The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday uses Stoic philosophy to teach readers how to turn adversity into opportunity. The book argues that obstacles are not roadblocks, but rather the path forward, and provides a practical framework for transforming challenges into fuel for success through perception, action, and resilience. It draws on historical examples from figures like John D. Rockefeller, Amelia Earhart, and Ulysses S. Grant to illustrate how individuals have used these principles to overcome difficulties.