A Platonic, Epicurean, Stoic, and Cynic practice on reinvigorating your life — The Platonists, Epicureans, Stoics, and even the Cynics had practical exercises for gaining perspective. Their aim was to achieve the greatness of soul and inner peace and show how delusional and absurd our problems are. They focused their minds completely and imagined their souls literally taking flight into the universe…

Hemingway was a true, badass writer. At only about 18 years old, he looked to enlist in the US Army and join the fight during World War I. The Army rejected him though because of his poor eyesight, but that didn’t stop this young guy. He joined the Red Cross…

Ancient wisdom on ego, empathy, awareness, and not taking yourself too seriously — He’s been compared to Jesus Christ, credited with founding Western philosophy, and described as ‘mythical’ by his first generation disciples. He wrote nothing. His disciples founded schools, but they varied in doctrine. As for the works of his loyal disciple, Plato, it’s hard to tell what’s Socratic and what’s Platonic…

On teaching the mind to head-butt nails into wood and uproot trees with a bear hug — They finger-punch trees, break stones in half with their bare hands, balance their bodies on sharp spears, and bend metal pipes with their heads. They’re considered some of the hardest humans alive. How do they do it? Recluse from pleasures, discipline, early rising, and sitting meditation of course. But their…

5 simple lessons from a Japanese diplomat who risked his life and saved thousands during WWII — This was one of the largest rescues of Jews in the Holocaust. Because of one man. Who acted in direct violation of official government policy and sacrificed a bright career and future. Who risked his life and that of his family. For others. Who decided to live by his deepest…

Learning to be an optimist using the power of your emotions — Being an optimist means realizing that there is hope and that things can improve with the right mindset, feedback, effort, and tools. We may not achieve our exact goal, but we can get pretty close, and optimism can help us get there. What is it Optimism has two important principles, according to the…

On using the psychology of influence and emotion to go farther together — Chris Voss is considered one of the best negotiators in the world. Over 20 years in the FBI, including 15 as a hostage negotiator. And chosen among thousands of agents to serve as the FBI’s lead international kidnapping negotiator. His secret: learning to navigate other people’s emotions. It’s based on…

On using your emotions for success in any challenge — Things aren’t going your way. You’re angry, anxious, and stressed out. Your day is an emotional rollercoaster. All you want to do is get rid of those negative emotions so you can get on with the rest of your day and finish strong. That’s the natural reaction. But abundant research…

On identifying the things getting in the way of your God-given potential — It’s human nature to judge a book by its cover. We do it often. Especially when someone doesn’t fit our preconceived notions of what should be. But you don’t know what someone’s going through. We’re all fighting our own battles. These five patterns will show you: why people behave the…