How To Live Like A Roman Emperor: 6 Tips For Leading Better Lives

Stoic philosophy is one of the most influencing schools of thought of the Ancient world. Two thousand years ago, Marcus Aurelius who is considered one of the “Last Five Good Emperors of Rome”, reflected upon the philosophies he lived by in his book Meditations.

For those of you who are still struggling to find time to implement meditation into their daily routines, Stoic philosophy can help tremendously in different ways.

I recently read a book named “A stoic guide to happiness” where the author talks about the similarities between Zen Buddhism and Stoicism, yet he goes on to explain why Stoic philosophy suits better his analytical thinking mind.

Marcus Aurelius had perfected his daily routine and had some suggestions to help you with yours too. It is crazy how these tips remain timelessly right, although being written over two thousand years ago.

1. Wake up early and get to work (I know it’s hard!)

Yes, even the glorious Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius struggled to get up from his bed in the morning. So, you can be relieved.

“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?’” — Marcus Aurelius

2. Seek stillness and tranquility in nature.

Although being a busy emperor with state affairs, Marcus Aurelius still took time for his hobbies like boxing, hunting and horseback riding. Whether it’s making time to be active or going for a long walk through the woods every morning, we have to make time for stillness. Sure, we’re not an emperor but we all lead stressful lives and we have to make time for stillness.

“Anyone with a feeling for nature — a deeper sensitivity — will find it all gives pleasure. Even what seems inadvertent. He’ll find the jaws of live animals as beautiful as painted ones or sculptures. He’ll look calmly at the distinct beauty of old age in men, women, and at the loveliness of children. And other things like that will call out to him constantly — things unnoticed by others. Things seen only by those at home with Nature and its works.” — Marcus Aurelius

3. Focus on the smallest thing you can do right now.

When you look back on your life, you will realize that it is the small things that make the difference. In the book Atomic Habits, the author talks about the importance of just becoming 1% better each day. Because of the compound effect, if you can become just 1% better every day, you’ll be 37 times better in a year.

“Concentrate every minute like a Roman — like a man — on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions. Yes, you can — if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life, and stop being aimless, stop letting your emotions override what your mind tells you, stop being hypocritical, self-centered, irritable.” — Marcus Aurelius

4. Keep a journal and take time to write.

You know what Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Petrarch, Montaigne, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Darwin and Beethoven all have in common? All of them kept a journal. We know, it may sound like a chore but it’s really helpful.

“The recognition that I needed to train and discipline my character. Not to be sidetracked by my interest in rhetoric. Not to write treatises on abstract questions, or deliver moralizing little sermons, or compose imaginary descriptions of The Simple Life or The Man Who Lives Only for Others. To steer clear of oratory, poetry and belles lettres. Not to dress up just to stroll around the house, or things like that. To write straightforward.” — Marcus Aurelius

5. Don’t panic or give an emotional reaction to things.

Sometimes

“How much more harmful are the consequences of anger and grief than the circumstances that aroused them in us!” — Marcus Aurelius

6. Remember Your Days Are Numbered

Reminding ourselves that our lives will end one day can impact your motivation to attack your daily to-do list and appreciate what you have better.
That’s why, appreciating small moments in life is so important.

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius

“How much more harmful are the consequences of anger and grief than the circumstances that aroused them in us!” — Marcus Aurelius