12/13/2020
We have the luxury of having 2,020 years (AD) preceding us. There are countless people whom have done extraordinary things throughout history. Yet, few of us spend time learning about their lives and studying their blueprint.
Many of us would rather read a repetitive 300-page self-help book with a message that could easily be conveyed in a one-page essay. Additionally, the authenticity of these authors is often unknown or questionable.
Yet, there is a dusty aisle of texts filled with auto-biographies and biographies about great humans who accomplished remarkable achievements. These were people of action and ex*****on. They constantly practiced their craft and became masters at it.
They invented, built, led, fought, created and loved. Their contributions propelled civilization forward on an iconic level.
As humans, we are adaptable. We can become our greatest self by absorbing the characteristics of great people before us. We can learn to think like Marcus Aurelias, lead like Alexander the Great, persevere like Abraham Lincoln, love like Jesus Christ, and practice courage like Malala Yousafzai. We can also embody the traits of those closer to us. Our fathers, grandmothers, mentors, teachers and brethren.
Originality is not so perspicuous. We are a combination of many factors. However, when we become aware of how we can adapt any quality we want from another and make it part of who we are, we can level up and realize that the men and women before us were no more unique or capable than us.
They left us clues and maps on how to achieve our potential. This is not hyperbole preached by a charismatic leader or eloquent writer. This is proof. This is action.
We can continue to read books talking about 4-hour work weeks, the arts of not giving a f**k and living in the present moment. Perhaps there is some value there. But, it also may be addictive; transforming us into a comfortable consumer and thus paralyzing us from taking action.
We all share a human potential that is way beyond our own understanding. Read their stories, interview them, or simply spend more time with the people that broke through their own barriers to change the world