What Business Leaders Can Learn From An Ancient Roman Emperor! – Part 1
Marcus Aurelius, often remembered as the last of the “Five Good Emperors,” ruled the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD. His reign was marked not only by his status as a powerful leader but also by his deep philosophical insights. He was a unique figure in Roman history, blending the might of an emperor with the wisdom of a philosopher.
Early Recognition of Impermanence
Even as a young man, Marcus was aware of the transitory nature of power and success. Raised in an environment of luxury and power, he was acutely conscious of how quickly fortunes could change in the Roman political landscape.
As Emperor, Marcus Aurelius experienced firsthand the fleeting nature of triumph and accolade. His military campaigns, while often successful, also brought home the brutal realities of war and the ephemeral nature of victories.
This understanding was further reinforced by his personal experiences. For example, the day of a grand military parade celebrating a victory could also bring news of a natural disaster or the death of a close friend. Marcus saw how these events could overshadow the transient joy of success, reminding him of life’s unpredictable nature.
Philosophical Reflections in “Meditations”
His reflections on these experiences were recorded in his work, “Meditations,” a series of personal writings that offer a window into his inner thoughts and Stoic philosophy. Through these meditations, Marcus explored the concept of impermanence extensively. He wrote about the fleeting nature of fame, the transient quality of human life, and the continual change inherent in the universe.
One poignant reflection from “Meditations” encapsulates his views: “All is ephemeral—the one who is remembered and the one doing the remembering as well.” This shows his deep understanding that both – the person who is remembered (the famous) as well as the people remembering him, are temporary.
Knowing that glory and power were fleeting, he focused on being a just and wise ruler. He emphasized the welfare of his people, legal reforms, and philosophical education. His reign was marked by a sense of duty and responsibility, rather than a pursuit of personal glory.
Now how does it apply to you as a business leader? Imagine being at the top of your game, receiving accolades and admiration, much like a CEO receiving awards or a company hitting record profits. It feels great, doesn’t it? But here’s the catch – these moments don’t last forever.
Marcus Aurelius, sitting at the pinnacle of Roman power, realized this truth. He saw that all the cheering, the victories, and even the power he held were temporary. Today’s celebrated leader could be tomorrow’s forgotten name. This might sound a bit gloomy, but Marcus didn’t see it that way. Instead, he found freedom in this realization.
What This Means for You:
- Success is Temporary: Just like how popular products can become obsolete, your current achievements might not be relevant forever. Understand that success is not permanent.
- Focus on What Lasts: Instead of chasing the next big win, invest in things that have a lasting impact. This could mean building a strong company culture, focusing on personal growth, or helping others develop their skills.
- Enjoy the Moment: Appreciate your achievements and the good times, but don’t cling to them. Be ready to move forward and embrace new challenges.
- Reflect on your Legacy: Think about what you want to be remembered for or if you want to be remembered at all. And ultimately it’s not just the profits or deals you made, but the kind of leader you were, the kind of person you were, how you treated people, and the values you stood for.
Remember, it’s not about ignoring your achievements or not feeling proud of them. It’s about keeping a balanced perspective and understanding that true fulfillment often comes from the things that remain long after the spotlight fades.
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By Anubhav Srivastava, Author of the book, Unlearn: A Practical Guide To Business & Life. The book that will show you why almost everything you were taught by the society about “success” was WRONG. Download a COMPLETELY FREE Digital Copy by going to https://anubhav323.gumroad.com/l/unlearnbook , don’t worry you don’t need to pay anything. Just enter $0 as the fair price, click on “I want this” and you are done! You can even send it to Kindle! Watch the Book motion poster below.
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