Start of Book Two: the Emperor begins the morning with certain assumptions - he advises how to behave in harmony with others

The Emperor is thankful to the higher powers for certain gifts/advantages and he enumerates these at the end of Book One.

Though the Emperor Aurelius lost his biological father at age three, his step-father seems to have done more than a sufficient job imparting key instructions and wise counsel.

The Emperor continues to explore the great insights and wise lifestyle counsel gained from the influential voices of his friends.

Emperor Aurelius itemizes all the great insights he gained from good friends and the example of others.

the Emperor discusses what he learned form his grandfather and surrounding family

There's a ton of talk regarding 'stoicism' in the man-o-sphere. This philosophy is celebrated for its mastery/control over our base emotions, challenging circumstances, and interactions with other people. Stoicism's conception of the virtuous man has shaped Western Civilization's definition of 'manhood' and its origins pre-date Christianity. Season One's title is on the bookshelf of all the modern 'mega-chads' and 'vet-bros' and 'performance athletes' - the ones who exclusively eat elk and kick-box and smoke cigars and hold frame with the ladies. Why do they love stoicism? Because it's fallen out of fashion in our post-modern 21st century. Arguably, Stoicism's greatest champion was Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius; his writings: 'Meditations' - available for download/read along HERE - provide us with hidden gems along ancient pathways. We intend to govern well; we wish to behave as dignified men. But - A Viceroy acknowledges only One King. Christ Jesus and His transforming nature is our only concern. This podcast will utilize 'Meditations' as a case study to compare/contrast with the humility of the overcoming Christ. Join us as we 'chunk and chew' a few paragraphs at a time. When Pontius Pilot proclaimed 'ecce homo' (behold the man) and pointed to King Jesus - little did he know he was presenting the model for our masculinity today. What mastery - what manner of wisdom, courage, self-control, and justice did Jesus demonstrate as he marched himself toward Jerusalem with resolute determination to his unmerited, horrific, sacrificial death of public humiliation and suffering? Could you do that? The psychological, social, and physical pressures must have been unimaginable. All of us would have broken - no matter our resolve or SEAL training. The Roman Emperor - as great a man as he likely was, stoic in every respect - could not match the Man (and Savior) Christ Jesus. We will keep it tight and punchy because we know you're busy. Welcome to Season One: Meditations.