Much love brother. To have been exposed to this info so young is the opportunities of opportunities. Build upon yourself and your mentality. God bless and godspeed friend.
Great compilation but stuttered over the 10:10 thinking how fresh and modern the romans were etc... err no, humans then are as humans now... the romans had so much you would want to experience, and how they they kept the masses in line with their bread a circuses. It was never ever the good ol days for anyone ~shudder~ had to skip the soliloquy as that was pure dissonance.
I certainly haven’t made a better decision in a very long time . Starting the day , with such a beautiful and impassioned exposition of “The Meditations” . Ryan , you rock .
1) People will be frustrating 2) They are still like you 3) Epithets for the self 4) Debts and lesson - gratitude 5) Handling good fortune 6) Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, be one 7) Have no opinion 8) Protect your character (it can ruin your life only if it ruins your character. Otherwise it cannot harm you--inside or out) 9) We're meant to put up with other people 10) A world without shamelessness is impossible 11) The best revenge is not being like them 12) Be a free agent (don't identify as a singular thing or with a singular idea; don't be just a Stoic philosopher, be a philosopher) 13) The obstacle is the way (nothing can impede your intentions and dispositions) 14) Acceptance is not resignation (if you accept the obstacle and work with what you're given, an alternative will present itself) 15) Obstacle as fuel (it may not be the virtue we wantto practice, may not be the virtue we're most comfortable practicing, but it's nevertheless an opportunity to be great) 16) Contemptuous expressions (take away the preconceived notions, and seeing them as they actually are) 17) Power reveals (take care not to be Caesarified; you're not better than anyone else. Power doesn't have to corrupt, it will just reveal who you are) 18) Plato's view (zoom out, see things from above) 19) Grains of sand (thru plato's view, we can also see how interconnected we are) 20) Seek out humbleness 21) Whose opinion doesn't matter (think about what they just submitted to a few mins ago, think about what they do in private, how petty they are, etc. Suddenly their approval of you, hatred of you, doesn't matter so much) 22) Don't hold back (people should know that you are going to be always honest) 23) Philosophy is part of all art 24) Do it for yourself (you have to care for it, even when other people don't see it) 25) We never step in the same river twice 26) Meditations (concentrate on what you have to do. Remind yourself that your task is to be a good human being. Do it without hesitation, and speak the truth as you see it; but with kindness and humility, and without hypocrisy) 27) Philosophical embodiments (nothing is as inspiring as the virtues of the people around you) 28) The purpose of rereading 29) The depths of word choice 30) Memento mori (you never know when life is going to end, so you can't take it for granted) 31) Avoid imperialization (imperial system of Rome: to avoid being Caesarified, or to avoid being corrupted by power) 32) Shift perspectives (be open to seeing other perspectives to better understand something) 33) Be ready for attacks (We have to be dug in and ready for sudden attacks. Marcus saw life as a battle and life as being indifferent to us, and blowing serious blows to us) 34) Be prepared for evil people (although we want to be trusting and assume the best in people, we have to understand that people are not perfect, people could be led astray, and people could have evil intentions in their hearts. We have to be aware of this and be prepared for it) 34) Accept it without arrogance, let it go with indifference (don't identiy with success or failure, identify solely with your character) 35) Doing the right thing (you already got the "thanks" by doing what is right, everything else is extra) 36) Your own opinion is what matters most 37) Marcus wasn't perfect 38) Do your job (to do what is good and to make a positive difference in the world and people around you) 39) Good fortune is self-made (meaning, acquiring good fortune is in your control. Because true good fortune is having good character, good intentions, and good actions. None of the externals should dictate your ability to have true good fortune) 40) Focus on how you respond ("and why should we feel angry at the world? As if it would notice!")
You can always be better, even when you think or feel you can't. You can catch yourself falling. Sometimes it takes help. Accept it willingly paying back the debt to yourself. You owe it to your community and you are part of your community.
cognitive behavioral therapy introduced me to the stoics, and i haven't been the same person since. 28 years on this planet and I've only lived 3 thanks to actually fixing my perspective...everything that happens is direction, settling into what i can control and influence is true strength. bless you ryan for all these reminders, they are exactly what i need.
I listen to this video every morning as im working. I am a manager and deal with stressful situations on a daily basis. Marcus is a 2000 year old man that ran an ancient empire with no modern communication. If he can run a successful empire. You can run a successful life!
Life can become somewhat surrealistic when struggling through hardship. Push through it think positive, work out, listen to good music , etc… hard times don’t last forever and learn from it.
i love rule 7 which says we don't have to have an opinion about everything. Life is simply too complex to do so. Its easy to be quick with the tongue to espouse an opinion to try and make ourselves appear to be more in tune than we actually are. This is detrimental to our mental stability because it puts us into situations which is inconsistant with our abilities whereby our responsibilities increase beyond what we can handle. It creates unneeded stress and stunts our personal growth due to giving ourselves more to do than we are capable of.
Ryan, this is your best work!! I remind myself whenever I am struggling, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” - Marcus Aurelius
I encourage everyone to support Ryan and buy Meditations out of his store. I did... I don't learn well through reading so I'm very dependent on these videos but it was important for me to help Ryan. And what a great way to do it. This book is beautiful (inside and out).
The idea that true power comes from controlling oneself, not just the external world, is a timeless lesson from Marcus Aurelius. It makes me think about how we can practice self-mastery in our own lives, especially when facing adversity. What’s one area you strive to improve through Stoic principles?
As a therapist, I also teach my clients these exact principles for a life well lived, especially when i conduct cognitive behavioural therapy and Rational emotive behaviour therapy. Amazing video Ryan
I used stoicism while going in therapy it helped changed my life in less than two years. I am a whole new person but by letting go of every thing I cousins control. I found myself
Marcus Aurelius merits praise for being a paragon of both wisdom and leadership in the annals of history. His philosophical masterpiece, "Meditations," serves as a testament to his profound contemplation on life's complexities and his commitment to personal virtue. As a ruler, he demonstrated a rare balance of power and humility, guiding Rome with a steady hand and an unwavering moral compass. Marcus Aurelius's legacy endures not only for his intellectual contributions but also for his embodiment of principled governance, making him an enduring source of inspiration for those aspiring to lead with both strength and ethical clarity.
This is exactly what I’ve been trying to practice every day. People will bother you, systems will disappoint you, I’m at a place in my life I’m uncomfortable in and feel shame. What can I DO? I do my best to take responsibility for how I respond. I’ve grown exponentially. But I still struggle with certain things. Not feeling triggered by emotionally abusive ex husband. We share a daughter. His focus is on tearing me down. Not trying to get beyond his personal crap so we can be good co- parents for OUR daughter. I know it has nothing to do with me but my nervous system gets triggered. I am working towards healing- therapy, reading about values and philosophies that resonate with me at this point. My daughter was a victim of abuse by a peer on her school bus almost every morning for two months. I’m not angry with the boy. He needs help. The school district was awful and disappointing. I took action with all my being. For a year now I’ve been stuck and angry. Again, what can I do to not allow this betrayal to ruin me. What happened to her was wrong and justifiably hurtful and gut wrenching. However, I try to remember how hard I fought and what I accomplished. Because my responsibility is for myself and my daughter. Those are the hard ones for me. recently I’ve been taking action and working towards what I can do in all areas of my life. Taking that responsibility, and acting accordingly has brought me the feeling of absolute freedom. Those are huge rewards. I am so happy I came across this.
I feel the same way about the bible and I enjoy all the help I can get from above... when I am just trying to be good by myself with my own effort I tend to fall flat but when I pray and ask for help and wisdom from God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit... whatever I go through I feel like I am in good company and there is this beautiful spiritual adventure we are on... and never alone... Altough it is facinating to see when truethseekers, like Marcus are comming to the same conclusion with biblical principles...
Ryan- I've read many of your books, starting with the Obstacle is the Way several years ago. This summary of Marcus' ideas is so helpful. You have a great talent for communicating these concepts in a very inspirational way. Thank you so much.
I started my day, drinking Coffee, tidying up and listening to you videos. Thank you. It has helped me start to creatva better mindset and I've seen postive changes in the short time I've been doing it.
It’s honestly INSANE and a huge SHAME that we don’t use this in the schools. I’m not talking high school either. I’m saying ALL grades should be learning philosophy but then we’d have a country full of free thinkers. Can’t have that now can we? I will continue to spread the glory of philosophy for those who are interested. Thank you for your teachings!
Hey Ryan I have listened to meditations many times and have trouble understanding some quotes so thanks for giving us the meditations for dummies lol Thanks for putting this where us regular people can understand I think I speak for a lot of us folk on here. As I strive to find a better me… Thanks
My fav part about all your videos is that I feel like your speaking directly to me . I only wish I could meet you some day ! You have helped me so much ❤
Oh so delightful to hear someone else does this. It is my hobby to find artworks for my home that silently speak the wisdom that i have learnt. A beautiful picture of a bison reminds me to run into the storm not away from it. A sailing ship reminds me to chart a course , not let the winds of life decide where I shall arrive. I believe even when you are not consciously thinking these ideas, your subconscious is.
I noticed a few very familiar views in your video! Neighbors and the bookstore! I was kinda listening in the background and when I looked over, I thought to myself "There's no way!" and then the scene switched to the bookstore! Great choice of location!
The 50 lessons from the Stoics video was excellent and so is Marcus Aurelius, looking forward to it 👍This format works well with a lot of wisdom and insight contained within these lessons.
Marcuse Aurelius is not the only source of wisdom my friend. I know it's easy to simplify your life lessons and mantra from one individual, but there's a plethora of great minds and ideas out there waiting to be explored, and that includes your own, but only after exposing yourself to a richness of diverse thought.
Meditations .... help me, i became empowered to change my thought patterns which assisted me to change my life.. We should teach these ideals to boys so they can have a better chance to becone better men.. I know that I'm a better man today than I was last week. I'm gratful
I know I will be watching this video again numerous times, when I need to remind myself what is important in life. Thank you for this Ryan, I can image how much work it takes to prepare this footage, such a great job. Looking forward to meeting you in The Painted Porch sometime.
I don't think the world has been so shed of wisdom like we are today in 100s of years. I really think that this video and one's like it are some of the most important things on peoples screens today. So many people don't even realize their toolbox is filled with empty space, no matter how loud it rattles. I'm 35 and I only just realized in the past 10 years I was even holding one. It's done wonders man, wonders. I can't help but tingle with excitement knowing it's barely the beginning.
this video is so incredibly valuable….i ordered Stillness is the key and Ego Is The Enemy before ever checking out Ryan on youtube and I’m blown away! Such a relatable, simple, humble guy🏅True gift for this world!
I’m reading it for the first time. I actually took a special trip to The Painted Porch specifically to buy the book, it made it feel “questy” and not simply a mouse click. I’m almost through it and my mindset is such that I know I’m going right back into it. It’s part of my morning ritual now and I don’t see why it should go away because “put my eyes on all the words without entirely grasping the veracity of the text” I’ll add other books but this one is the meat of the meal.
I needed this "tune-up." I'm in a brand new place today. I've had to adjust and readjust my priorities, what I'm doing or not doing. What needs to be done to complete my newest priority And what exactly is my goal now? And now, with an adult son in my house for the first time in a long time I'm evaluating what my actions look like, too. Does this matter to my son or am I toiling away for the sake of toiling or does this task matter to me more than anything else, is it necessary? Will this thing make a difference in the end to me or anyone or to my son, specifically, when I'm dead and gone? Who really cares about this, besides me? My 30 something son isn't inside of me, feeling what I feel, thinking what I think, believing how I believe. I have to be ok with my inside feelings in this moment because not one human being is ever going to think or feel what I feel. NOT EVER. And it's my goal to be ok with me. That peace of mind. I need to be ok with me, first. When I'm good with that, I'm not chewing on my cud. It's doing that thing because I think it's necessary. It comes to me trusting my judgement. Did what I do hurt anyone who came to that place after me and looked at that end result that I came up with? That to me seems most important today. To not cause harm, to not cause panic, to not cause pain, confusion or chaos. Doing that right next thing and not leave a mess for someone else to clean up. To finish what I started, to use my own good judgement to determine if what I did was the very best I could do and will my son even think about why or what I did? Did I leave undone loose ends and sloppily left it done half ass for him or anyone coming after me to find and say, well that was a half ass done job. Why did she even bother? It would be a useless thing, waste of energy and time and if I didn't use any thought or creativity to do so was I just toiling? I don't want to just toil. I don't want to leave this mess of Christmas lights in this jumbled up condition for anyone else to un jumble and like me, find this thing and resent that person or the lights themselves while I spend hours cleaning up after someone else, thinking pissed off thoughts. No. I want to know and be thinking while I'm un jumbling it's for a reason I like and will possibly benefit from and meet my goal at the same time. That someone else will get to use this thing and appreciate its beauty like I will cannot matter to me. I'm benefitting from the task I'm involved with because I get to see its beauty and I get to benefit from the light it will shine at dark when it's the only thing available, tonight and tomorrow night. My son might never need this light at dark. Maybe he has a bigger better light. I have to not care about the maybe this or that. That is endless torture to someone like me! I do the task because I think it needs to be done for whatever purpose. What my son thinks about it doesn't matter. His judgement of any of this doesn't matter. He needs to discover his own tasks and priorities and what's important to him. Damn. I'm concluding it's his physical presence I'm needing to work around. That is a whole different thing for me to unravel and write about in my space, not yours. Thanks for letting me untwist my thinking in this space and for your solid words that make sense to me. Now I can get on with my day 🧘
I love your books and I am an avid fan since a started learning about Stoicism. I wish I could buy your version of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations as soon as I arrive in the US. Stay blessed and best regards to your future endeavors.
One of the best videos on RUclips. Hands down. I’ve rewatching dozens of times now… it helps me. I think it could help you, too. Give it a shot. You’ll never know till you try.
Dear Ryan Holiday, Thank you for composing for us, the world at large, such an epic piece. I'm truly awed and am enormously grateful to you for always setting my mind straight. Thank you for pondering the question. Thank you for going deep. My only question is if Alexander the Great and I are both going in a box in the ground upon our death then what is value of time. I know stoic philosophy values time and so does every anxious person on planet earth, but if there have been 12,000 generations of mankind or 1,200 generations of mankind, take your pick, then I still don't understand the value of time. If Stoic philosophy wants us to contemplate our death as a measure of our time, then I challenge you to give us a measure of our time. Not that you have to. Just that you're capable. You, Ryan Holiday are my north star. I turn to you because life is difficult. And you've never showed away from difficult. You've got the showmanship to make great things great. You've got the specificity to reduce word counts. So tell me why I should listen to you.
I am so happy your quoted Jesus. As an atheist, I can find inspiration in some passages within the Bible. All to often the bible is dismissed because of religion.
I was so proud when my neighbor exclaimed at how many books I had! It became a wonderful experience to find that re-reading so many of them! I learned more! It was wonderful, I wish we had leaders that read this and took it into their hearts each year! To treat the people who have trusted them so well!
The lessons are so true snd grounded in life. Having had to overcome ptsd from an earthquake causing a builsinf to collapse on me, loosing a lot of friends young (10+) and loosing I child. I see so deeply that the obstacle being the way and addressing these things and doing our best no matter what, is wherre the real magic and secrets to personal developmen lie. I love that i have had a hard life, it has given me everything.
Ryan I love your enthusiasm I love this opportunity that the technology gave us to be able to meet people that we feel we connect at same level of curiosity and passion for knowledge
I’ve been struggling with not connecting with family or having friends for a few months now, but when I look back on how I’ve been treated by my family and how toxic and manipulative they are. I rethink to myself. Yes, I’d like to connect with and have a decent conversation with someone but not if it involves stress and anxiety. I will use this solitude season at my advantage and become the greatest version of myself, then I will attract likeminded ppl😊
This clip cycled into my autoplay from Eizenganger and I couldn't have been more pleased. Didn't know it was an hr long till I looked down but I listened to it all the way through as I was driving
I found “Endurance” in my High School library (thanks to the teachers who gave me library passes so I could spend 3rd hour in the library instead of study hall [which was boring because people mostly slept], it was what helped me and I was able to share it with my brother (who I adored).
Thanks Ryan. I admire you and value your sharing of Stoic wisdom. This helped me absorb and interpret Marcus’ lessons. Epithets for the self and contemptuous perception were big takeaways for me. Thanks Ryan. I appreciate and value your work and how it has assisted me in embodying Stoicism more fully.
Sanity is tying your success to what you say and do, while insanity is allowing others view of yourself to determine your self worth. Great mantra and meditation for the day. I love the idea of grooming your own moral compass through stoicism. I think Warren Buffet refers to this as being the root guide to his "contrarian" investment philosophy, that allows him to see value, when the rest of the lemmings and market are screaming for the shiny new object.
this is great work. sharing wisdom of difficult challenges at the highest level at that time, extremely insightful. important perspective for minds that lack insight into immense challenges.
As always, this is super useful content! Happy to have studied philosophy during high school so that I could appreciate this content and be a lifelong learner to find wisdom and objective truth!
Such wise and beautiful thoughts Ryan! Thank you for sharing these with us. With crazy things going on around us, adopting a stoic perspective surely helps us get through life in kindness, compassion and love towards the world :)
Ryan I’m a 17 year old kid got interested in stoicism since I was 15 you have changed my life much love
Much love brother. To have been exposed to this info so young is the opportunities of opportunities. Build upon yourself and your mentality. God bless and godspeed friend.
@@BetheLightCS I appreciate you and I have made tremendous progress chasing my goals
@@HeyJuuu trust me I have I still abide by this philosophy and I inform and make the ppl around me aware much love
We're so lucky to have had Marcus Aurelius share his inner thoughts and to have Ryan interpret those thoughts to us. Thanks Ryan!
Agreed. I've been listening every morning to help change my attitude and mindset. It's helping and I've been doing more postive things too. It's great
Great compilation but stuttered over the 10:10 thinking how fresh and modern the romans were etc... err no, humans then are as humans now... the romans had so much you would want to experience, and how they they kept the masses in line with their bread a circuses. It was never ever the good ol days for anyone ~shudder~ had to skip the soliloquy as that was pure dissonance.
He didn’t mean it for others through. He wanted it to be burned when he died 😢
I certainly haven’t made a better decision in a very long time . Starting the day , with such a beautiful and impassioned exposition of “The Meditations” . Ryan , you rock .
We sure are .
I consider this one of the most important videos on RUclips. Period.
I could not agree more. I'm watching it again for the fourth time, and just as Ryan suggests, I get something new out of each time.
It’s a good video, sure, but is there such a thing as the best video?
"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it." - Marcus Aurelius
1) People will be frustrating
2) They are still like you
3) Epithets for the self
4) Debts and lesson - gratitude
5) Handling good fortune
6) Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be, be one
7) Have no opinion
8) Protect your character (it can ruin your life only if it ruins your character. Otherwise it cannot harm you--inside or out)
9) We're meant to put up with other people
10) A world without shamelessness is impossible
11) The best revenge is not being like them
12) Be a free agent (don't identify as a singular thing or with a singular idea; don't be just a Stoic philosopher, be a philosopher)
13) The obstacle is the way (nothing can impede your intentions and dispositions)
14) Acceptance is not resignation (if you accept the obstacle and work with what you're given, an alternative will present itself)
15) Obstacle as fuel (it may not be the virtue we wantto practice, may not be the virtue we're most comfortable practicing, but it's nevertheless an opportunity to be great)
16) Contemptuous expressions (take away the preconceived notions, and seeing them as they actually are)
17) Power reveals (take care not to be Caesarified; you're not better than anyone else. Power doesn't have to corrupt, it will just reveal who you are)
18) Plato's view (zoom out, see things from above)
19) Grains of sand (thru plato's view, we can also see how interconnected we are)
20) Seek out humbleness
21) Whose opinion doesn't matter (think about what they just submitted to a few mins ago, think about what they do in private, how petty they are, etc. Suddenly their approval of you, hatred of you, doesn't matter so much)
22) Don't hold back (people should know that you are going to be always honest)
23) Philosophy is part of all art
24) Do it for yourself (you have to care for it, even when other people don't see it)
25) We never step in the same river twice
26) Meditations (concentrate on what you have to do. Remind yourself that your task is to be a good human being. Do it without hesitation, and speak the truth as you see it; but with kindness and humility, and without hypocrisy)
27) Philosophical embodiments (nothing is as inspiring as the virtues of the people around you)
28) The purpose of rereading
29) The depths of word choice
30) Memento mori (you never know when life is going to end, so you can't take it for granted)
31) Avoid imperialization (imperial system of Rome: to avoid being Caesarified, or to avoid being corrupted by power)
32) Shift perspectives (be open to seeing other perspectives to better understand something)
33) Be ready for attacks (We have to be dug in and ready for sudden attacks. Marcus saw life as a battle and life as being indifferent to us, and blowing serious blows to us)
34) Be prepared for evil people (although we want to be trusting and assume the best in people, we have to understand that people are not perfect, people could be led astray, and people could have evil intentions in their hearts. We have to be aware of this and be prepared for it)
34) Accept it without arrogance, let it go with indifference (don't identiy with success or failure, identify solely with your character)
35) Doing the right thing (you already got the "thanks" by doing what is right, everything else is extra)
36) Your own opinion is what matters most
37) Marcus wasn't perfect
38) Do your job (to do what is good and to make a positive difference in the world and people around you)
39) Good fortune is self-made (meaning, acquiring good fortune is in your control. Because true good fortune is having good character, good intentions, and good actions. None of the externals should dictate your ability to have true good fortune)
40) Focus on how you respond ("and why should we feel angry at the world? As if it would notice!")
You can always be better, even when you think or feel you can't. You can catch yourself falling. Sometimes it takes help. Accept it willingly paying back the debt to yourself. You owe it to your community and you are part of your community.
You are amazing for distilling this awesome content, into this list. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤❤❤
cognitive behavioral therapy introduced me to the stoics, and i haven't been the same person since. 28 years on this planet and I've only lived 3 thanks to actually fixing my perspective...everything that happens is direction, settling into what i can control and influence is true strength. bless you ryan for all these reminders, they are exactly what i need.
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It’s your Saturn Return, ur makin it thru 👍
Starting my life at 27. You're not the only one trying to change.
I listen to this almost everyday.
The folks living today in single parent fatherless life today.. need this wisdom more than any other folks. Father to child wisdom.
I listen to this video every morning as im working. I am a manager and deal with stressful situations on a daily basis. Marcus is a 2000 year old man that ran an ancient empire with no modern communication. If he can run a successful empire. You can run a successful life!
Life can become somewhat surrealistic when struggling through hardship. Push through it think positive, work out, listen to good music , etc… hard times don’t last forever and learn from it.
i love rule 7 which says we don't have to have an opinion about everything. Life is simply too complex to do so. Its easy to be quick with the tongue to espouse an opinion to try and make ourselves appear to be more in tune than we actually are. This is detrimental to our mental stability because it puts us into situations which is inconsistant with our abilities whereby our responsibilities increase beyond what we can handle. It creates unneeded stress and stunts our personal growth due to giving ourselves more to do than we are capable of.
“If you want momentum, you’ll have to create it yourself, right now, by getting up and getting started.” Ryan Holiday ☘️
It’s one thing to go through a book,it’s another for a book to go through you.
Ryan, this is your best work!! I remind myself whenever I am struggling, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” - Marcus Aurelius
@classic: word up! Kick real science in the ear! 🦵 💥 📚 👂 🤯
We don't have to worry. We need to focus.
I encourage everyone to support Ryan and buy Meditations out of his store. I did... I don't learn well through reading so I'm very dependent on these videos but it was important for me to help Ryan. And what a great way to do it. This book is beautiful (inside and out).
The idea that true power comes from controlling oneself, not just the external world, is a timeless lesson from Marcus Aurelius. It makes me think about how we can practice self-mastery in our own lives, especially when facing adversity. What’s one area you strive to improve through Stoic principles?
As a therapist, I also teach my clients these exact principles for a life well lived, especially when i conduct cognitive behavioural therapy and Rational emotive behaviour therapy. Amazing video Ryan
Cbt is complete rubbish
I used stoicism while going in therapy it helped changed my life in less than two years. I am a whole new person but by letting go of every thing I cousins control. I found myself
@@ChristianLopez-rt2vd great comment thanks. I like Ryan I studied Latin for three years at high school .liked Roman history.
Marcus Aurelius merits praise for being a paragon of both wisdom and leadership in the annals of history. His philosophical masterpiece, "Meditations," serves as a testament to his profound contemplation on life's complexities and his commitment to personal virtue. As a ruler, he demonstrated a rare balance of power and humility, guiding Rome with a steady hand and an unwavering moral compass. Marcus Aurelius's legacy endures not only for his intellectual contributions but also for his embodiment of principled governance, making him an enduring source of inspiration for those aspiring to lead with both strength and ethical clarity.
This is exactly what I’ve been trying to practice every day. People will bother you, systems will disappoint you, I’m at a place in my life I’m uncomfortable in and feel shame.
What can I DO?
I do my best to take responsibility for how I respond. I’ve grown exponentially. But I still struggle with certain things. Not feeling triggered by emotionally abusive ex husband. We share a daughter. His focus is on tearing me down. Not trying to get beyond his personal crap so we can be good co- parents for OUR daughter. I know it has nothing to do with me but my nervous system gets triggered. I am working towards healing- therapy, reading about values and philosophies that resonate with me at this point.
My daughter was a victim of abuse by a peer on her school bus almost every morning for two months. I’m not angry with the boy. He needs help. The school district was awful and disappointing. I took action with all my being. For a year now I’ve been stuck and angry. Again, what can I do to not allow this betrayal to ruin me. What happened to her was wrong and justifiably hurtful and gut wrenching. However, I try to remember how hard I fought and what I accomplished. Because my responsibility is for myself and my daughter.
Those are the hard ones for me.
recently I’ve been taking action and working towards what I can do in all areas of my life. Taking that responsibility, and acting accordingly has brought me the feeling of absolute freedom. Those are huge rewards. I am so happy I came across this.
These long videos are what everyone needs!! Thank you Ryan.
I feel the same way about the bible and I enjoy all the help I can get from above... when I am just trying to be good by myself with my own effort I tend to fall flat but when I pray and ask for help and wisdom from God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit... whatever I go through I feel like I am in good company and there is this beautiful spiritual adventure we are on... and never alone...
Altough it is facinating to see when truethseekers, like Marcus are comming to the same conclusion with biblical principles...
We Love You Ryan for ourselves and we are lucky to have you in this horizon
Ryan- I've read many of your books, starting with the Obstacle is the Way several years ago. This summary of Marcus' ideas is so helpful. You have a great talent for communicating these concepts in a very inspirational way. Thank you so much.
I started my day, drinking Coffee, tidying up and listening to you videos. Thank you. It has helped me start to creatva better mindset and I've seen postive changes in the short time I've been doing it.
For real this was my exact same routine 💀 hope you’re doing well
Ryan, you are doing great things. Thank you my man!
It’s honestly INSANE and a huge SHAME that we don’t use this in the schools. I’m not talking high school either. I’m saying ALL grades should be learning philosophy but then we’d have a country full of free thinkers. Can’t have that now can we? I will continue to spread the glory of philosophy for those who are interested. Thank you for your teachings!
Listening to this feels like I'm getting the wisdom off a lifetime in the span of an hour. Thank you.
I listen to this daily. ❤️
I found your work brilliant, UTMost Respect From Pakistan
I thank God for you every day! Keep up the good work Ryan.
Stoicism is the way to go!💪🏿👏🏿💪🏿
Thanks, Ryan 😊
This might be the best video on youtube. Keep coming back. It is medicine
Poverty has served me. Poverty forces me to be creative. I appreciate this so much. 😁
Creative ideas come from difficulties and obstacles. Good luck and dont give up.
*I appreciate your work in bringing Macus's work(s) as you interpret it, to us!*
You left us spechless Ryan, thank you infinity!!
I thank the universe for Ryan Holiday, he always shows up when I need a to be a better man.
Hey Ryan
I have listened to meditations many times and have trouble understanding some quotes so thanks for giving us the meditations for dummies lol
Thanks for putting this where us regular people can understand I think I speak for a lot of us folk on here.
As I strive to find a better me…
Thanks
This is amazing. I can watch this video over and over. Yep! That’s exactly what I will do!
Hi Ryan, you're so young to be so wise. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you sir.
I think I've always been a stoic and didn't know it. Modelled after my parents.
An hour of wis words, thank you Ryan
If you want to get out of your own way and make things happen, it is never too late.
Stoics love the idea of being indifferent to what makes no difference.
As James Clear said, "Focus is the art of knowing what to ignore."
So much information, so much golden knowledge put together in 1 hour. Thank you Ryan, applying time in my advanced 65+ life. Cheers !
Thanks, Ryan Holiday
I can feel the change in the last 6 months since I start following you.
“Thank You Ever So Much”
“Keep being the fresh bright green leaf that fell down onto the top of the river of flowing mud”
Thank you Ryan. Listening to this was such a mental cleanse.
Without a doubt the best video to watch when you're feeling like running away from your responsibilities.
Thank you for your brilliant, touching testament on Marcus Aurelius. I was captivated!
My fav part about all your videos is that I feel like your speaking directly to me . I only wish I could meet you some day ! You have helped me so much ❤
I feel absolutely the same way! I feel as though Ryan is speaking directly to me as a person and he serves as a mentor!
Oh so delightful to hear someone else does this. It is my hobby to find artworks for my home that silently speak the wisdom that i have learnt. A beautiful picture of a bison reminds me to run into the storm not away from it. A sailing ship reminds me to chart a course , not let the winds of life decide where I shall arrive. I believe even when you are not consciously thinking these ideas, your subconscious is.
I noticed a few very familiar views in your video! Neighbors and the bookstore!
I was kinda listening in the background and when I looked over, I thought to myself "There's no way!" and then the scene switched to the bookstore!
Great choice of location!
The 50 lessons from the Stoics video was excellent and so is Marcus Aurelius, looking forward to it 👍This format works well with a lot of wisdom and insight contained within these lessons.
Marcuse Aurelius is not the only source of wisdom my friend. I know it's easy to simplify your life lessons and mantra from one individual, but there's a plethora of great minds and ideas out there waiting to be explored, and that includes your own, but only after exposing yourself to a richness of diverse thought.
Meditations .... help me, i became empowered to change my thought patterns which assisted me to change my life..
We should teach these ideals to boys so they can have a better chance to becone better men.. I know that I'm a better man today than I was last week. I'm gratful
this channel changes my life every day, thank you Ryan, i’m a big fan of your work, I love philosophy because of you
Love how you breakdown these Stoic lessons. Marcus Aurelius will always be one of the greats.
I know I will be watching this video again numerous times, when I need to remind myself what is important in life. Thank you for this Ryan, I can image how much work it takes to prepare this footage, such a great job. Looking forward to meeting you in The Painted Porch sometime.
Just a note to the author...Thank you so much for the research,time, and genuinely caring about sharing this wisdom..Thank you sincerely Sir.
I don't think the world has been so shed of wisdom like we are today in 100s of years. I really think that this video and one's like it are some of the most important things on peoples screens today. So many people don't even realize their toolbox is filled with empty space, no matter how loud it rattles. I'm 35 and I only just realized in the past 10 years I was even holding one. It's done wonders man, wonders. I can't help but tingle with excitement knowing it's barely the beginning.
this video is so incredibly valuable….i ordered Stillness is the key and Ego Is The Enemy before ever checking out Ryan on youtube and I’m blown away! Such a relatable, simple, humble guy🏅True gift for this world!
We find this video very helpful. Keep inspiring others while you still can.
I’m reading it for the first time. I actually took a special trip to The Painted Porch specifically to buy the book, it made it feel “questy” and not simply a mouse click.
I’m almost through it and my mindset is such that I know I’m going right back into it. It’s part of my morning ritual now and I don’t see why it should go away because “put my eyes on all the words without entirely grasping the veracity of the text”
I’ll add other books but this one is the meat of the meal.
i have been listening to this on repeat and is the biggining of practicing putting integrity into my life. thanks ryan holiday very much!
I needed this "tune-up." I'm in a brand new place today. I've had to adjust and readjust my priorities, what I'm doing or not doing. What needs to be done to complete my newest priority And what exactly is my goal now? And now, with an adult son in my house for the first time in a long time I'm evaluating what my actions look like, too. Does this matter to my son or am I toiling away for the sake of toiling or does this task matter to me more than anything else, is it necessary? Will this thing make a difference in the end to me or anyone or to my son, specifically, when I'm dead and gone? Who really cares about this, besides me? My 30 something son isn't inside of me, feeling what I feel, thinking what I think, believing how I believe. I have to be ok with my inside feelings in this moment because not one human being is ever going to think or feel what I feel. NOT EVER. And it's my goal to be ok with me. That peace of mind. I need to be ok with me, first. When I'm good with that, I'm not chewing on my cud. It's doing that thing because I think it's necessary.
It comes to me trusting my judgement. Did what I do hurt anyone who came to that place after me and looked at that end result that I came up with? That to me seems most important today. To not cause harm, to not cause panic, to not cause pain, confusion or chaos. Doing that right next thing and not leave a mess for someone else to clean up. To finish what I started, to use my own good judgement to determine if what I did was the very best I could do and will my son even think about why or what I did? Did I leave undone loose ends and sloppily left it done half ass for him or anyone coming after me to find and say, well that was a half ass done job. Why did she even bother? It would be a useless thing, waste of energy and time and if I didn't use any thought or creativity to do so was I just toiling?
I don't want to just toil. I don't want to leave this mess of Christmas lights in this jumbled up condition for anyone else to un jumble and like me, find this thing and resent that person or the lights themselves while I spend hours cleaning up after someone else, thinking pissed off thoughts. No. I want to know and be thinking while I'm un jumbling it's for a reason I like and will possibly benefit from and meet my goal at the same time. That someone else will get to use this thing and appreciate its beauty like I will cannot matter to me. I'm benefitting from the task I'm involved with because I get to see its beauty and I get to benefit from the light it will shine at dark when it's the only thing available, tonight and tomorrow night. My son might never need this light at dark. Maybe he has a bigger better light. I have to not care about the maybe this or that. That is endless torture to someone like me! I do the task because I think it needs to be done for whatever purpose. What my son thinks about it doesn't matter. His judgement of any of this doesn't matter. He needs to discover his own tasks and priorities and what's important to him.
Damn. I'm concluding it's his physical presence I'm needing to work around. That is a whole different thing for me to unravel and write about in my space, not yours.
Thanks for letting me untwist my thinking in this space and for your solid words that make sense to me. Now I can get on with my day 🧘
I love your books and I am an avid fan since a started learning about Stoicism. I wish I could buy your version of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations as soon as I arrive in the US. Stay blessed and best regards to your future endeavors.
One of the best videos on RUclips. Hands down. I’ve rewatching dozens of times now… it helps me. I think it could help you, too. Give it a shot. You’ll never know till you try.
Dear Ryan Holiday,
Thank you for composing for us, the world at large, such an epic piece.
I'm truly awed and am enormously grateful to you for always setting my mind straight.
Thank you for pondering the question.
Thank you for going deep.
My only question is if Alexander the Great and I are both going in a box in the ground upon our death then what is value of time.
I know stoic philosophy values time and so does every anxious person on planet earth, but if there have been 12,000 generations of mankind or 1,200 generations of mankind, take your pick, then I still don't understand the value of time.
If Stoic philosophy wants us to contemplate our death as a measure of our time, then I challenge you to give us a measure of our time.
Not that you have to.
Just that you're capable.
You, Ryan Holiday are my north star.
I turn to you because life is difficult. And you've never showed away from difficult.
You've got the showmanship to make great things great.
You've got the specificity to reduce word counts.
So tell me why I should listen to you.
I am so happy your quoted Jesus. As an atheist, I can find inspiration in some passages within the Bible. All to often the bible is dismissed because of religion.
I was so proud when my neighbor exclaimed at how many books I had! It became a wonderful experience to find that re-reading so many of them! I learned more! It was wonderful, I wish we had leaders that read this and took it into their hearts each year! To treat the people who have trusted them so well!
The lessons are so true snd grounded in life. Having had to overcome ptsd from an earthquake causing a builsinf to collapse on me, loosing a lot of friends young (10+) and loosing I child. I see so deeply that the obstacle being the way and addressing these things and doing our best no matter what, is wherre the real magic and secrets to personal developmen lie. I love that i have had a hard life, it has given me everything.
Ryan I love your enthusiasm I love this opportunity that the technology gave us to be able to meet people that we feel we connect at same level of curiosity and passion for knowledge
I’ve been struggling with not connecting with family or having friends for a few months now, but when I look back on how I’ve been treated by my family and how toxic and manipulative they are. I rethink to myself. Yes, I’d like to connect with and have a decent conversation with someone but not if it involves stress and anxiety. I will use this solitude season at my advantage and become the greatest version of myself, then I will attract likeminded ppl😊
This clip cycled into my autoplay from Eizenganger and I couldn't have been more pleased. Didn't know it was an hr long till I looked down but I listened to it all the way through as I was driving
Thank you Ryan. This presentation is amazing.
My new year resolution is to watch this video once a month!
I'm fortunate to have rediscovered Meditations. I have you to thank for that.
Thank you Ryan, for your appreciation of wisdom, and for making + sharing these videos.
Thanks for this, I’ve grown a great affinity for Marcus Aurelius after viewing your post.
This is probably my favorite video, gives me goosebumps
Thank you Ryan!!! This is absolutely beautiful. I really appreciate the time you took to put this together!!! And years of study.
Dude you are .. Excellent... keep Going.., the world needs you 💪💪💪
I found “Endurance” in my High School library (thanks to the teachers who gave me library passes so I could spend 3rd hour in the library instead of study hall [which was boring because people mostly slept], it was what helped me and I was able to share it with my brother (who I adored).
This is one of the BEST clips I've ever heard. Thank you for teaming these lessons!!
Such a great video, thank you for taking the time to make it.
Ryan, I really wish you knew the battle your lessons of stoic philosophy helped me get through. You are truly great! Thank you.
Thanks Ryan. I admire you and value your sharing of Stoic wisdom. This helped me absorb and interpret Marcus’ lessons. Epithets for the self and contemptuous perception were big takeaways for me. Thanks Ryan. I appreciate and value your work and how it has assisted me in embodying Stoicism more fully.
Thank you Ryan for bringing (2 x Millennia old), eternal truths and knowledge to this world and culture 🤓
I went to buy the meditations book on the link. $110. Good job I'm a stoic, I can choose to not be disappointed.
Great one Ryan ...it came straight from your Heart...plz keep doing the good work ....thanks from all...
Thank you Ryan Holiday for your videos, I really appreciate them.
Sanity is tying your success to what you say and do, while insanity is allowing others view of yourself to determine your self worth. Great mantra and meditation for the day. I love the idea of grooming your own moral compass through stoicism. I think Warren Buffet refers to this as being the root guide to his "contrarian" investment philosophy, that allows him to see value, when the rest of the lemmings and market are screaming for the shiny new object.
Profound and humble.
I can listen to this every week
this is great work. sharing wisdom of difficult challenges at the highest level at that time, extremely insightful. important perspective for minds that lack insight into immense challenges.
Man , this is the best explanation of stoicism I ever seen. Thanks for such such a great work 👏
These videos are put together amazingly. Thank you so much Ryan for your generosity in sharing these great ideas. God bless you
As always, this is super useful content! Happy to have studied philosophy during high school so that I could appreciate this content and be a lifelong learner to find wisdom and objective truth!
Such wise and beautiful thoughts Ryan! Thank you for sharing these with us. With crazy things going on around us, adopting a stoic perspective surely helps us get through life in kindness, compassion and love towards the world :)
This guy is brilliant and so energetic!