The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph

Our actions may be impeded . . . but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. And then he concluded with powerful words destined for maxim. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the wa

It’s important to look at Johnson and Edison because they weren’t passive. They didn’t simply roll over and tolerate adversity. They accepted what happened to them. They liked it.

“Man proposes but God disposes. ”

stand undisturbed while others wilt and give in to disorder. Confident, calm, ready to work regardless of the conditions. Willing and able to continue, even during the unthinkable, even when our worst nightmares have come true.

They call it the Art of Acquiescence.

energy. Death is not one of those things—it is not in our control how long we will live or what will come and take us from life. But thinking about and being aware of our mortality creates real perspective and urgency. It doesn’t need to be depressing. Because it’s invigorating. And since this is true, we ought to make use of it. Instead of denying

“The Things which hurt,” Benjamin Franklin wrote, “instruct.”

Think progress, not perfection.

Passive resistance is, in fact, incredibly active. But those actions come in the form of discipline, self-control, fearlessness, determination, and grand strategy.

What you must do is learn how to press forward precisely when everyone around you sees disaster.