How to be Resilient Through Hardship | Aurelius' Meditations Explained

[@bi.johnathan]

Instead of ad reads, my channel is funded directly by people passionate about the Great Books. Help me keep making more episodes with a paid subscription: johnathanbi.com Full Transcript: www.johnathanbi.com/p/transcript-for-lecture-on-marcus-aurelius-meditations If you want a chance to attend my lectures and be kept up to date on all my content subscribe to my newsletter: greatbooks.io Companion lectures and interviews: * Katharina Volk on Stoicism as a Coping Mechanism: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnnFlXqVhpmbmLs Further Readings: * Marcus Aurelius, Meditations: amzn.to/42h9Zb1 (affiliate) <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="0">00:00</a> 0. Introduction <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="475">07:55</a> 1.1 Against Externals: Money <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="827">13:47</a> 1.2 Against Externals: Health <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1047">17:27</a> 1.3 Against Externals: Philosophy <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1224">20:24</a> 1.4 Against Externals: The Greek Philosophical Family <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1407">23:27</a> 1.5 Against Externals: The Stripping Method <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1631">27:11</a> 2. Virtue-Only <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1739">28:59</a> 2.1 Virtue-Only: Aristotle vs. Stoics <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1892">31:32</a> 2.2 Virtue-Only: The Lucky and Unlucky Sages <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2120">35:20</a> 2.3 Virtue-Only: Why the Stoics are Resilient <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2559">42:39</a> 2.4 Virtue-Only: The Obstacle is the Way <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2989">49:49</a> 3. The Preferred Indifferent <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3055">50:55</a> 3.1 The Preferred Indifferent: The Cynics <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3475">57:55</a> 3.2 The Preferred Indifferent: Two Classes of Value <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="67">01:07</a>:45 3.3 The Preferred Indifferent: Where to Find Meaning in Life <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="71">01:11</a>:20 3.4 The Preferred Indifferent: Stoicism is Transcendent and Immanent <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="73">01:13</a>:04 4. Conclusion

[@passiveaction]

Idk where you teach this but you should add the school name or institution to the bio

[@bi.johnathan]

@@passiveaction i teach at youtube.edu

[@Synkronized7]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, great job! Would love to see more lectures on Stoicism and Buddhism. I appreciate the parallels and contrast between the two.

[@nezar-6889]

You're a magnificent speaker, Johnathan!🙌🏻 Your wit, charm and humor never cease to captivate my attention!

[@alexraphmen]

Hey Johnathan. Thanks for everything you do. Just know you've made an impact on a fellow entrepreneur that needed to access this information - not saying this because of the lecture on Marcus, but rather for the exploration of the great books. For whatever it is that you decide to do, this is the kind of timeless work that I look up to, and the passionate elegance that you imprint on this task is a trait I'm looking forward to mimetize in my own pursuits to acquire and share knowledge.

[@bi.johnathan]

Thanks Alex! This comment means a lot. I remember reading these books while building a company and how much impact they had on me

[@benbusinovski2937]

Studied under a former Cambridge lit prof in undergrad, only to see postmodernism and politics hijack the field after he retired. You're a breath of fresh air, bringing back the wonder and depth I once knew. Make Literature Great Again!

[@devonnorris1586]

🆒No thanks necessary! Just do your thing! It doesn’t look cheap!!!!

[@AnmolSahu]

I have watched all of your lectures, and I loved them all. I also love your style, your act, and the background! I have started to admire you. You are one of the rare few whom I wish I could emulate in terms of presentation and articulation skills. I hope you continue providing these high-quality lectures!

[@bi.johnathan]

thank you for your support. many many more to come!

[@leahannemedia]

I remember finding your channel back in August after a big life transformation. In my humble opinion, this is your best lecture so far. 😅 Many takeaways. Thanks

[@Zack-xz1ph]

what we need most to face modernity, is to hear the wisdom of the ancients

[@thinkwithtim]

I just finished watching this lecture. My introduction to stoicism came from Donald Robertson's book "How To Think Like A Roman Emperor". This lecture feels like a summary of that book with Jonathan's amazing teaching style. Absolutely love it. ❤

[@bi.johnathan]

I think I read his biography of Marcus a while back and enjoyed it. Can’t remember exactly though

[@2009kedia]

Thank you for this amazing lecture Johnathan, your speaking skills are impeccable!!

[@bi.johnathan]

I try, thanks!

[@justusschoenmakers8987]

Great video, your lectures allow me to really emerge myself in the subject, so whatever youre doing, keep doing it!!

[@bi.johnathan]

Believe me I will. More lectures on stoicism to come

[@DanielThomasArgueta]

I should've been asleep one hour ago, so I'll have to watch/listen to this later. I also know this will have a lot more than the 6,000+ views it has very quickly!

[@bi.johnathan]

sleep is an indifferent. watching my lectures is a good. you sir are not virtuous

[@DanielThomasArgueta]

😂 Good morning! I'll listen to your lecture during my commute today

[@CramRockets]

I get why the short stuff is necessary, It's great and it must be really helpful for channel growth. But when a long form lecture drops, it's something special.🎉

[@Nova2Yung]

I listen to Meditations almost daily, it heals me.

[@JoseFlow94]

Youre amazing amigo! I followed you since day one and will continue to do so! And i love stoicism.

[@bi.johnathan]

Thanks jose more to come!

[@yadwinderdeol924]

You’re about to blow up this year, Sir! I know this is indifferent, but definitely a preferred indifferent.

[@bi.johnathan]

on social media or in a ted K. kinda way?

[@ksm-7184]

Greetings Jonathan, best wishes from East Asia, being a undergrad in Philosophy that deals with analytical philosophy in the past, this high-quality piece of lecture ( an exquisite mixture of professionalism, creativity and discipline) is a welcome addition to the growing voices of wanting to make philosophy a “lifestyle” or a practical commitment once again, instead of its institutional nature. Your efforts will never go unnoticed, as there are a growing body of people who are willing and capable to understand your style of philosophy and how you intend to narrate them to the world. Your previous videos stating your life events, also adds a touch of depth, warmth and familiarity to your personality, thereby adding more credence to not only what you “teach” but also what you truly feel. For moments that you’ve narrated and explained those concepts in clear terms, thank you, for it was educational. For moments that you’ve strived, with sincerity and vulnerability, to add a personal layer of lived experiences to those ideas - thank you, for it was an intensely meditative experience. For the moments where the first two points collided into a humorous mix of awkward revelation - thank you, for it was a moment of you being truly human. I see much of each other in ourselves, a concept of a mirror if you will, so thank you for being that powerful reminder … that strange, unfamiliar source of familiarity. As I now study Sinology with the specific focus on Eastern Philosophy, thank you for giving me the courage, quiet maturity and the willpower to carry on my life journey. Best wishes for the Lunar New Year Marc Taipei

[@bi.johnathan]

Marc谢谢你的支持与鼓励。我是大陆出生，长大的，虽然对国学没有像对西方思想史钻的那么深但是也小有研究。我明年打算去开始讲东方思想史，把我们传统的精华分享给世界。

[@ksm-7184]

@@bi.johnathan 感謝畢君回覆。 綜其所言，只能誠摯祝福君的教育生崖，諸事順利。從事振鐸之偉業，實為不易，有望珍攝心身健康為宜。畢君歷盡滄桑，造詣高深，才貌雙全，罕見一世，奮發圖強，惠及同士，感激不盡。 異日畢君對於漢學研究，若有疑慮，歡迎再度聯繫，互相磋商，小弟將以綿薄之力，相贈管見芻議，以收集思廣益之效。 最後，專注於振興中華文化的您，有識之士，必然無不歆羨。然而切記於懷，奉勸畢君，穩步試煉，集腋成裘，適度而為。願君共勉之，研究進展駸駸乎，以明明德，實現自我，成就社稷之教化。 相遇難得，有為無為，一切隨緣。 肅此誌謝，順頌 講安。 MJ. Once again, truly appreciate your time to read and reply. Take care Jon, you're a legend.

[@Psyfertospsb]

@@bi.johnathanyes! Please do! As somebody who grew up in the west, I have always wanted to understand the eastern philosophic tradition.

[@zack2415]

@@bi.johnathanwould highly appreciate lectures on great eastern philosophers

[@epis9260]

Been waiting for this sort of lecture on Marcus Aurelius, I thank you as sincerely as possible

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks!

[@Vipined]

I just to see the wealth seciton but you were so well spoken and well organised while speaking that I watched the whole video without even noticing it Loved the video, make more of these

[@jesusmadrid9816]

I appreciate the effort and hard work into this video. You’re creating a great impact on my life ❤

[@AaronJMitchelll]

Once again an amazing disection. Studying the complex and making it approachable and digestable to the non specialist. Thank you for your work. I listen to your lectures during my moring commute and it puts me in such a great headspace that allows me to be so positively curious about the world. Thank you for your work! ✊🏾

[@ipushprajyadav]

Never stop..love these lectures.. it would be cool if you provide us some homework.

[@bi.johnathan]

first time any teacher has heard that probably!

[@jeromejerome9395]

The late professor Sugrue introduced me to Marcus. He changed my life.

[@GetChetGo94]

+1

[@aaronrosen1008]

+2

[@bengrime6312]

+3

[@Patrick-lm6nk]

This was great, well done Johnathan! I'd love to see more lectures on Stoicism from you.

[@gems.so2]

I love this, great lecture johnathan. Love the outfit

[@Sisyphus16]

Literally, i am checking your channel everyday for new video bcuz i can see the passion for philosophy through your channel and it inspired me alot. Thank you so much buddy

[@bi.johnathan]

sorry for the long wait. We currently have a backlog of 10+ filmed episodes ready to launch so planning once a week for next few months

[@bigpoppa4264]

THANK YOU JONATHAN! AND THANK YOU MARCUS!

[@LoftyAssertions]

Fantastic and balanced perspective of the philosophy, and what a great locale! Wish I could have been there I also find it fascinating how me and my partner refer to Marcus by his first name, there is some odd sense of personal closeness that isn't shared by any other historical figure. Perhaps it's because his journal is addressed to himself, yet we read it.

[@roastedinsanity4950]

Absolutely love your videos. Most videos about philosophy on yt today are 10-15 min videos that try to explain deep subjects in a extremely shallow way, almost like a commercial. It completely takes out depth that these philosophers wrote with and the meaningful activity of creating your own connections and understanding of the subject. Your work resembles true art and beauty. Thank you again, you are amazing!

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks for this, means the world. Glad to see that my labor of love is not lost on deaf ears (or blind eyes)

[@katesolanas]

One of your best lectures, I think. Thank you, Johnathan :)

[@A_Random_Rat]

These lectures are so good

[@bi.johnathan]

I try!

[@Zeeshanijaz844]

You are an amazing and complete personality.

[@koroglurustem1722]

Thanks John for another great lecture about the best practical philosophy-stoicism! From my understanding, you add belief in God and hereafter to the stoicism, you get Islam.

[@therealdonaldtrump4528]

Thank you for the lecture, Jonathan. This series reminds me of the videos posted by Michael Sugrue.

[@ItsByMina]

amazing!!! please keep posting, you will thrive

[@mariorojas2126]

This man has class.

[@adentroelviento]

Oh man, what a way to close the lecture ❤ I felt exactly the same when I read the first chapter 😢

[@bi.johnathan]

glad you resonated!

[@reidchikezie1161]

Thank you Sir, I binge watched it and took notes.

[@louis8799]

This is not the best video on this channel but this is the best video on stoicism on the internet.

[@bi.johnathan]

double praise!

[@GlitchInTheSkatricks]

You can always see it when someone is walking in their calling. It’s easy to tell how much you love this and want to share it with others. I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture and really appreciate your work, brother 🙏 It’s content like this that makes me more hopeful about the present and future of education in the world. I feel this platform also allows for teachers/mentors to get paid what they truly deserve instead of the insane salary of an institution. Make education great again!!! 🫡 🙌

[@fantianyu]

Awesome lecture. Thank you again Johnathan.

[@billyjam1404]

this is actually good clear interpretation for stoics. the pursuit of intelligence, virtue and wisdom, hence philosophy, philo-sophia

[@davefilmssometimes]

PLEASE do a lecture like this on Diogenes the Cynic. He's especially hard for me to figure out but I love learning about him.

[@bi.johnathan]

i think you just want me to tell you more about why its ok to masturbate and defecate in public

[@fantianyu]

@@bi.johnathan Uhhh, yes 😂

[@Skargar]

I really like your lecture, as I have taken already a lot of the lessons of stoicism to heart. They helped me a lot to deal with my moms passing. What I wonder now is how stoics can tap into the drive a strong ego can provide. To go forth aggressively and take on big goals. I'm not sure if I am missing something here or if stoicism is lacking here. Its something I'm struggling with myself now.

[@manumanumolador]

I was really waiting for this one-I knew you were going to cover Meditations someday! I absolutely love Marcus Aurelius and Meditations, and you did such a great job with this lecture. That said, I’d also really love to see you do a lecture on Albert Camus. Maybe one of his books like The Rebel, The Stranger, or The Myth of Sisyphus? I think it would be a fascinating topic for you to dive into. Keep up the amazing work!”

[@bi.johnathan]

the wait is over!!! (but it'll be a while before I do camus, so keep waiting :P )

[@manumanumolador]

@@bi.johnathan Will wait patiently with my philosophical popcorn!

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Jonathan. 👍👍

[@bi.johnathan]

Thank you!

[@mohamadnabole]

Very awesome. Thanks Dear Johnathan

[@bi.johnathan]

Thank you dear mohamad

[@trent797]

Fantastic lecture...definitely looking forward to the Cicero one.

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks, I'm gonna have a lot of fun with that one

[@matsobanemosehla29]

Hi Jonathan, thank you a lot for this segment on Marcus Aurelius. Is it possible you can share your highly recommended reading materials on stoic philosophy and their authors. When you are doing so please exclude meditations, Letters from a stoic Lucius Seneca and the teachings of a stoic Epictetus

[@matsobanemosehla29]

Thanks a lot for this , Jonathan. May you please delve into Musonius Rufus

[@cryptoinvestearn]

Amazing work as always brother

[@bi.johnathan]

thank you sir!

[@allenchaney5528]

Bravo 👏 thanks for another great lecture 🙏🏿

[@alexg21693]

incredible stuff, thank you

[@jorgemendoza2671]

Hyped about this one, I’ve watched Mr Sugrue’s take about Marcus Aurelius this should match up in terms of overall quality

[@bi.johnathan]

He was a big inspiration 🙏! RIP

[@PortugueseBall]

My favorite book of all time ❤

[@yeyohuevonhassassin2]

The reincarnation of Dr Michael Sugrue, this was an amazing lecture, Wow.

[@Mestizame]

just wow!

[@passiveaction]

Good job. Probably the clearest lecture on this topic I've heard.

[@theeyesofanimmigrant4442]

I would love to sit in one of those chairs somedays!

[@bi.johnathan]

join my email list! I will be sending out lecture invites shortly

[@theeyesofanimmigrant4442]

@ also, I am from Nepal, where in Nepal did you go?

[@christiangennari]

Might the late Dr.Michael Sugre have been inspiration? I see a similar way of presenting, which should be regarded as a great compliment!

[@bi.johnathan]

Yes, loved his lectures. RIP

[@tenma-ds6er]

luv the work, man

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks for the continued support!

[@AyaGumede]

FYI, Marcus Aurelius was a heavy drug user who had his physician Galen produce and administer drugs to him daily. Most of his written thoughts were produced by him in those drug induced states

[@nightcitydrive534]

I saw your lecture on Nietzsche. How does stoicism and Nietzsche compare, and how can you find a compromise or resolve these two philosophical schools

[@Ridou]

Damn, fire upload.

[@bi.johnathan]

🔥

[@adamstevens5518]

Stoicism seems like a good practical philosophy given how the brain works. Essentially a bunch of temporally dynamic interconnecting and autonomous modules. So one can, in theory, keep whatever you define as the happiness module going regardless of most external circumstances. Interestingly id hypothesize that the one exception might be addiction (or direct brain damage). Since this impacts the brain’s neurochemistry itself, this can theoretically impact the happiness module in a way that would require specific intervention to overcome.

[@nilesbq]

Your lecture reminds me of Michael Sugrue

[@life-mn5qf]

I'm 32 but still no path to go, in my early age I practice stoic rules, and imagine exactly bad suitution of life, but now I'm stuck

[@thegarciafamilyletscook]

Yes sir ❤🎉

[@CoreofShane]

Great presentation. Just wanted to share a thought on <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2449">40:49</a> It seems to me that stoics are one step away from being nihilists in that, nothing outside of virtue seems to have value.

[@bi.johnathan]

That's close but not exactly it: the stoics do believe external goods have value but a fundamentally different kind of value than virtue.

[@CoreofShane]

@@bi.johnathan Interesting! Yeah looks like I had written that comment too early into the lecture. Just finished the preferred indifference part. In my mind, I’m comparing this to a sort of Christian metaphysics (I am aware that some stoicism is embedded in Christianity.) In Christianity, my understanding is that the world internal and external and everything in it is good. Material and non material, spirit and flesh. Both have value, if properly ordered under God. I.E the Incarnation. A focus on only the external/material is what is condemned. My understanding of stoicism so far is that Virtue/Spirit is the ultimate value, and the external/material is valuable in so far as it aids in Virtue. So maybe a bit of gnostic spices added in? 😅 Thanks again!

[@browarnik123browarnik5]

I can create virtues such i can be happy easly without helping others.

[@TheChristianNationalist8692]

Hello Jonathan, Just a note from my long exposure to Marcus Aurelius: Meaning is not the most appropriate word. Marcus and other stools had a word for bettering externals. Marcus used the word “Duty”. He thought he owed existence as a good Citizen, if in fact he believed himself to be one. God rest

[@bi.johnathan]

agreed, but meaning is more relatable to a modern audience. why i prefaced that whole section with "this is not what stoics would say but maybe this is helpful"

[@Prince1905-b6n]

loved it

[@serendipity-discover]

Finally someone understands... Finally

[@SpaceCityTuan]

The thumbnail for this one wayyyy better than before. Still feels integral to the original theme.

[@bi.johnathan]

thanks. why do you say so? What makes it better do you think?

[@SpaceCityTuan]

@ so two things it keeps the spirit of the original thumbnails with the white text and the background of what one presumes to be a lecture hall. We know you have done this to focus on the importance of the great works. Second it shows a clear image of yourself. In this way it acknowledges you as an individual not just what you teach hold a value. It reminds the user that they come for the star power of who you are and what you bring to the philosophical world. Whether you like it or not you hold some endearment in the hearts of many as date I say a pseudo celebrity. Every thumbnail needs to have your recognizable and endeared image to attract those familiar with your air(essence, vibe).

[@nurfuis]

You killed it.

[@david50665]

AI has far exceeded me in verbal skills but it still has a long way to go to catch up to Johnathan...and in terms of the whole package there is no comparison at this point

[@bi.johnathan]

I can guarantee you AI cannot compete with my "package"

[@passiveaction]

Everything that happens in reality is ultimately a positive, life death, happiness sadness, pleasure pain. Because something is not nothing. Therefore all of existence is positive and everything within. Use words as a measure but not a definition. There is nothing more beautiful than an assortment of colors. For heaven is derived from earth, therefore heaven is earth and earth is heaven.

[@bloodriot96503]

I respect you so much more now that I know you were/are a gamer.

[@bi.johnathan]

I logged over 1000 hours over a single year in guild wars 2 in high school. unfortunately don't have that time these days

[@bloodriot96503]

@@bi.johnathan haha that's wild. I've also played a lot of mmo's in my life however I have taken a break from them to see if there's something else I can do with my time (still searching though)

[@ideas.lifeeeeee]

The Unlucky Sage reminds me of Job in the Bible

[@josephmolitor1470]

Insane that just one person had money for the three things they need. I had money, food, and peace.

[@passiveaction]

We seek freedom but put on chains. Society's ultimate irony is conformity

[@Abmer-s9w]

❤🔥

[@bi.johnathan]

first!

[@Abmer-s9w]

@@bi.johnathanyes 💯😊

[@EclecticEngineer604]

❤️🙏🏼

[@bi.johnathan]

😇

[@browarnik123browarnik5]

Diogenes way is the best.

[@Scott-et4kd]

"A deep engagement with the world." For what? Tomorrow we die.

[@Patsfan2938]

What translation are you reading from??

[@bi.johnathan]

I used the loeb to practice my Ancient Greek

[@Patsfan2938]

@@bi.johnathanawesome! My family is Greek and I know zero lol. Very tough to learn I hear. Love the content especially on Nietzsche!!

[@bi.johnathan]

@@Patsfan2938 more to come! (and shame on you :P )

[@Patsfan2938]

@@bi.johnathanawesome very excited.

[@Dino_Medici]

“So ripe olives, when they are next to putrefaction, then are they in their proper beauty.”

[@bi.johnathan]

i originally had that quote in but had to cut it out for length.

[@cartersprouse6318]

Where does he film these lectures?

[@bi.johnathan]

Maxwell Tribeca

[@cartersprouse6318]

@@bi.johnathan Amazing! Great set. Are the lectures invite-only or open to public? Thinking about doing some where subscribers can attend?

[@bi.johnathan]

Yup I’ll be sending out invites via my email list greatbooks.io if you are subscribed you will get a chance to receive an invitation.

[@zombiemachinery4868]

Keep going boy. I like your work. Don't stop.

[@bi.johnathan]

Man’s gotta rest

[@zombiemachinery4868]

@@bi.johnathan, resting is cute... when performed before the next battle. Just don't get discouraged, I like what you're doing here. The aesthetics and the presentation are top notch. We need this.

[@bryanutility9609]

I would ban video games if Emperor.

[@boogeyman-g3l]

🙌🔥

[@bi.johnathan]

💦 water pokemon, i win

[@WolfAmongTheSheep]

You're continuing Michael Sugrue's great works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6bYnGSvaamFnc0si=lOOnSDdKzTQGmB6E

[@vishnuvs9253]

Diogenese the dog my man

[@Anti-Parlamentario]

✅✅✅

[@bi.johnathan]

💟💟💟

[@mothusimafojane-z5s]

LET HIM COOK!

[@bi.johnathan]

👩‍🍳

[@Dino_Medici]

If Socrates and Rousseau had a kid and that kid decided to be a terrorist 😭

[@bi.johnathan]

someone report him to the FBI

[@devonnorris1586]

A few of the books in the back are crooked. Literally unwatchable.

[@elmorroable]

Wannabe jordan peterson lol

[@johnhiggins7743]

Do you pay this audience?