Desert Island List: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

January 08, 2018 by AJ Bingham in Books

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is one of my favorite books of all-time.

The worn copy (see above picture) I bought at 16 has been with me through college in North Carolina, law school in Kansas, and back home to Austin (and all experiences of life in between).

As background, Marcus Aurelius was Roman emperor from 161 to 180. His Meditations are the compiled records of his private notes to himself and ideas on the Stoicism.

The book was my first exposure to this philosophy, which I have found approachable and practical personally and professionally (as I began my career and onward into Bingham Group).

Stoicism fundamentally (my take) is a philosophy focused on perspective and proportion.

Regarding perspective, this is erasing the view that a given situations is "good" or "bad". Instead situations simply "are" and we determine through our actions how they are received. Easier said than done, for sure, but the overall practice can remove you for the ebb and flow emotions that arise in our daily lives (Note: Not removing emotions Vulcan-style, but also not letting your emotions dictate your response to given situation.

On proportion, it was the idea of finality. That no matter how "great" we are in our time, the great equalizer is death. Put best by Marcus, “Alexander the Great and his mule driver both died and the same thing happened to both.” This was not meant suggest we not strive for great actions and deeds because "What's the point if we're all going to die?" Rather, to understand and live your life, walk your path, and so on to the fullest, because you only have one shot.

The book is never far from me, and it's always in my bag when I travel. It is a ready anchor in times of uncertainty which, for those who are running businesses, can be daily.

Definitely recommend.

LINKS:

What Is Stoicism? A Definition & 3 Stoic Exercises To Get You Started

Buy the book (Amazon)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditations

Reaction to JAY-Z's Family Feud

January 05, 2018 by AJ Bingham in Thoughts

Family, legacy, and female power are some of the prominent themes in to this latest offering from Jay-Z (aka Hova aka Shawn Carter).

The context of the short film (calling it a music video would not to it justice, especially with the A-List cast AND Beyonce and Blue Ivy) idea of ripples in time, our present actions touching future generations, and a step further what they would say or not say about us, is something I reflect on periodically.

Is "Disruption" Possible in the U.S. Lobby?

January 04, 2018 by AJ Bingham in Thoughts

"Disruption" has been de rigueur for the past several years.

Typically the term is applied to tech oriented firms seeking to upend incumbents through creative innovation. From healthcare to banking, and transportation to the law, you have likely heard about how all will be disrupted.

However, one area I have never heard disruption mentioned is the Lobby. That is, the paid advocacy industry.

You are not a "natural"

October 25, 2017 by AJ Bingham in Motivation

You do not possess a natural gift for a certain job, because targeted natural gifts don’t exist. You are not a born CEO or investor or chess grandmaster. You will achieve greatness only through an enormous amount of hard work over many years. And not just any hard work, but work of a particular type that’s demanding and painful. | Source: Geoffrey Colvin, Fortune Magazine

It's uncomfortable to be challenged and force concentration to beat that challenge. If it was easy, everyone would have [whatever your challenge is].

We rarely hear about the demanding and painful times because they don’t make good press. We like seeing the money and success. But like anything, ANYTHING worthwhile; success requires a measure of sacrifice, that is demanding and painful.

//A.J.