Ryan Holiday, in his book "The Obstacle Is the Way," discusses how human brains have evolved in response to conditions that are vastly different from today's modern world. This mismatch creates challenges as our cognitive processes, shaped by historical environments, struggle to adapt to contemporary life and its complexities.

Holiday emphasizes that recognizing this discrepancy can be a powerful tool for overcoming adversity. By understanding our innate tendencies and how they impact our reactions, we can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and success, ultimately mastering our responses to life's challenges.