As per your request for articles with practical applications of ancient knowledge in our modern lives, each Wednesday, we will be releasing our new "Ancient Wisdom" series. In this series, we will explore the lessons learned from great civilizations of the past, from all over the globe. We will focus on how that wisdom applies today to help improve our lives.
So let this journey begin …
It is easy to see how the anxiety and uncertainty in our day to day lives can feel like a never-ending struggle between our many responsibilities and the overwhelming distractions surrounding us. Many times, we feel powerless to change our circumstances. But what if the key to creating an unbreakable shield against this chaos is not through some new form of technology or technique, but rather through the wisdom gained during one man's lifetime centuries ago? A man who, during his time, was one of the most powerful and respected leaders in history.
This is the story of Marcus Aurelius, the last of the "Five Good Emperors" of Rome, and of the teachings of Stoicism, which influenced his journey.
The Philosopher-King on the Battlefield
Marcus Aurelius ruled from 121-180 CE. He wasn't a philosopher studying in an isolated school; He was an emperor and spent most of his life fighting wars on the battlefield, fighting off disease, and dealing with the burdens of ruling over a huge empire.
