Marcus Aurelius’ 9 Stoic rules for a better life
- 💡 Life is short, so do everything as if it were the last thing you do.
- 🤴 Marcus Aurelius is a fascinating person who is the exception to the rule that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
- 💎 During the Antonine Plague, Marcus Aurelius sold off all his jewels and fancy things to show that he puts people first, not his own comfort and needs.
- 🚪 When one path is closed, another remains open. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.
- 🌟 It’s not about what you say or think; it’s about what you do. Take the first step and finish things step by step.
- 🧘 Stoic philosophy is about practicing virtue, excellence, and change based on how we respond to what happens. We don’t control what happens; we control how we respond.
- 🧠 It takes self-awareness to recognize discomfort or anxiety and take steps to address it.
00:00 – Intro
01:12 – 1. Put people first
02:12 – 2. Another path is always open
03:28 – 3. Take it step by step
04:23 – 4. Discard your anxiety
05:33 – 5. Well begun is half done
06:27 – 6. Be strict with yourself
07:12 – 7. Don’t resent people
08:12 – 8. Ask yourself, “is this essential?”
09:05 – 9. Remember these mantras
The Stoics did not have a specific set of 9 rules for a better life, as their philosophy was based on a system of principles and practices aimed at achieving inner peace and wisdom. However, there are certain principles and practices that were central to Stoic philosophy and can be applied to improve one’s life. Here are some of them:
- Focus on what you can control: The Stoics believed that we should focus our energy and attention on what is within our control and let go of what is not.
- Practice self-discipline: Discipline is key to living a good life. The Stoics believed in practicing self-discipline to develop habits that lead to self-improvement.
- Cultivate wisdom: The pursuit of wisdom is a central tenet of Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed that wisdom is the key to living a good life.
- Live in accordance with nature: The Stoics believed that we should live in harmony with nature and accept that everything that happens is part of a larger plan.
- Practice gratitude: Gratitude is an important aspect of Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed that we should be grateful for what we have and not focus on what we lack.
- Focus on the present moment: The Stoics believed that we should focus on the present moment and not worry about the past or future.
- Accept what happens: The Stoics believed that we should accept what happens and not fight against it. We should focus on how we respond to what happens.
- Live with purpose: The Stoics believed that we should live with purpose and strive to make a positive impact in the world.
- Cultivate virtues: The Stoics believed in cultivating virtues such as courage, wisdom, justice, and self-control, as these are essential for living a good life
