An ancient concept, but recently introduced to me through the work of Ryan Holiday. I picked up his book, Ego is the Enemy, on a whim (or really like everything else in today’s world – a recommendation saw on Instagram) and then couldn’t put it down. Ryan’s ability to weave historic concepts with modern-day examples is not only approachable; but, creates a fresh sense of empowerment. The “yes, I too can be a stoic” type of feeling.

I’ve since ridden that feeling to learn more. Starting with reading Obstacle is the Way and, now Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Both foundational reads that expanded my perspective, though grounded me in the following:

• Perception | Action | Will…. control those and you control your life.
• Life is short and death is near…. don’t live in fear of the latter, instead use it as fuel to ignite the present.
• Others cannot harm you…. only you can choose to be harmed.
• Observation without opinion is freedom.
• And finally, this too shall pass…

A simple subset of what is an endless, tangible framework.

I could go on and have much more to explore, yet above all – one lesson stands above the rest. Whether 2,000 years ago or present day, people face the same foundationational problems, challenges, and fears. I mean, even Marcus Aurelius, the Emperor of Rome, struggled to get out of bed somedays or stay focused on the task at hand (and he didn’t have a cell phone buzzing every 15 minutes). Maybe simple, but these clear examples are why these lessons are timeless.

More to come. NH.

P.S. (he’ll never see this, but thank you to Ryan Holiday)