We're so lucky to have had Marcus Aurelius share his inner thoughts and to have Ryan interpret those thoughts to us. Thanks Ryan!

I consider this one of the most important videos on KZfaq. Period.

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!")

Ryan I’m a 17 year old kid got interested in stoicism since I was 15 you have changed my life much love

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.

We don't have to worry. We need to focus.

I listen to this almost everyday.

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 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!

"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it." - Marcus Aurelius

It’s one thing to go through a book,it’s another for a book to go through you.

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.

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.

These long videos are what everyone needs!! Thank you Ryan.

Thank you sir. I think I've always been a stoic and didn't know it. Modelled after my parents.

“If you want momentum, you’ll have to create it yourself, right now, by getting up and getting started.” Ryan Holiday ☘️

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).

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...

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

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.

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.

I am lucky to have meet Ryan Holiday. He bring this Stoic philosopher to life. I never knew this Way of life. Stoicism and Christianity is one of the same thing. I incorporate the stoic teaching with my Christian living, this make it easy to understand Christianity mostly when it comes the greatest commandment: LOVE.

An hour of wis words, thank you Ryan

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.

Listening to this feels like I'm getting the wisdom off a lifetime in the span of an hour. Thank you.

We Love You Ryan for ourselves and we are lucky to have you in this horizon

Ryan, you are doing great things. Thank you my man!

I listen to this daily. ❤️

God bless Ryan

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 thank the universe for Ryan Holiday, he always shows up when I need a to be a better man.

You left us spechless Ryan, thank you infinity!!

This is amazing. I can watch this video over and over. Yep! That’s exactly what I will do!

*I appreciate your work in bringing Macus's work(s) as you interpret it, to us!*

If you want to get out of your own way and make things happen, it is never too late.

Thank you Ryan. Listening to this was such a mental cleanse.

Hi Ryan, you're so young to be so wise. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks, Ryan Holiday I can feel the change in the last 6 months since I start following you.

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

One of the best videos on KZfaq. 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.

Without a doubt the best video to watch when you're feeling like running away from your responsibilities.

This might be the best video on youtube. Keep coming back. It is medicine

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."

The folks living today in single parent fatherless life today.. need this wisdom more than any other folks. Father to child wisdom.

One of the best and most valuable pieces of content I have consumed ever! Ryan, your love and passion for what you do is remarkable. Can't wait to buy the book in greek as well!

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!

So much information, so much golden knowledge put together in 1 hour. Thank you Ryan, applying time in my advanced 65+ life. Cheers !

Thank you for your brilliant, touching testament on Marcus Aurelius. I was captivated!

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.

Yes I agree. Thanks Ryan.

Loving these compilations videos 🤍🤍🤍

30:19 I thought deeply on this just today. I've reached to somewhat the same conclusion. Felt so good to hear it here.

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 ❤

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 :)

Wow! This is so good ❤ Thanks a million Ryan for sharing this useful information 🙏

Poverty has served me. Poverty forces me to be creative. I appreciate this so much. 😁

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 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 🧘

Thank you for this, Ryan.

this channel changes my life every day, thank you Ryan, i’m a big fan of your work, I love philosophy because of you

Transforming information to me. Thank you.

Great one Ryan ...it came straight from your Heart...plz keep doing the good work ....thanks from all...

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.

A marvelous human being he was.

one of the best videos...love the birds in the background.

I like how you explain the Obstacle is The Way

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!

Thank you so much 🙏

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 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.

Thank you Ryan, for your appreciation of wisdom, and for making + sharing these videos.

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.

Man , this is the best explanation of stoicism I ever seen. Thanks for such such a great work 👏

This is one of the BEST clips I've ever heard. Thank you for teaming these lessons!!

Thank you Ryan. This presentation is amazing.

This is so cool. Thank you

Such a great video, thank you for taking the time to make it.

masterpiece, well done that man

Phenomenal content! Keep up the good work!

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.

We find this video very helpful. Keep inspiring others while you still can.

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.

This is probably my favorite video, gives me goosebumps

i have been listening to this on repeat and is the biggining of practicing putting integrity into my life. thanks ryan holiday very much!

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!

Keep them high n tight. Your videos so excellent and helpful. Ill be coming back every may.

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.

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.

I can listen to this every week

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 for such kinda cool benefitial videos❤

Thank you for sharing this content

Brilliant! 👏🏽

Very grateful for the content you produce, Thanks 🤘

Thank you!

These videos are put together amazingly. Thank you so much Ryan for your generosity in sharing these great ideas. God bless you

Thank you Ryan Holiday for your videos, I really appreciate them.

I love this quote at 22:27

This guy is brilliant and so energetic!