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"Whatever we face, we have a choice. Will we be blocked by obstacles or will we advance through and over them?" This powerful question, posed by Ryan Holiday in his bestselling book "The Obstacle Is the Way," frames our exploration of ancient Stoic wisdom and its remarkable relevance to modern challenges.
We dive deep into the philosophical foundation that transformed emperors into legends, examining Marcus Aurelius—the Roman emperor who ruled during plague and war yet maintained unwavering wisdom and integrity. His personal journal, "Meditations," continues to inspire millions with its practical guidance on resilience and virtue. As the last of Rome's "Five Good Emperors," Aurelius embodied the Stoic principles that teach us to focus on what we can control while accepting what we cannot.
This Mojo Minute unpacks the profound yet simple truth that what stands in our way often becomes the way forward. We distinguish between mere action and "directed action"—the thoughtful, purposeful steps that truly move us toward our goals. "Action is commonplace. Right action is not," Holiday reminds us, highlighting that persistence without deliberation misses the mark. True progress comes from approaching obstacles with courage, creativity, and a clear mind.
Whether you're facing personal challenges, professional setbacks, or simply seeking a more resilient mindset, these timeless Stoic principles offer practical wisdom for transforming obstacles into opportunities. Join us as we explore how to take directed action with "deliberation, boldness and persistence" to create a flourishing life. Visit teammojoacademy.com for additional resources and continue your journey toward meaningful growth through adversity.
Key Points from the Episode:
• Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who wrote "Meditations"
• He was the last of Rome's "Five Good Emperors" known for wisdom despite facing plague and wars
• Stoicism teaches virtue, self-control, emotional resilience, and focusing only on what you can control
• Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is the Way" brought these ancient teachings to modern audiences
• The key distinction between common action and "directed action" with deliberation and persistence
• We must take action with boldness and persistence, but also with careful deliberation
Keep fighting the good fight on the road to a flourishing life. Check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com for everything we discussed and other great resources.
Other resources:
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