The Virtue That Made Marcus Aurelius So Great

Marcus Aurelius did not come out of the womb a leader. Nor was he an emperor ‘by blood.’ In fact, when first told he was to be king, he wept—thinking of all the bad and failed kings of history.

So how did he get from there to philosopher king? Book 1 of Meditations shows us. The first ten percent of the book—Debts and Lessons—thanks people who groomed him into one of history’s greatest leaders. He knew it—without his philosophy teachers and rhetoric teachers and, most importantly, his mentor Antoninus Pius, he wouldn’t have became who he became.

In this video Ryan Holiday recounts one of the greatest stories in human history and talks about how Antoninus Pius taught Marcus Aurelius the most important virtue of all.

#Stoicism​ #DailyStoic​ #RyanHoliday​

[higherresolution]

To receive content like this on the internet is incredible. I don't know if Ryan can realize how profoundly valuable his efforts are, not just through his books and newsletter, but through inspirational talks in video format on youtube. My life has changed a lot in the past two or three weeks since I found this channel.

[iand]

Discovered stoicism 2 years ago and it saved me. I don't care about the outcome just so long as I give it 100% right now every single moment !!!! I love stoicism.

[RealAmarSheth]

Ryan, your storytelling is powerful. Thanks for making the stoics so accessible. God bless you.

[GrowthMindsetChannel]

"You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." ~ Marcus Aurelius 🙏😊

[simonhodgetts]

I am currently (finally) reading Meditations. A chapter every morning and evening. It’s a superb read, and I’m finding it an inspiration. Very heartily recommended!

[fransinigiraldo]

What a beautiful tribute to Antoninus thru your story. Thank you for inspiring the best in us, your followers. Yes I cried too watching this. You are my North Star, Ryan 🙏🏼

[gloriadonnelly]

I am half way through Discipline is Destiny and this video was a wonderful adjunct. One of the things I like most about "Discipline" is that I can skip around, look at the toc and decide what I might need to read now. Thanks, Ryan.

[aaronwimberleymbamsf]

I love this strong sense of deliberation that Marcus Aurelius had. Great meditation to start the day. Gravitas without errors.

[KaranBhand]

"the biggest empire is we ourselves."

[DWSP]

I've been trying to learn stoicism for a long time and I've learned it and applied it to my life fortunately I am someone who seems like a natural stowage in person but at the same time emotionally I am very much a raging hurricane I just didn't know that I naturally had stoic tendencies to always try to remain in control of my faculties and every single way that includes emotional mental and physical as much as I can.
Stoicism was only half of the puzzle when it came to trying to gain some form of happiness epicurism is the second half to the puzzle to being able to enjoy life but not squander what you have. Stoicism will teach you patience or epicurism will teach you to take in that moment what you need to take for your self. I watch your stoicism videos all the time when I get a chance I try to apply what you say to my normal life I've gotten pretty good at being able to curve my temper curve my cravings and say no and discipline myself without any reward. I've gained an immense amount of control but I still have a raging hurricane in me.
I'm the type of person that could either be the most horrible person possible or by choice be the best type of person humanly possible I choose by choice to be good I don't have to be but I choose to be good because it is what I desire I don't know what that makes me. I like your style and I like that you point out all the different points in stoicism but still I learned a lot from epicurism and it has helped me greatly to find happiness without being selfish too much. First principal thinking stoicism epicurism these things will help anyone who wishes to become whole as a person read learn listen. Not sure who said this quote but I agree. live as if you've already died and had your first life now live your second life and live it with purpose.

[jamescondron]

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this video was required class for all potential politicians in our endangered democracy in the USA.

[luvuyomobwano]

This is the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard. Good job

[carsonc]

Wow, thanks for all of the amazing content.

[DiegoB]

What is that song at 12:15 ?
I love it!

[casuallty]

Both the story and the storytelling are powerful, I love you zaddy❤❤❤

[hold_the_mike]

This is actually my favorite video of yours. The discussion about Antoninus made me think quite a bit. As a father, my view may be skewing towards being less like Marcus and more like Antoninus. This gives me a major starting point to start studying him. Thank you for all the work you do Ryan.

[AP]

This was so awesome. The narration, the graphics, the history, all of it!

[jz]

Why can’t we find leadership like this today?
Great post.

[bradytheriddle]

I think this is one of your best videos. Thanks Ryan.

[brianlee]

Awesome shirt Ryan..love your books thank you