Whatever You Call It, Steer Clear | Ask DS

4 snips

Feb 29, 2024

The discussion focuses on the corrupting nature of power, as illustrated by Marcus Aurelius. His concerns about becoming 'dyed purple' highlight a timeless struggle with authority. The hosts emphasize how Stoicism can guide us to remain virtuous amidst ambition. They also explore the importance of physical bookstores and libraries in fostering personal connections through literature. Additionally, the conversation touches on making Stoicism relatable using modern examples, alongside the dangers of censorship and the transformative power of diverse literary voices.

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INSIGHT

The Corrupting Influence of Power

Marcus Aurelius worried about being corrupted by power, calling it "imperialization."
This timeless struggle is relevant to anyone seeking success and positions of influence.

ANECDOTE

Marcus Aurelius's Tears

Marcus Aurelius cried upon learning he'd be emperor, not from sadness, but from historical awareness.
History taught him how few leaders escaped power unscathed.

ADVICE

The Strength of Libraries

Libraries should lean into their strength: physical space.
As digital content grows, physical spaces for exploration and discovery become more valuable.

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Marcus Aurelius called it a few different things. His translators varied even more in their interpretations. Gregory Hays used the word “imperialization.” Robin Waterfield called it “becoming Caesarified” and “dyed in purple.” Pierre Hadot has it, “becoming Caesarized.” George Long translates it, “Take care that thou art not made into a Caesar, that thou art not dyed with this dye.” In The Daily Stoic, we have Marcus express his worry of being “stained purple.”

Ok, but what is he actually talking about? He’s talking about being corrupted by power, changed by the position and fame that he has. And we know this was a lifelong concern of his. One story has Marcus Aurelius breaking down in tears when he’s told he will someday be emperor, not because he was sad, but because his study of history taught him how few people managed to leave the job unscathed, let alone unchanged.

While none of us will wear the purple cloak of the emperor (that’s what Marcus was referring to about being dyed), hopefully, we will be successful. Hopefully, we will earn positions of influence and power and respect. What will this reveal about us? What might it corrupt or corrode?

It is a timeless battle, a timeless temptation. Stoicism is here to help us with it. Meditations, specifically, is one of the only books ever written by a person with that much power, one of the only books by a person who power did not make worse, and about how to remain good and decent and virtuous when there is every excuse and opportunity not to.

On today’s Thursday episode of the Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan talks with over 150 employees from Austin Central Library during their staff development and apperception day. They discuss why Ryan became an author, writing process, and the importance of reading and learning from ancient wisdom.

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