Discover the essence of true leadership through the inspiring story of Gandhi and his lessons on leading by example. Explore how self-discipline is crucial for effective leadership, as shared by Stoic philosophers like Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. The importance of demonstrating values rather than just instructing others is highlighted, emphasizing the need for integrity in the face of injustice. This blend of philosophy and real-life application provides a compelling view on what it means to be a leader.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Gandhi's Sugar Story
A woman asked Gandhi to tell her son to stop eating sugar.
Two weeks later, Gandhi told the boy to stop, after he himself had stopped.
insights INSIGHT
Leading by Example
True leaders lead by example, not by hypocrisy.
Many leaders expect things from others they don't expect from themselves.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Self-Discipline Before Leadership
Discipline yourself before leading others.
Control your passions before commanding others, or you'll be neither commander nor free.
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Cicero's "Paradoxes of the Stoics" presents a series of seemingly contradictory statements from Stoic philosophy, aiming to challenge common misconceptions and highlight the nuances of their ethical system. The work explores themes such as the nature of good and evil, the importance of virtue, and the role of reason in achieving a fulfilling life. Cicero's engagement with Stoic ideas provides valuable insights into their core principles and their practical implications. The work's enduring value lies in its ability to stimulate critical thinking about ethical issues and its contribution to the understanding of ancient philosophical debates.
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
It's an unfortunate truth: many so-called leaders expect things from others that they don’t expect from themselves.
In this episode, we look to the Stoics and an old story about Mahatma Gandhi to see how true leaders lead by example.
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📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENT
Check out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:
The What Is Stoicism? Podcast 
