What Marcus Learned From His Mother | 6 Stoic Lessons In Stillness
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May 9, 2025
Dive into the impactful lessons Marcus Aurelius learned from his mother, highlighting the vital role of maternal guidance in shaping character. Explore how the pandemic taught us the value of stillness and slowed-down moments, fostering connections with family and nature. Discover how acceptance and mindfulness can spark personal growth, especially during challenging times. Reflect on the Stoic philosophy of resilience in the face of adversity, showing how obstacles can lead to profound insights and transformation.
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insights INSIGHT
Marcus Aurelius Learned From Mother
Marcus Aurelius learned his lifelong commitment to kindness and justice primarily from his mother.
She embodied reverence, generosity, and a simple, incorruptible way of living that profoundly influenced him.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pandemic Time at the Ranch
During the early pandemic, Ryan Holiday spent unprecedented time with his family at their ranch, experiencing life slowed and deeply connected.
Daily family walks, shared meals, and nature observations reshaped his priorities and connection to home.
insights INSIGHT
Mindful Nature Observation
Close, mindful observation of nature reconnects us with the rhythms and language of life.
This mindful attentiveness reveals beauty and understanding often missed in daily busy routines.
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Raising Hare chronicles Chloe Dalton's journey with a wild hare she rescued during the pandemic. The book explores their unique bond and delves into the lives and nature of hares, while also reflecting on human relationships with the natural world. Through her experiences, Dalton develops a deeper appreciation for nature and its impact on her life.
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.
Painting as a pastime
Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill's "Painting as a Pastime" is a reflection on the joys and benefits of painting as a hobby. Written during a period of intense political pressure, the book reveals Churchill's personal approach to art and its therapeutic value. He emphasizes the importance of finding creative outlets for stress relief and self-expression. The book offers insights into Churchill's artistic process and his philosophy on life. It serves as a testament to the power of creative pursuits in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Stillness is the Key
Ryan Holiday
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more. The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body. Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life. He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness[2][3][5].
The Daily Stoic 
