1 00:00:00,250 --> 00:00:02,630 Marcus Aurelius was truly very remarkable. 2 00:00:02,630 --> 00:00:07,919 He is considered as the last of the Five Good Emperors who genuinely cared for his people. 3 00:00:07,919 --> 00:00:11,200 He was also a devout student of the philosophy of Stoicism. 4 00:00:11,200 --> 00:00:15,849 During his rule, Aurelius found the time to construct a series of autobiographical writings, 5 00:00:15,849 --> 00:00:18,080 now known as the Meditations. 6 00:00:18,080 --> 00:00:22,119 In these writings, the Roman Emperor offered a number of key insights on how to live a 7 00:00:22,119 --> 00:00:23,290 happy life. 8 00:00:23,290 --> 00:00:27,700 Which is why today on Downtown Success, we have for you, 10 of the most important insights 9 00:00:27,700 --> 00:00:31,310 for happiness from the writings of Marcus Aurelius. 10 00:00:31,310 --> 00:00:32,820 1. 11 00:00:32,820 --> 00:00:37,940 Seek to build your own character Marcus Aurelius says “The mind in itself 12 00:00:37,940 --> 00:00:41,390 has no needs, except for those it creates.” 13 00:00:41,390 --> 00:00:43,530 We live in a materialistic culture. 14 00:00:43,530 --> 00:00:47,780 We are constantly bombarded with advertisements telling us about the latest gadgets we need 15 00:00:47,780 --> 00:00:48,780 to own. 16 00:00:48,780 --> 00:00:52,300 The media constantly exposes us to the lives of the rich and famous. 17 00:00:52,300 --> 00:00:56,309 When we seek happiness in the form of material possessions, we will never find joy. 18 00:00:56,309 --> 00:01:01,200 There is always something else to want- a bigger house, a faster car, more money in 19 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:02,200 the bank account. 20 00:01:02,200 --> 00:01:07,040 Furthermore, when we seek fulfilment in the form of physical things, we place our happiness 21 00:01:07,040 --> 00:01:08,400 in the hands of others. 22 00:01:08,400 --> 00:01:12,720 The point is that no material thing ever really belongs to us. 23 00:01:12,720 --> 00:01:14,470 Everything can be taken away. 24 00:01:14,470 --> 00:01:19,130 If we define ourselves by how many bedrooms our houses have, what happens if we lose the 25 00:01:19,130 --> 00:01:20,130 house? 26 00:01:20,130 --> 00:01:24,310 The point here is that rather than seeking material wealth in life, we should learn to 27 00:01:24,310 --> 00:01:26,090 build our character. 28 00:01:26,090 --> 00:01:30,150 We should seek to become kind, honest and hard-working people. 29 00:01:30,150 --> 00:01:33,920 We should educate ourselves and learn to treat others with respect. 30 00:01:33,920 --> 00:01:38,450 After all, our house can burn down, somebody may steal our car and our business may fail 31 00:01:38,450 --> 00:01:39,540 at some point. 32 00:01:39,540 --> 00:01:42,510 The one thing that can never be taken away from us? 33 00:01:42,510 --> 00:01:43,659 Our character. 34 00:01:43,659 --> 00:01:47,380 It is only our character that defines us and carries us through life. 35 00:01:47,380 --> 00:01:52,070 A man can rise or fall just due to the virtues or faults of his character and it is often 36 00:01:52,070 --> 00:01:54,399 this that leaves a legacy. 37 00:01:54,399 --> 00:01:55,749 2. 38 00:01:55,749 --> 00:02:00,570 Stop seeking the praise of other people Marcus Aurelius says “It doesn’t matter 39 00:02:00,570 --> 00:02:02,200 how good a life you’ve led. 40 00:02:02,200 --> 00:02:06,630 There’ll still be people standing around the bed who will welcome the sad event.” 41 00:02:06,630 --> 00:02:10,590 There are 7 billion people on this planet and to try and live a life that pleases every 42 00:02:10,590 --> 00:02:12,840 single one of them is utter madness. 43 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:16,890 Whether you're trying to get hundreds of likes on Instagram or hoping to connect with someone 44 00:02:16,890 --> 00:02:21,340 on Tinder, sometimes it can seem like our happiness depends on other people in today's 45 00:02:21,340 --> 00:02:22,340 society. 46 00:02:22,340 --> 00:02:25,120 But there are ways to stop seeking approval of others. 47 00:02:25,120 --> 00:02:28,420 The key is to begin with addressing your own thought process. 48 00:02:28,420 --> 00:02:32,640 Rather than seeking approval from external influences, try to find true happiness by 49 00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:36,220 developing a more stable relationship within yourself. 50 00:02:36,220 --> 00:02:39,950 Learn to understand that if someone dislikes you, it’s not because you’re not a funny 51 00:02:39,950 --> 00:02:41,780 or kind or clever person. 52 00:02:41,780 --> 00:02:46,760 There are going to be people who disapprove of you no matter what you do or say, so you 53 00:02:46,760 --> 00:02:49,709 may as well live your life as authentically as you can. 54 00:02:49,709 --> 00:02:53,630 If you disagree with someone’s political opinion, don’t pretend otherwise. 55 00:02:53,630 --> 00:02:57,010 Or if your friends make a comment you find hurtful, let them know. 56 00:02:57,010 --> 00:03:00,989 In the words of the French Novelist, Andre Gide, “It’s better to be hated for what 57 00:03:00,989 --> 00:03:04,550 you are than to be loved for what you are not.” 58 00:03:04,550 --> 00:03:06,030 3. 59 00:03:06,030 --> 00:03:09,739 Focus only on what you have control over and ignore the rest 60 00:03:09,739 --> 00:03:12,550 Marcus Aurelius says “The cucumber is bitter? 61 00:03:12,550 --> 00:03:13,670 Then throw it out. 62 00:03:13,670 --> 00:03:14,879 There are brambles in the path? 63 00:03:14,879 --> 00:03:16,220 Then go around them. 64 00:03:16,220 --> 00:03:18,170 That’s all you need to know. 65 00:03:18,170 --> 00:03:19,170 Nothing more.” 66 00:03:19,170 --> 00:03:23,410 There are only two things in this life we have control over: our thoughts and actions. 67 00:03:23,410 --> 00:03:24,410 That’s it. 68 00:03:24,410 --> 00:03:25,810 The rest is out of our hands. 69 00:03:25,810 --> 00:03:29,790 But, how often in life do we waste time and effort, complaining about things in which 70 00:03:29,790 --> 00:03:32,110 we simply have no influence over? 71 00:03:32,110 --> 00:03:35,310 Emotions, such as anger, are not always useless. 72 00:03:35,310 --> 00:03:38,879 Sometimes, they motivate us to take action in times of injustice. 73 00:03:38,879 --> 00:03:43,069 However, there are many occasions where such emotions simply serve no purpose. 74 00:03:43,069 --> 00:03:44,870 Take traffic, for example. 75 00:03:44,870 --> 00:03:49,300 You can shout, swear and beep your horn as much as you like or you can relax and listen 76 00:03:49,300 --> 00:03:50,300 to the radio. 77 00:03:50,300 --> 00:03:53,709 Either way, you’re stuck in the traffic jam and there’s nothing you can do about 78 00:03:53,709 --> 00:03:54,709 it. 79 00:03:54,709 --> 00:03:59,030 The next time you feel frustrated or angry at some situation or comment somebody made, 80 00:03:59,030 --> 00:04:01,209 ask yourself, “Is this anger useful? 81 00:04:01,209 --> 00:04:03,659 Does it serve a purpose?” 82 00:04:03,659 --> 00:04:05,209 You can’t control other people. 83 00:04:05,209 --> 00:04:08,519 You can’t control what they say, do or think. 84 00:04:08,519 --> 00:04:14,060 So, stop paying so much attention to others and simply focus on your own life. 85 00:04:14,060 --> 00:04:15,060 4. 86 00:04:15,060 --> 00:04:20,380 DO Something Productive With Your Anger Marcus Aurelius says “How much more grievous 87 00:04:20,380 --> 00:04:23,910 are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.” 88 00:04:23,910 --> 00:04:28,340 When you get very angry and lash out, it is already too late because you have set in motion 89 00:04:28,340 --> 00:04:31,970 events that end up causing you regret and sadness later on. 90 00:04:31,970 --> 00:04:36,770 However, the best time to reflect upon our anger and rage is when we are not angry. 91 00:04:36,770 --> 00:04:40,910 By allowing yourself the consciousness and awareness of what anger can do in your life, 92 00:04:40,910 --> 00:04:45,410 you prime your mind and feelings to be able to choose a gentler path when you get angry. 93 00:04:45,410 --> 00:04:50,910 By all means feel anger, but instead of lashing out, leverage the energy and power of anger 94 00:04:50,910 --> 00:04:54,310 to make something productive and creative for others and for yourself. 95 00:04:54,310 --> 00:04:58,840 Channel your anger into productive and creative pursuits. 96 00:04:58,840 --> 00:05:00,510 5. 97 00:05:00,510 --> 00:05:03,440 Negative emotions are a result of negative thinking 98 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:08,320 Marcus Aurelius reminds us “Your ability to control your thoughts—treat it with respect. 99 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:12,860 It’s all that protects your mind from false perceptions—false to your nature, and that 100 00:05:12,860 --> 00:05:14,630 of all rational beings.” 101 00:05:14,630 --> 00:05:19,030 The negative emotions we experience are often just the result of how we interpret things. 102 00:05:19,030 --> 00:05:23,330 Let’s take the example of two friends, Jack and Jill, who are both invited to a mutual 103 00:05:23,330 --> 00:05:24,330 friend’s birthday party. 104 00:05:24,330 --> 00:05:29,789 Jack, a very extroverted individual, is excited at the prospect of attending such a party. 105 00:05:29,789 --> 00:05:33,100 He views it as a great opportunity to meet a bunch of new people. 106 00:05:33,100 --> 00:05:36,669 Jill, on the other hand, is filled with anxiety and dread. 107 00:05:36,669 --> 00:05:40,570 She doesn’t know anyone there and fears that she will have nobody to talk to. 108 00:05:40,570 --> 00:05:45,580 This is a great example of how two people can have very different reactions to an identical 109 00:05:45,580 --> 00:05:46,580 situation. 110 00:05:46,580 --> 00:05:50,570 We should learn to understand that the anxiety, worry or anger we experience is not a result 111 00:05:50,570 --> 00:05:52,250 of our environment. 112 00:05:52,250 --> 00:05:55,050 Those things happen because of our way of thinking. 113 00:05:55,050 --> 00:06:00,960 Because of that, we have the ability to empower ourselves and take back control of our emotions. 114 00:06:00,960 --> 00:06:02,380 6. 115 00:06:02,380 --> 00:06:08,210 Be Prepared For Any Outcome and Act with resilience Marcus Aurelius says “The art of living 116 00:06:08,210 --> 00:06:13,050 is more like wrestling than dancing, in so far as it stands ready against the accidental 117 00:06:13,050 --> 00:06:16,569 and the unforeseen, and is not apt to fall.” 118 00:06:16,569 --> 00:06:20,120 The secret of happiness is resilience in the face of adversity and setbacks. 119 00:06:20,120 --> 00:06:25,130 It is interesting that people who thrive and flourish in their lives see adversity differently 120 00:06:25,130 --> 00:06:28,610 and more importantly they are prepared for any outcome. 121 00:06:28,610 --> 00:06:33,110 For them, life is about making adjustments as setbacks happen and see the bright side 122 00:06:33,110 --> 00:06:34,850 of what is going wrong. 123 00:06:34,850 --> 00:06:38,860 When you do not allow failure to stop you, you are able to take small steps and move 124 00:06:38,860 --> 00:06:41,419 forward regardless of your fears and resistance. 125 00:06:41,419 --> 00:06:46,520 Look at life through the favorable lens of perspective and the moving continuum of time. 126 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:51,100 As Marcus Aurelius so correctly points out that the current of time is strong and this 127 00:06:51,100 --> 00:06:53,210 too shall pass. 128 00:06:53,210 --> 00:06:54,669 7. 129 00:06:54,669 --> 00:06:57,349 Be Insanely Grateful for what you have 130 00:06:57,349 --> 00:07:02,020 Marcus Aurelius says “Take full account of what Excellencies you possess, and in gratitude 131 00:07:02,020 --> 00:07:05,360 remember how you would hanker after them, if you had them not.” 132 00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:10,010 Many times we forget all the amazing things and people in our lives and exclusively focus 133 00:07:10,010 --> 00:07:11,420 on what we do not have. 134 00:07:11,420 --> 00:07:15,990 Marcus Aurelius wisely says that you should place yourself in the position of not taking 135 00:07:15,990 --> 00:07:19,830 for granted all the great people and situations that you have in your life. 136 00:07:19,830 --> 00:07:23,610 If you did not have them in your life, how would your life be different and how you would 137 00:07:23,610 --> 00:07:25,389 crave to have them in your life? 138 00:07:25,389 --> 00:07:29,919 This is a simple but highly effective practice to feel a deep level of gratitude for everything 139 00:07:29,919 --> 00:07:31,910 this is going right in your life. 140 00:07:31,910 --> 00:07:36,199 We forget the simple pleasures in life such as being alive, close family and friends, 141 00:07:36,199 --> 00:07:41,160 the ability to love and enjoy by being excessively focused on what we do not have and what is 142 00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:42,199 going wrong. 143 00:07:42,199 --> 00:07:46,580 Counting your blessings and appreciating what you have makes you feel great and increases 144 00:07:46,580 --> 00:07:48,710 the levels of happiness. 145 00:07:48,710 --> 00:07:50,229 8. 146 00:07:50,229 --> 00:07:54,970 Tolerance is in not judging Marcus Aurelius says “People exist for each 147 00:07:54,970 --> 00:07:55,970 other. 148 00:07:55,970 --> 00:07:58,169 You can instruct them or tolerate them. 149 00:07:58,169 --> 00:08:00,020 “ We are all part of an elaborate network that 150 00:08:00,020 --> 00:08:05,110 binds us to others, we cannot escape, and isolation will only make us live a life unworthy 151 00:08:05,110 --> 00:08:06,490 of being lived. 152 00:08:06,490 --> 00:08:10,360 Looking with compassion on others allows us to abandon or mitigate our judgments about 153 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:11,360 them. 154 00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:16,080 You have to know how to share and teach, but that does not make us responsible for others. 155 00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:19,400 We must take responsibility only for ourselves. 156 00:08:19,400 --> 00:08:23,430 Trying to change the way others behave to adapt to what we expect from others will only 157 00:08:23,430 --> 00:08:28,860 lead to unhappiness because the actions of others and their consequences are theirs. 158 00:08:28,860 --> 00:08:30,740 9. 159 00:08:30,740 --> 00:08:33,610 The peace you need is in you 160 00:08:33,610 --> 00:08:37,440 Marcus Aurelius says “Today I escaped anxiety. 161 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:42,780 Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions– not outside.” 162 00:08:42,780 --> 00:08:48,550 It’s easy to forget that everything we experience happens in the space between our ears: fear, 163 00:08:48,550 --> 00:08:55,581 anger, regret, joy, sorrow, peace, second-guessing, overthinking, stress, confidence, and everything 164 00:08:55,581 --> 00:08:56,730 in between. 165 00:08:56,730 --> 00:08:59,350 Our emotions define our experiences. 166 00:08:59,350 --> 00:09:04,410 And it’s in the brain that we decide what emotions to respond with based on those experiences. 167 00:09:04,410 --> 00:09:08,260 See that everything we experience originates from within and you’ll realize that you 168 00:09:08,260 --> 00:09:13,240 have a great deal more control than you thought over how you feel on a day-to-day basis. 169 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:17,330 Learn to manage the domain of your emotions and you’ll learn how to master a big part 170 00:09:17,330 --> 00:09:19,310 of happiness. 171 00:09:19,310 --> 00:09:20,920 10. 172 00:09:20,920 --> 00:09:22,640 Appreciate the shortness of life 173 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:26,880 Marcus Aurelius says “Not as though thou hadst thousands of years to live. 174 00:09:26,880 --> 00:09:32,550 Death hangs over thee: whilst yet thou livest, whilst thou mayest, be good”. 175 00:09:32,550 --> 00:09:36,880 If we can live everyday like it is our last, we get to the important things right away 176 00:09:36,880 --> 00:09:39,050 without any waste of time. 177 00:09:39,050 --> 00:09:42,540 Most people forget their own mortality and act and behave as if they will live forever 178 00:09:42,540 --> 00:09:45,170 and suspend their dreams and wishes for later. 179 00:09:45,170 --> 00:09:49,540 The key lesson from Marcus Aurelius here is we should learn to appreciate just how little 180 00:09:49,540 --> 00:09:52,800 time we have and to start living our lives today. 181 00:09:52,800 --> 00:09:56,930 We often tell ourselves that tomorrow will be the day we start exercising. 182 00:09:56,930 --> 00:09:59,620 Tomorrow will be the day we apply for that job. 183 00:09:59,620 --> 00:10:02,190 Tomorrow will be the day we start writing that book. 184 00:10:02,190 --> 00:10:06,610 In the English language, tomorrow is one of the most dangerous words. 185 00:10:06,610 --> 00:10:09,610 Stop living for tomorrow and start living for today. 186 00:10:09,610 --> 00:10:17,570 Hope you like this video and don’t forget to check out our other video - 10 Stoic Teachings 187 00:10:17,570 --> 00:10:23,120 Of Marcus Aurelius We Desperately Need Today, and for more such videos, subscribe to our 188 00:10:23,120 --> 00:10:24,120 channel. 189 00:10:24,120 --> 00:10:24,330 Thank You For Watching.