The first book in a series about the four virtues of ancient philosophy (courage, moderation, justice, wisdom). In this book, contemporary philosopher Ryan Holiday explores the fundamental virtue of courage.

Fear and anxiety are integral parts of our lives. "Don't be afraid" is the most common phrase in the Bible. The ancient Greeks spoke of phobos, panic and horror. The Stoics believed that it was normal to experience fear, but you should not let it lead you.

Courage is the management of fear and victory over it. This is a decision to take responsibility, to declare your will to act, to own the situation and your destiny, not to wait for someone to come and save, but to get up and manage on your own.

Ryan Holiday, one of leading thinkers of our time, talks about fear, about courage, and also about heroism. Drawing on the stories of extraordinary leaders past and present, including Charles de Gaulle, Florence Nightingale and Dr. Martin Luther King, he shows how each of us is able to overcome our fear and show courage in everyday life. The courage to speak the truth. Courage to go forward. Courage to act. Courage to be a leader.

In a world where the majority prefer to stand aside rather than act, accept external circumstances rather than rely on themselves, complain about the situation rather than try to change something, courage needed more than ever. This book will become for you its inexhaustible source and guide to action.

Published in Russian for the first time.