Hello Everyone,

Just a heads up - this weeks email is longer than last weeks, but I think theres a lot of value in what I'm sharing.

I've written this email with the hope that something in it will resonate with you - so that you save this email and come back to it.

We'll cover:

• Strategies from Roman Emperors.
• Short Books you should read.
• Stoic Concepts.

8 Powerful Strategies from Roman Emperors that will guide you to Greatness.

Most of you expressed curiosity about Ten Caesars from Barry Strauss, so I thought I'd share some things I learned from it.

While the leaders of the Roman Empire governed nearly 2 million square miles and ~60 million people at its peak, these strategies are applicable to anyone regardless of your level of ambition. From succeeding at your goals to achieving personal greatness, you'll want to learn from these.

1) Use Pain as Fuel.

Augustus Caesar was the first Roman Emperor. He was a man of intense strategy and genius. He turned a dying republic into one of the greatest and long-lasting civilisations in the history of humanity. The fact that he did this at a young age - directly after his adoptive father, Julius Caesar, was assassinated - shows his composure.

Augustus held an ultimate edge over Mark Antony, Brutus, Lepidus, and other contemporaries that tried to stand in his way. Negative emotions proved to be a fuel for him. He used the emotions that would usually break others - rage, envy, hatred, sadness, desolation - and used them to set himself alight. He kept working longer than the others. He turned his hunger for vengeance from a boiling hot pain into an ice cold and calculated plan that granted him supreme power.

You can use emotions - both good and bad - to propel yourself forward like Augustus did.

2) There's power in Self-Control.

Once Augustus had conquered his largest enemies, defeated the conspirators lined up against him, and achieved his position of supreme power - he avoided abusing his success.

He offered clemency to former enemies, he set aside those initial negative emotions that fuelled his rise and made the future of the Roman Empire his top priority.

Politics wasn't the only area that Augustus showed restraint - in fact, he was famed for his temperance and moderation. He did not overeat or get drunk, he did not let himself lose his temper, he stuck to his decisions. He was a model of self-control - it's where he derived a lot of his progress and long-term success from.

3) Slow and Steady = Unstoppable.

Vespasian was not born in line for the throne - in fact, many never even considered him as a possibility - but after the Year of Four Emperors, it was Vespasian that had made his claim stick. He started the Flavian dynasty, bringing a temporary break from power struggles and gifting the world marvellous constructions as the Colosseum.

How did this man, who was without noble blood, a general by trade that lacked any polish, do it?

Vespasian was much like the tortoise in Aesop's fable. He was slow and steady - and through this, he became unstoppable. He slowly gathered influence, military genius, and a reputation. He did not rush to claim the throne was Nero was gone - he let the others fight it out for the throne, weakening themselves in the process.

By the time Vespasian entered the fray, there was no force strong enough to stop him. He had been patient - moving slowly but steadily. There was no rushing. He was the epitome of that Navy Seal saying, "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast."

Be like Vespasian. Be consistent, and seize your chance. Bur proceed slowly and smoothly. Don't rush or weaken your own interests.

4) Reflect.

Meditations is the greatest book ever written. The personal writings of Marcus Aurelius, the most powerful man in the world, have endured over the centuries for a reason.

His thoughts have been carried in the saddlebags of Frederick the Great. Brought down the Amazon by Teddy Roosevelt. Turned to in hours of need by countless people through the years.

Yet, none of this was ever meant to occur. Aurelius wrote to himself - his words were never meant to be seen. He was journaling, reflecting on becoming a better man and Emperor.

It worked. Aurelius was possibly the greatest Emperor that Rome ever had - people from far reaches of the empire wept on news of his death. More importantly, he was a human being that proved how far reflection could take you.

Aurelius had even more power than Augustus - and an even greater chance to abuse it. But his reflections ensured he became the man that he wanted to become and granted him a name that continues to be revered, nearly two thousand years later.

Start reflecting more often. Be brutally honest with yourself and make sure you abide by your own standards. Your future self will thank you for it.

5) Conquer your own Soul.

Marcus Aurelius was born with the family name of Verus - meaning "true." While still young, the Emperor Hadrian gave him the nickname of Verissimus, meaning "truest".

It would be a good omen for things to come. Marcus Aurelius is one of the few people in history who conquered their soul. He was a beacon of virtue.

When a trust ally rose against him in an attempt to usurp power, Aurelius forgave all those involved in the conspiracy. Even after they laid down arms, he did not seek vengeance.

During the height of the Antonine Plague, ravaging Rome and leaving countless dead, many expected him to flee to safety in the country. Aurelius stayed in the city instead - hosting a sale of palace furnishings and his personal property to raise funds, that would allow him to provide relief to those that suffered.

6) Share the Workload. .

Let's address one simple fact before we begin: Emperor Diocletian was one of the most unlikely men to take the throne - but he was also the most baller of them all.

From his brutal rise, his cunning, and his ability to create brilliant strategy, Diocletian was clearly a generational talent. He won the throne through force - but kept it through ingenuity.

Diocletian was the first person in the Roman Empire to recognise that the job was too much for one person - sure, there had been co-rulers in the past, but none did a better job at dividing the empire than Diocletian.

He divided the Empire in half between a co-ruler, with each of them having the equivalent of a Roman Prince beneath them to serve as a deputy.

The Empire prospered during Diocletian's reign. Foreign enemies were defeated, internal conflicts were resolved, the economy began to pick up, and Rome strengthened.

There's glory in doing things alone - sometimes it truly is best. But, learn from the example of Diocletian. If you're looking to do something on a large scale, or with a ton of work, find a way to share the load.

7) Know when to Stop.

"If only you could see the cabbages raised by our hands, you surely would not judge that a temptation."

This was Diocletian's response to a pleading request for him to return to power, three years into his retirement.

You read that right. Diocletian, the most powerful man in the Empire, abdicated peacefully. In fact, he was the first and only Roman Emperor to ever do it by choice.

He had an end in mind. He knew where he want to stop. When the offer came in, Diocletian rejected it - claiming that he would prefer to grow his cabbages than take up the mantle of the most powerful man in the world again.

(It is worth noting, Diocletian was also a pragmatist. His retirement villa - still standing today - was built as a fortress, with careful systems to prevent assassinations ranging from poison to traitorous soldiers. He reject the request at a time when the Empire had fallen back into civil war, knowing that without his former influence, he risked a quick death by getting involved.)

Diocletian had an Empire in his control - but he also knew what was enough. He didn't stay past his welcome. He knew when to stop.

It's something that we should all consider - what is our endgame? Where can we stop without risking all that we have done? Find a balance between giving up too early and overextending yourself.

8) Exploit natural strengths.

Constantinople was the greatest city in the world for several centuries once Rome had begun to decline. Formerly Byzantium, the city's change in name and fortune was the direct result of Emperor Constantine.

Constantine created one of the most powerful and enduring cities in history - but he did not do it from scratch. Few cities in the Empire were better placed - it had access to natural resources, trade routes, allies, all while surrounded by terrain that made the city difficult to attack.

Yet, for years Constantinople was nothing of note. Constantine was the first person who recognised and exploited the natural strengths of the city to turn it into a superpower.

There's a powerful strategy here: You can take take the difficult route, fighting every inch to gain an advantage - or you find points of leverage.

Locate natural strengths, points of leverage, and any advantages you can find. Place emphasis on using them and watch as you soar.

Don't have time to read? Give these books a chance.

There's plenty of great books that stretch over the 1000 page mark - but most of us don't have the time to dedicate to get through them. Skip the summaries and speed-reading techniques, and read these brilliant books instead.

How to Use your Enemies by Baltazar Gracian.

This text provides much of the foundation of the 48 Laws of Power. It's the more modern and more applicable forgotten brother of The Prince.

Read this to know how to navigate the world and gain an edge.

On the Shortness of Life by Seneca.

Seneca is one of the greatest thinkers in history and he gifted this book to humanity. You owe it to yourself to read it.

While Seneca's other works are brilliant, this is a great starting point. It's a strong reminder on how short our time is and a way to recalibrate what is important to us.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Fiction can change your life too - at times, in a much deeper sense than non-fiction. This work is a great introduction to one of America's greatest writers.

Themes of fairness, hardship, and friendship make this book a can't miss.

The Death of Ivan Illyich by Leo Tolstoy.

War and Peace is often called the greatest book ever written - but it's also 1200+ pages long. Luckily, you don't have to make time to carve through it to enjoy Tolstoy.

This fascinating story will connect you with the author and give you plenty to think about.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.

Those who can communicate well, dominate the modern world.

There's no need to get an English Degree to improve. Start with this book and you're writing ability will be miles ahead of most.

Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

Got a book, business, or project idea in you? Read this.

It's the practical companion to the War of Art (another must read) that will give you a clear path to achieving what you set out to do.

The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi.

The first time I read this, it went over my head. The second time, it blew my mind. (Worth noting - different translations can make a difference.)

These meditations on strategy, discipline, practice and life from the Samurai Warrior should be reflected on during your quest for greatness.

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.

This book won't deliver you the wealth you probably desire in the timeframe that you want it - but its teachings can remove the burden of financial stress.

Not only is this book a classic, but most modern Financial Gurus steal from it for a reason.

A short primer on useful Stoic concepts - Potential, Outcomes, Acceptance.

I'm about to teach you three Stoic concepts. If you learn them, I guarantee they'll change your life - they've change mine and thousands of others through history.

I'm an aspiring Stoic, so I'm not yet at the level where these are internalised, so I must remind myself of them often.

When I have these concepts in mind and use them as tools in all that I do, I experience a Zen like state, quietly succeeding in a way that brings peace and confidence.

Without them, I struggle through things as if I was fighting my way through a grove of thorn bushes while blindfolded, only able to batter things aside with my bare hands. Naturally, I don't get very far and it's painful every step of the way.

This is my personal newsletter, I remove people more often than I bring them in - if you're reading this, its because I care about you and want you to do well. I want you to be able to experience the first example- and avoid the dangers of the second.

Measure against your own potential.

There's an anecdote I think about often about the former American President, Jimmy Carter.

When Carter was still young, he was interviewing for a position with Hyman Rickover - the head of the U.S. Nuclear Navy. Near the end of the interview, Rickover asked Carter how he had done at the Naval Academy. Carter boasted with pride that he was 60th out of 800. Rickover asked a simple follow up question: "Did you do your best?"

Carter instinctively went to answer yes - as all of us would do. He hesitated though. He thought of all the practices where he didn't apply himself, the classes he coasted along, the opportunities he let slide, the things he hadn't learned. He knew the truth. "No, sir, I didn't always do my best." Carter answered.

Rickover turned his chair around to end the interview and left Carter with one question: "Why not?"

This question shook Carter to his core. He slowly left the room, unsure of himself with the question ringing in his head. The question would find its way to be the title of his memoir "Why not the best?" and underpin his entire presidential campaign.

The two questions can shake most of us to the core - if we treat them with the weight they deserve. Did you do your best? Why not?

It brings us to our first stoic concept: Measure against your potential.

If Carter had come 100th in his class but had done his best, he would have felt more pride and a deep sense of relief in his soul. In the end, all that matters is whether we think we did our best.

I think of any "failures" or "setbacks" that I've had. The ones that still hurt - that eat away at me - are the ones where I know I wasn't at my best, where I know I could have done better.

In the end - all that will matter is how you did compared to what you believe your potential to be. The expectations of others are dust, they mean nothing - but the expectations you have of yourself weigh more than anything.

Only you will know if you fulfilled your potential. Only you will know if you did your best. Only you will have to deal with the regrets if you don't.

Detach from Outcomes.

There's intense freedom that comes when you focus on doing your best - because that is ENTIRELY in your control. Did you give your all in the circumstances?

You know the answer - because it can only be created and measured internally.

The problem is, most of us still struggle with separating things outside our control, things we can influence, and things entirely in our control.

The Stoics liked to use the image of an Archer to hammer home this concept.

Picture an Archer raised from birth to be the best in the world - he gives his all and becomes the greatest in History. He could have a notched bow and a simple shot in front of him. Yet the moment he lets the arrow fly, he loses all control over it.

A gust of wind, a change in the target's movement, an interference - dozens of external factors could ruin this simple shot of even the greatest archer.

The Archer then focuses on what is in his control. The aiming, the training, the acceptance. The outcome - like the conditions - are not. He does his best to detach from them.

To give a concrete example, there's the tragic story behind the novel Confederacy of Dunces.

The author, John Kennedy Toole, tried to get the book published for years - he knew he had given his best effort in the writing and created something magnificent. The world didn't see it that way. He faced constant rejection and feedback that his masterpiece was horrible. The failure was a contributing factor to his heartbreaking suicide at 31.

Eventually, his mother found a copy of it and pushed for it to be published. She fact the same wall of rejection that her son had until the author Walker Percy stepped in to help her do it. The book got published without much changes - the exact same book that had been continually rejected for years.

The result? The book became a best-seller and modern classic. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1981. It's widely considered the funniest book ever written.

The book was the exact same but the outcome had been out of Toole's hands. He failed to focus on the the things that he could control and it led him to spiral - leading to the world not only wasting the talent of a great author, but more importantly, the loss of a life.

You need to detach from outcomes. Focus entirely on what is in your control. You can influence outcomes but only through your inputs - those things that are in your control. Focus entirely on them and watch your life change.

Practice Acceptance.

Want to know what happens if you don't accept something thats outside your control?

Nothing - besides hurting yourself. The thing has still occurred - you can't change that fact. You're just enhancing your own pain.

Marcus Aurelius knew this when he wrote to himself, "Why should you feel anger at the world? As if it would notice."

Acceptance is hard - but failure to accept things is not only unproductive, its more painful in the long-run. It's wasting valuable mental energy.

The events are not in your control - but Acceptance is, at any moment. You don't even have to like it, but you NEED to accept it to be able to move forward.

Stoicism in Three Steps.

These three concepts barely scratch the surface of the philosophy of Stoicism - but they're powerful enough on their own to alter your life. They'll bring you more peace and more success. They'll reduce regrets and provide you with a deep inner strength.

Remember:

1. Measure against your own potential.
2. Detach from outcomes, and focus on what's in your control
3. Practice Acceptance of the things outside your control.