Principles from Marcus Aurelius
Channel Your Inner Emperor: Stoic Hacks for Modern Life
Estimated reading time (5 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
On Principles Friday, I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
Principle of the Week
"In your actions, don’t procrastinate. In your conversations, don’t confuse. In your thoughts, don’t wander. In your soul, don’t be passive or aggressive. In your life, don’t be all about business."— Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a powerful ruler who was also a dedicated philosopher. He seamlessly integrated Stoic philosophy into his leadership, influencing countless future leaders and philosophers.
In his “Meditations”, a series of personal writings, he offer a captivating glimpse into his inner world. He wasn't afraid to wrestle with doubts, anxieties, and personal challenges. His reign was marked by immense challenges: plagues, rebellions, wars, and natural disasters. Despite these hardships, he remained calm, focused, and dedicated to the well-being of his people.
One particularly striking instance involves the devastating Antonine Plague, which ravaged the Roman Empire from 165 to 180 AD.
Action, not avoidance: Unlike previous emperors who fled stricken cities, Marcus remained in Rome, personally overseeing relief efforts and setting an example of courage and leadership. He didn't procrastinate on tackling the crisis, despite the risk of contracting the illness himself.
Clarity over Confusion: He addressed the public with clear and concise messages, emphasizing stoic principles of reason and acceptance. He avoided stoking panic or exaggerating the situation, promoting calm and focused action.
Focused Mind, Steadfast Soul: Despite the chaos and personal loss (including several family members), Marcus maintained composure and avoided emotional extremes. He didn't let fear or anger dictate his response, demonstrating control over his soul.
Beyond Business as Usual: While attending to the immediate crisis, Marcus didn't neglect other responsibilities. He continued essential tasks like diplomacy and military campaigns, highlighting the importance of balance and maintaining a broader perspective.
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Question to Ponder
Simple is rarely easy, but now that you have these rules from Marcus, What have you put on hold, complicated, or overthought?
Call to Action
Marcus’ ideas on self-discipline, emotional control, and living with purpose resonate powerfully in today's fast-paced world. His principles offer practical guidance for navigating personal challenges and living a meaningful life.
Ultimately, Marcus Aurelius' enduring fascination lies in his multifaceted personality, ability to navigate historical storms with reason and compassion, and the timeless wisdom he left behind in his "Meditations."
Here are ten practical wisdoms inspired by Marcus’ Stoicism that can help you simplify your life:
Observe your thoughts and feelings: Acknowledge what's happening within you without judgment. Are you frustrated? Anxious? Excited? Witness your internal landscape.
Challenge negative judgments: Question the stories you tell yourself about events. Instead of "This is terrible," ask, "Is this truly outside my control?" or "What can I learn from this?"
Focus on what you can control: Recognize that many things are beyond your control, like external events or other people's behaviors. Focus your energy on what you can control, like your thoughts, reactions, and actions.
Cultivate your virtues: Stoicism emphasizes four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. Practice these by making thoughtful choices, acting reasonably, facing challenges bravely, and maintaining self-control.
Set clear goals: What do you want to achieve in life? Define your goals based on virtue and align them with your values. This provides direction and purpose.
Develop mental resilience: Life throws curveballs. Train your mind to adapt, accept change, and focus on overcoming difficulties. Meditation and mindful practices can help.
Take intentional action: Don't procrastinate or be passive. Align your actions with your perceived control and chosen goals. Even small steps can be meaningful.
Live in the present moment: Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Focus your energy on what you can do right now to move towards your goals and live virtuously.
Practical and down-to-earth: Despite its philosophical nature, "Meditations" offers practical advice and reminders for everyday situations. Marcus tackles issues like anger, fear, and procrastination, making his wisdom surprisingly relevant today.
Be emotionally vulnerable: While stoicism is often associated with emotional control, Marcus expresses many emotions throughout the book, including grief, disappointment, and affection. This vulnerability adds depth and nuance to your life and makes you a relatable figure.
Video of the Week
Marcus has only one core work, which was never intended for publication: his Meditations (originally titled “To Himself”). This is not only one of the greatest books ever written but perhaps the only book of its kind. It is the definitive text on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility, self-actualization, and strength.
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 127 - The First 100 with Matt Watson, the founder and CEO of Origin
Episode 128 - The First 100 with Robert Korzinek, the co-founder of Zingcover
And that’s a wrap for now!
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