🚀 The Book in 3 Sentences

1. Self-improvement is not punishment it is simply the work for which pleasure is the reward
2. Improve your Body, your Temperament and your Soul every day
3. The less you desire, the richer you are, the freer you are, the more powerful you are

🕵🏼Who Should Read It?

This book is written for everyone because it contains rules and values that apply to everyone and can aid in their self-improvement journey. However, it is possible that some individuals may find certain rules and values in the book to be overly strict or extreme. Additionally, those who are seeking a book that offers specific actions to improve their life may not find what they are looking for in this book.

☘️ How the Book Changed Me

The book has improved my perception of stoicism. As a result of reading it, I re-evaluated some of my life goals and the material possessions that I believed were necessary. Furthermore, it reinforced my admiration for Marcus Aurelius. I intend to read "Meditations" now in order to gain more insight into his philosophies and the values associated with the stoic way of life. This book serves as a powerful motivator and imparts important life lessons.

✍️ My Top 3 Quotes

“When a man can control his life, his physical needs, his lower self he elevates himself.” Muhammad Ali

“Freedom is only the opportunity for self-discipline.” Eisenhower

“You may lose battle but never lose a minute to sloth” Napoleon

📒 Summary + Notes

The book employs prominent figures to illustrate crucial values that lead to success, good health, and happiness in life. It recounts the lives of notable individuals such as Lou Gehrig, Queen Elizabeth II, boxer Floyd Patterson and Marcus Aurelius, among others, and details their actions to demonstrate important values. The author, Ryan, classifies these values into three categories: The Body, The Temperament, and The Soul.

THE EXTERIOR (THE BODY)

The advantages of maintaining a healthy body are widely acknowledged in all scientific fields and Ryan emphasizes the importance of taking care of your body. In this chapter, he highlights the significance of going to bed and waking up early, as previously mentioned in the summary of "Sleep Smarter."

Sleep Smarter

Ryan also emphasizes the need to govern our bodies effectively. Although our bodies have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, our environment has undergone significant transformations. Our bodies are designed for survival, but survival is no longer a concern in contemporary society. Therefore, when our bodies crave unhealthy food, we must remind ourselves, that we no longer live in the Stone Age and we don't need to worry about getting enough food.

It is crucial to exercise control over our physical needs, dress well, treat our bodies well, moderate our desires, work hard, exercise regularly and pursue opportunities because these actions can foster positive thinking and happiness while also resulting in significant rewards.

THE INNER DOMAIN (THE TEMPERAMENT)

The temperament of a human being is just as important for a healthy and successful life as having a healthy body. Many people are entirely in control of their physical appearance, but their life is a mess elsewhere, leading to nothing. Practising self-control daily and managing your temptations is vital. You must concentrate and keep your focus on the main thing only. For example, Ludwig van Beethoven would sometimes abruptly leave a conversation with his friends to write down a new melody during his famous flow state. Focus goes hand in hand with respecting your time and using it wisely. Too many people waste endless time watching TV or on their phones watching YouTube. However, it's important to know that you don't have to be perfect and the 80/20 Pareto Principle can help you get things done efficiently. The Pareto Principle states that you can get 80% of your work done in 20% of your time, but the remaining 20% of the work will take 80% of your time. Therefore, use your time wisely, moderate your ambition and strive to improve yourself every day.

THE MAGISTERIAL (THE SOUL)

In this chapter, Ryan talks about how it's not uncommon to find someone who has physical control of themselves. Nor is there a shortage of brilliant people who have brought their minds and spirits under control in the pursuit of this profession or that one. What is extraordinarily rare is someone who not only combines these two disciplines but also manages to do so in the so-called arena, in public life as a doer, a contributor to society.

Ryan explains the importance of staying flexible despite your habits and making others better. He tells the story of Angela Merkel, who did not let the position she was in or the money she had change her. She had no problem when people referred to her as the "girl of the pastor". That is the key. Do not let the success you experience change the way you talk with people or how you view them. Be strict with yourself but tolerant of others. This is one of the most important values for a stoic.

Now equipped with the values of a modern stoic, I wish you the best of luck on your journey to practice stoicism. Feel free to leave a comment about what you think of the book and the values it preaches and I hope to see you again, reading the next blog.

With regards
Devin Hasler