Not because we're bad, but because we're human.
Marcus Aurelius was a good man. He was given nearly unlimited power and somehow proved himself worthy of it, and of all the fame, wealth and responsibility that came with it. But he's the exception that proves the rule, and the rule is that kings are bad. Power corrupts. No one does well when surrounded by flatterers or having every whim catered to. Marcus was kept in check by philosophy. Without it, he could easily have been a Nero or a Caligula.
The American founders knew this well.
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Remember all men would be tyrants if they could.
ABIGAIL ADAMS
That's why they set up explicit checks and balances. It's why they divided power, and created ways to hold people accountable, remove them and restrain them. They knew virtue mattered, but they also knew better than to depend on virtue alone. Because most people aren't Marcus Aurelius. And neither are we.
So we need similar checks and balances in our own lives, businesses and pursuits. We need people to tell us the truth and keep us accountable. We need limits and constraints. We need philosophy and accountability to keep us good and decent, not because we're bad, but because we're human.
TRY THIS TODAY
Who in your life is allowed to tell you you're wrong? If no one comes to mind, choose someone this week and give them permission.
Much of what I've learned about Stoicism comes from Ryan Holiday. Find more of his writing at dailystoic.com and ryanholiday.net.
While I have edited much of this content, there are some cases where I have taken Ryan Holiday's words directly. I've included them because I think they are powerful and will be helpful for you. They are also helpful for me, and I've put them here so I can learn and understand more myself.
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