Rule The Empire Between Your Ears | We Reap What We Sow | The Daily Stoic

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, the host explores the concept of ruling the empire within ourselves. By studying the Stoics, we can learn to focus on what we can control, live in the present moment, and accept whatever life brings our way. The host also discusses the consequences of our actions and the importance of learning from the mistakes of others, using the example of Seneca, a prominent Stoic philosopher.

Main Takeaways

Ruling the Empire Within

• To be great, we must first focus on ruling the empire between our ears – our thoughts, emotions, urges, desires, fears, and choices.
• If we rule our own minds, we are more powerful than many emperors, conquerors, and billionaires.
• “To be great, you have to first focus on the empire between your ears.” – Epictetus’s father in The Girl Who Would Be Free.

Learning from Seneca

• Seneca was a tutor and mentor to Emperor Nero, who ultimately murdered him.
• The consequences of our actions come back to us – “you reap what you sow.”
• We can learn from the Stoics to avoid making the same mistakes as Seneca.

Living in the Present Moment

• Seneca believed that we should focus on what we can control and not worry about things beyond our control.
• The Stoics believed in the concept of “amor fati,” or loving one’s fate, and accepting whatever happens in life.
• By studying the Stoics, we can learn to live a more fulfilling life by focusing on the present and accepting what we cannot change.

Summary

Ruling the Empire Within

The Stoics emphasize the importance of ruling our own minds. By focusing on our thoughts, emotions, urges, desires, fears, and choices, we can become more powerful than any external circumstances. This internal power allows us to navigate life with resilience and strength.

Learning from Seneca

Seneca’s life serves as a cautionary tale. Despite being a prominent Stoic philosopher, he made mistakes and faced dire consequences. By studying Seneca’s life, we can learn from his errors and avoid repeating them in our own lives. The principle of “you reap what you sow” reminds us of the interconnectedness of our actions and their consequences.

Living in the Present Moment

Seneca’s teachings encourage us to focus on the present moment and what we can control. By accepting our fate and embracing the concept of “amor fati,” we can find peace and contentment. The Stoic philosophy reminds us to let go of worries about the future or things beyond our control, and instead, fully engage with the present.

Conclusion

By incorporating the teachings of the Stoics into our lives, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ruling the empire within allows us to cultivate inner strength and live a more fulfilling life. Learning from the mistakes of others, like Seneca, helps us make wiser choices and avoid unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, embracing the present moment and accepting our fate can lead to a greater sense of peace and happiness.