Read about the latest news in Philippines, local news, breaking news, world news, odd news, opinion, and view news photos and videos
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Your Saturday Stoic Review — Week of March 13 - 19
Before we get into this week's Review…
Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of one of humanity's greatest specimens. On March 17th, 180, Marcus Aurelius breathed his last breath. We don't know exactly what his last words were. But the simple paragraph which concludes his famous Meditations reads as if the man wrote it as he faced the very real and immediate end of his existence, and therefore stands as inspiration and solace to all of us still living today.
"You've lived as a citizen in a great city. Five years or a hundred—what's the difference? The laws make no distinction. And to be sent away from it, not by a tyrant or a dishonest judge, but by Nature, who first invited you in—why is that so terrible? Like the impresario ringing down the curtain on an actor: "But I've only gotten through three acts . . . !" Yes. This will be a drama in three acts, the length fixed by the power that directed your creation, and now directs your dissolution. Neither was yours to determine. So make your exit with grace—the same grace shown to you."
PASSAGE OF THE WEEK:
Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Cato–all the Stoics knew the wonderful but fleeting pleasures we have been talking about. They saw the world. They achieved much professionally. But most impressively, they possessed themselves. They were able to retreat, as Marcus said, into their own souls. They knew themselves. They commanded the greatest empire, as Seneca said, by controlling themselves.
In one of the most-watched videos on the Daily Stoic YouTube Channel, Robert Greene shares his favorite Stoic lessons, including the power of daily practice:
"The habit of doing [something] every day is very fulfilling…And habits of work and discipline—where every day you attack something—is where the power of our brain operates maximally."
In a recent episode of the Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan Holiday talks to former American professional Soccer player Carli Lloyd about the mindset of champions, the commitment required to be great, and the pivotal moment of Carli's life—being cut from the Women's National Under-21 team:
"I break up my life into two halves. From being born up to this U-21 point of being cut, I was one player and person…that first half of my life was pretty much relying on my talent. And like with anything in life, talent only gets you so far. And so the second part of my life, beginning after the U-21 days all the way up to this point, it's been about digging deep and learning the necessary tools to not only get to the top but to stay there."
"These are the times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues. When a mind is raised, and animated by scenes that engage the heart, then those qualities which would otherwise lay dormant, wake into life and form the character of the hero and the statesman."
It is said that Marcus Aurelius cried when he was told he would be a future emperor. The whole idea scared him. Most kings were terrible. Most had done terrible things. He was more comfortable in the company of his books, not in the court of a king. He would have much rather followed than led.
Marcus Aurelius was lucky that he had mentors and advisors who saw his potential and pushed him, as we depict in The Boy Who Would Be King. They didn't let him linger and languish down at the level of his fears. No matter how much you study Cleanthes and Zeno, one of his mentors would tell him, "against your will you must put on the purple cloak, not the philosopher's tunic of coarse wool."
Meaning: You have to be emperor. It's your destiny. You can't run from it. And neither can you. It's ok that you're scared. Now you'll need to be brave. Brave like Marcus, brave like all the people who have ever met their destinies.
"Asking for help isn't giving up, it's refusing to give up" - Charlie Mackesy
Did you know 1 in 3 Americans report symptoms of stress and anxiety each year? Mental health is becoming increasingly important, and today's sponsor BetterHelp is on a mission to make it accessible, affordable and convenient.
Over 3.5 Million people have turned to licensed therapy on BetterHelp to lead happier, healthier lives.
Getting started is easy: click on the link, fill out a quick survey, and get matched with a therapist that fits your needs (with the option to switch therapists at any time, for free). Then, just schedule your first session, which can be via phone, chat or video call - whatever is easiest for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment