the modern world.
Insight 1: Fear as a Compass
Fear is often misunderstood. You think it’s something to avoid—a signal to retreat, an obstacle to remove. But Ryan Holiday, drawing from the Stoics, tells you that fear is a guide. It is not the wall blocking your path but the spotlight showing you exactly where to go. Fear, as unsettling as it is, carries within it a hidden invitation to grow, to act, and to transform.
When you feel fear, ask yourself: Why does this scare me? What does this resistance reveal? Often, the answer is tied to what you value most. Fear has a way of pointing to the things that matter—relationships, dreams, integrity. The very fact that fear exists means that something important is at stake. If you were indifferent, you wouldn’t care; you wouldn’t fear. But because you care, fear arises, drawing your attention to what’s meaningful.
Fear as a Mirror
Fear holds up a mirror to your insecurities and doubts. It says, “Here is where you need to work.” Imagine a public speaking opportunity. Your heart races, your hands sweat, and you feel like running away. But what are you truly afraid of? Is it failure, judgment, embarrassment? Fear reflects the barriers you’ve built in your mind. And in facing that fear, you’re not just overcoming an external challenge—you’re breaking through internal limitations.
Holiday writes, “Fear reveals what we care about most. It is the flip side of courage.” This is why courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it. Fear says, “This is the hard thing,” and courage responds, “Then this is exactly what I must do.”
Turning Fear into a Teacher
In Islamic spirituality, fear (khawf) is an essential part of your relationship with God. But this fear is not debilitating—it is awakening. It drives you to seek God’s mercy, to strive harder in good deeds, to purify your heart. Similarly, when you experience worldly fear, it is meant to awaken your potential, not paralyze you.
Acting on the Signal
To use fear as a compass, start small. Feel the fear, acknowledge it, and take one step forward. If you fear public speaking, volunteer for a small presentation. If you fear rejection, initiate a difficult conversation. Each step forward erodes fear’s power and builds your confidence.
Insight 2: Courage in the Everyday
Courage often conjures images of soldiers on battlefields or activists in historic marches. While these examples of bravery are inspiring, courage isn’t reserved for dramatic moments. It exists in the quiet, often unnoticed choices you make every single day. Ryan Holiday insists that courage is not about being fearless but about doing what’s right when it matters most—regardless of how small the moment may seem.
When you stand up for a principle, when you take responsibility for a mistake, or when you decide to act in kindness rather than indifference, you are practicing courage. The battlefield is your daily life. The battles are the choices you make.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Courage doesn’t always shout. It whispers in the way you choose to live your values. When you resist the urge to gossip, when you challenge a casual injustice in a meeting, or when you extend kindness to someone who can do nothing for you in return—these are acts of bravery.
Holiday writes, “Courage is not one grand moment but a series of small decisions that define who you are.” Each of these small decisions builds a foundation. Courage, like a muscle, grows stronger with consistent use. By practicing it in minor situations, you prepare yourself for the moments that demand more from you.
The Prophetic Model of Everyday Courage
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, embodied this principle. In his life, everyday courage shone in his interactions with others. He treated the poor with dignity, spoke truth, and maintained steadfastness in the face of ridicule. Even when people threw garbage on his path, he responded with patience and kindness.
These small, steady acts of courage changed the hearts of those around him. One hadith relates how the Prophet, peace be upon him, was once insulted, yet he responded with a smile and gentle words, ultimately softening the attacker’s heart. This is courage—not in grand declarations but in living the values you claim to believe in, moment by moment.
Courage as Integrity
The Quran emphasizes integrity as a cornerstone of faith: “O you who have believed, fear God and speak words of appropriate justice” . Every time you speak truthfully, even when it is inconvenient, you are practicing courage. Honesty can feel risky—what if you lose approval, an opportunity, or your comfort? Yet, courage demands that you prioritize integrity over ease.
A Chain of Courageous Acts
Every small act of bravery creates a ripple effect. Think of the child who sees their parent apologize when they’re wrong or the colleague who notices you refusing to engage in office gossip. Your courage in small moments becomes a model, emboldening others to do the same. Holiday writes, “Courage is contagious. When we act with integrity, others feel empowered to follow.”
Practical Steps to Build Everyday Courage
- Identify Small Challenges: What are the situations where you typically shy away from speaking or acting with courage? Reflect on them and resolve to address them.
- Commit to One Act Daily: Decide each morning to do one thing that requires you to step out of your comfort zone.
- Reflect on Your Day: At night, ask yourself: “Where did I act bravely today? Where can I improve?” This daily practice sharpens your awareness and builds resilience.
Embrace the Quiet Bravery
Courage in the everyday is the gateway to living a life of principle. It may not earn applause or headlines, but it will define your character. It will shape who you are and who you’re becoming. Lean into these small moments of bravery. They may seem insignificant now, but over time, they create a legacy of integrity, strength, and virtue.
Insight 3: Overcoming Apathy
Apathy is a quiet enemy. It doesn’t charge into your life with fanfare; it seeps in like a fog, dulling your passion, your energy, and your will to act. Ryan Holiday warns that the opposite of courage isn’t fear—it’s apathy. Fear at least stirs something in you; it makes you feel alive and aware of the stakes. Apathy, on the other hand, lulls you into inaction. It whispers, “Why bother? It’s not your problem. Nothing will change.” If fear can be a compass guiding you toward growth, apathy is the anchor holding you back from even setting sail.
Apathy as a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Holiday explains that apathy convinces you that your actions don’t matter, so you don’t try. But here’s the truth: by not acting, you guarantee the very outcome you dread. The world doesn’t improve because apathy holds people back from making it better. Problems persist not because they are insurmountable, but because too many people shrug and say, “What difference could I make?”
You see injustice on the news, corruption in your workplace, or suffering in your community, and it’s tempting to feel overwhelmed. But apathy thrives on that feeling of powerlessness. The courageous person understands that change, no matter how incremental, begins with action.
The Islamic Perspective on Apathy
In the Quran, God repeatedly calls on you to act, even in the face of overwhelming odds: “And whoever saves one [life]—it is as if he had saved all of mankind”. The verse reminds you that your actions matter, no matter how small they seem. Saving one life may not solve all the world’s problems, but it transforms the life of the person you help. Islam calls you to be an agent of change, to rise above despair and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of the world.
How Courage Overcomes Apathy
Holiday reminds you that courageous people act not because they are unafraid, but because they refuse to be indifferent. Courage starts with caring. It means believing in the possibility of change, even when the odds seem long. It’s easy to think, “What can one person do?” But history is filled with examples of individuals whose courage broke the cycle of apathy—Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat, Malala Yousafzai speaking out for girls’ education, or ordinary citizens volunteering in their communities to address local problems.
The Risk of Inaction
There is a cost to not acting. When you allow apathy to dictate your choices, you risk losing something greater than any external reward—you lose your integrity. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “If you see something wrong, change it with your hand. If you cannot, then with your tongue. If you cannot, then hate it in your heart, and that is the weakest of faith”. Even the smallest action, born out of conviction, keeps apathy at bay.
Practical Steps to Combat Apathy
- Start Small: Identify one issue you care about and take a single step. Volunteer, donate, or educate yourself.
- Reframe the Problem: Instead of saying, “The problem is too big,” ask, “What is one thing I can do today to make it smaller?”
- Seek Community: Surround yourself with people who are also committed to action. Their energy will inspire and sustain you.
Courage as an Antidote to Apathy
Courage, Holiday argues, is the antidote to apathy. When you choose to care, to act, and to persist, you counter the hopelessness that fuels inaction. Courage in Islam is about seeing yourself as part of a larger mission to serve God and His creation. You are not powerless, you have support, because you are connected to a higher purpose.
Apathy is a Choice—So is Courage
Ultimately, apathy is a choice, just as courage is. Every day, you have the opportunity to decide which path to take. Don’t let the fog of indifference blind you to the impact you can have. Begin with small steps, rooted in faith and guided by purpose. When you care enough to act, you breathe life into your values, strengthening your soul and inspiring others to do the same.
Insight 4: Integrity as the Root of Bravery
Courage is often misunderstood as boldness for boldness’s sake—a reckless daring to take risks. But Ryan Holiday emphasizes that true courage is inseparable from integrity. Bravery without integrity is hollow, even dangerous. It is your commitment to doing what is right, even when it’s inconvenient or costly, that gives courage its substance. Integrity roots bravery in purpose and makes it a force for good rather than selfish gain.
The Foundation of Integrity
Integrity is the commitment to live in alignment with your principles, regardless of the consequences. It’s about refusing to compromise your values, even when the easier, more comfortable path beckons. In a world full of shortcuts, half-truths, and moral compromises, choosing integrity requires tremendous courage.
Holiday writes, “Courage isn’t doing what’s easy or popular—it’s doing what’s right.” This principle is timeless. Integrity is not just about making one bold stand; it’s about the consistency of your choices over time. Every act of honesty, every refusal to betray your principles, builds the foundation of your integrity—and prepares you for greater acts of bravery when the stakes are higher.
The Prophetic Model of Integrity
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is without doubt a paragon of integrity. His titles, Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful), reflect his unwavering commitment to honesty and justice. Even before his prophethood, he was known for his reliability, fairness, and truthfulness.
One striking example of his integrity was during the rebuilding of the Kaaba. When a dispute arose among Quraysh tribes over who would place the Black Stone, Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, proposed a fair solution that preserved peace and justice. His integrity enabled him to navigate tense situations with wisdom and courage.
Your courage must follow this prophetic model—anchored in truth, guided by justice, and unshaken by fear of backlash or loss. The Quran commands: “O you who have believed, stand persistently firm for God, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just”. Courage rooted in integrity means standing for justice, even when it costs you.
When Integrity is Tested
Life will test your integrity. The pressure to conform, the fear of losing status or comfort, and the temptation of shortcuts will challenge your commitment to doing what’s right. Imagine a workplace scenario where your boss asks you to overlook an unethical practice. Do you comply, fearing retaliation if you don’t? Or do you speak up, knowing it might jeopardize your position?
Holiday reminds you that integrity isn’t about choosing what’s expedient—it’s about choosing what aligns with your principles. He writes, “If you abandon what you know is right for the sake of comfort or convenience, you lose something far more valuable than security: your self-respect.”
Building Integrity and Courage
- Clarify Your Values: Write down your core principles. What do you stand for? What are the non-negotiables in your life?
- Practice Honesty: Start with small acts of truthfulness. Admit mistakes, honor commitments, and speak with sincerity.
- Stand Firm Under Pressure: When tempted to compromise, remind yourself of the long-term cost to your character. Choose the path that aligns with your values.
Insight 5: Courage Brings More Courage
Courage is not a solitary act. It is a seed that, once planted, grows and spreads. Ryan Holiday emphasizes that every act of bravery creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to find their own courage. Just as fear and apathy are contagious, so too is courage. When you act with conviction, you set an example that strengthens the resolve of those around you.
The Ripple Effect of Courage
Think about a time when you witnessed someone stand up for what was right, even in the face of resistance. Did it stir something in you? Perhaps it made you reevaluate your own fears or consider how you could act more boldly. That’s the power of courage—it moves others to action. Holiday writes, “Courage is contagious. When we see someone act bravely, it forces us to question why we haven’t done the same.”
Every act of courage—no matter how small—has the potential to inspire. When you refuse to back down in a meeting, when you confront a bully, or when you admit a mistake publicly, you’re not just changing the immediate situation; you’re giving others permission to be brave in their own lives.
Prophetic Courage as an Example
The life of Prophet Muhammad. Peace be upon him, is a testament to how courage inspires others. In the early days of Islam, he faced relentless opposition. Yet his steadfastness inspired his followers to remain firm, even under persecution. Take the example of Bilal ibn Rabah, who was tortured for refusing to renounce his faith. Bilal’s courage, rooted in the Prophet’s example, became a symbol of resilience for generations.
Courage Challenges Others to Be Better
Holiday explains that when you choose to act bravely, it disrupts the status quo. It forces others to confront their own inaction or apathy. Some may resist, feeling uncomfortable with your boldness, but many will feel a spark of inspiration. This isn’t about shaming others—it’s about showing what’s possible.
Often standing up for justice can awaken a sense of responsibility in others. When you courageously address an injustice, you remind those around you of their own capacity to make a difference.
Practical Ways to Inspire Courage
- Start Small: You don’t need a grand stage to inspire courage. Speak up in a family discussion, show kindness to someone marginalized, or take responsibility for an error.
- Be Consistent: Your consistency builds credibility. People notice when you consistently act with integrity and courage.
- Celebrate Courage in Others: Acknowledge and amplify acts of bravery around you. Praise your colleagues, children, or friends for their bold decisions.
Courage Creates a Legacy
When you act with courage, you’re not just influencing those around you—you’re contributing to a legacy that outlives you. Think of historical figures whose bravery has shaped the world. They may have started as ordinary people, but their acts of courage became extraordinary because they inspired others.
Holiday writes, “What you do matters. It ripples outward in ways you cannot predict.” Your courage, no matter how small it seems, can have an impact far beyond what you see.
Courage isn’t just about you; it’s about the world you help create. Every brave choice sets off a chain reaction, building a culture of bravery and integrity. Your example can spark change in your family, community, or workplace. So, act boldly—not just for yourself but for those who are watching and waiting for someone to lead. Courage, after all, is a gift you give to others as much as to yourself.
Insight 6: Heroism is Sacrificial
Heroism is courage elevated by selflessness. Ryan Holiday distinguishes between everyday courage—choosing to act rightly despite fear—and heroism, which involves a deeper sacrifice for the sake of others. Heroism is not about gaining recognition or reward but about transcending your personal interests for the greater good. It is a rare and profound form of courage that transforms lives and leaves a legacy.
The Essence of Heroism
Heroism isn’t about glory or fame. In fact, the most heroic acts often go unnoticed. Holiday writes, “Heroism is courage in service of something larger than oneself.” It is the firefighter who rushes into a burning building, the parent who sacrifices everything for their children’s future, or the activist who endures threats and hardship to advocate for justice.
What distinguishes heroism from everyday courage is its sacrificial nature. It demands that you put aside your comfort, security, and sometimes even your life for others. This kind of courage requires a heart grounded in love and a willingness to endure hardship for a cause greater than yourself.
The Prophetic Model of Heroism
The life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the ultimate example of sacrificial heroism. From enduring persecution in Mecca to risking his life during the migration to Medina, the Prophet consistently placed the needs of his community above his own comfort and safety. He forgave those who wronged him, shared his limited resources with those in need, and stood firm against injustice, even when it put his life at risk.
In the Battle of Uhud, for instance, the Prophet, peace be upon him, remained steadfast despite being wounded and surrounded. His courage inspired his companions to rally around him, prioritizing his safety over their own lives. This selflessness is the hallmark of heroism.
The Quran captures the essence of this sacrificial spirit: “And prefer others to themselves, even though they were themselves in need”. True heroism requires not just bravery but selflessness, the ability to put the welfare of others ahead of your own.
Heroism in Everyday Life
You might think heroism is reserved for grand, life-threatening situations, but it can manifest in everyday acts of sacrifice. Consider the teacher who stays late to help struggling students or the friend who takes on extra work to support a colleague in need. These are small but profound acts of heroism because they require personal sacrifice.
Heroism does not have to be monumental to be meaningful. Heroism is simply the willingness to put others first. It’s about seeing a need and having the courage to step forward, even when it costs you something.
The Role of Faith in Heroism
Faith is often the bedrock of heroism. It gives you the strength to face adversity and the conviction to act selflessly. In Islam, the concept of shahada (martyrdom) honors those who sacrifice their lives for just causes. While not all acts of heroism involve physical danger, the spirit of shahada—giving of oneself for the greater good—is a powerful motivator.
Holiday echoes this sentiment, observing that heroes are driven by a deep sense of purpose, often rooted in their beliefs. When you act out of love for God and His creation, your courage becomes an act of worship.
The Cost of Heroism
Heroism comes with a cost. It may mean enduring criticism, risking your reputation, or facing loss. But the impact of heroic acts far outweighs these costs. The sacrifices you make ripple outward, inspiring others and creating meaningful change.
Holiday writes, “Heroism is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.” You will feel fear when you step into the role of a hero. You will feel the weight of the risks and the sacrifices. But when you act despite that fear, you transform it into strength.
Practical Steps to Embrace Heroism
- Look for Opportunities to Serve: Start with small acts of selflessness. Help a neighbor, mentor a young person, or support a local cause.
- Embrace Discomfort: Heroism often requires stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t shy away from difficult tasks when they benefit others.
- Stay Connected to Your Purpose: Reflect on your deeper values and the causes that matter to you. This connection will sustain you when heroism demands sacrifice.
Heroism is calling you to rise above fear, self-interest, and hesitation. It is asking you to put love and purpose into action. Will you answer? Will you make the sacrifices necessary to change lives and leave a legacy of courage? When you do, you step into the profound role of being a force for good in the world.
Insight 7: Faith in Uncertainty
Courage and uncertainty go hand in hand. It is impossible to be brave without stepping into the unknown, without facing the unsettling reality that you cannot predict or control every outcome. Ryan Holiday reminds you that courage is not about eliminating uncertainty; it is about embracing it. It is about moving forward with faith, trusting that your efforts matter even when the path ahead is unclear.
The Nature of Uncertainty
Life is inherently uncertain. The plans you make, the dreams you nurture—they all carry risks. You cannot see the future, nor can you guarantee success. But that’s not a reason to stand still. In fact, Holiday argues that the unknown is where growth, transformation, and purpose are found.
He writes, “Courage requires faith—not in the sense of blind optimism, but in the conviction that taking action is better than standing idle.” Courage isn’t about being reckless or charging forward without a plan. It’s about making the best decision you can with the information you have and trusting in your ability to adapt as you go.
Tawakkul: Trusting God in the Unknown
In Islam, the concept of tawakkul (reliance on God) perfectly complements the Stoic embrace of uncertainty. Tawakkul teaches you to trust that God is in control of all outcomes, even when you cannot see how things will unfold. The Quran reassures: “And whoever relies upon God—then He is sufficient for him” .
When you trust in God, you free yourself from the paralyzing fear of failure or loss. You understand that your role is to act with sincerity and effort, leaving the results to God. This faith in divine wisdom transforms uncertainty from a source of anxiety into an opportunity to grow closer to your Creator.
Acting Without Guarantees
Courage demands action despite the lack of guarantees. Imagine you’re considering a major life decision—starting a business, moving to a new country, or speaking up about an injustice. You cannot predict every obstacle you’ll face or every outcome of your decision. But if you wait for certainty, you’ll wait forever.
Holiday writes, “The greatest risk is not taking one. Inaction ensures that you lose.” By stepping into uncertainty, you gain something invaluable: the opportunity to learn, to adapt, and to grow. Even if you fail, the lessons you gain will prepare you for future challenges.
The Freedom of Letting Go
One of the most liberating aspects of courage is learning to let go of what you cannot control. Holiday echoes the Stoic principle of focusing on what is within your power and releasing attachment to what isn’t. When you stop obsessing over outcomes and focus on your actions, you experience a sense of freedom.
This principle is beautifully reflected in the hadith: “If you were to rely upon God with reliance due to Him, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return full”. The bird doesn’t know where its sustenance will come from, but it takes action, trusting in God’s provision.
Practical Steps to Embrace Uncertainty
- Focus on the Present: Stop overthinking about future outcomes. Instead, ask yourself, “What is the next right thing I can do?”
- Reframe Failure: See setbacks not as the end of the journey but as part of the process. Each failure carries lessons that bring you closer to your goal.
- Strengthen Your Faith: Supplicate, engage in regular acts of worship, and remind yourself of God’s promises.
Embracing Courage in Uncertainty
The unknown can be intimidating, but it is also where life’s richest opportunities lie. Holiday reminds you that courage is not the absence of fear—it is the decision to move forward despite it. With faith in God and a willingness to embrace uncertainty, you can step boldly into the future, knowing that whatever comes, you are prepared to face it with grace and resilience.
Faith in uncertainty isn’t just an act of courage; it is an act of surrender to the wisdom of the One who knows all things. By leaning into the unknown, you not only grow as a person but also deepen your connection to your Creator, trusting that He will guide your steps.
Courage Is Calling reminds you that bravery is within reach and starts with small, deliberate choices. By embracing fear, acting with integrity, and standing for what is right, you can cultivate a life of significance. Ryan Holiday’s insights blend timeless philosophy with actionable wisdom, making courage not just a virtue to admire but a habit to live by.