It’s something simple to take for granted. It’s free. It’s easy. Anyone can do it.
Except, not anyone.
The emperor of Rome could not exactly just take a stroll through the city. There were safety concerns, after all. He could not enjoy an anonymous walk along the river or through the streets. He could not bump into friends or explore.
It wasn’t just unsafe, it wasn’t feasible. He did not have control of his schedule and time, pressed as he was with business and obligations. And so, in this way, the most powerful man in the world lacked a freedom that we so readily assume everyone has.
Indeed, the closest Marcus Aurelius could come was perhaps his private walking track at the Palatine Stadium or the emperor’s shortcut, a hidden, 300-yard passageway of zigzagging ramps that carried the emperor from the palace down to the Forum, safely separated from the streets of Rome.
We, on the other hand, have this freedom—and what do we do? We sit on our phones. We sit at our desks. We drive even short distances. In the process, we deprive ourselves of a bit of nature, a bit of exercise, a better sense of our neighborhood, and one of the most basic forms of movement available to us. That’s crazy!
It was shaped by a room full of people who didn’t always agree, but acted anyway.
Founding Brothers dives into the debates, arguments, and compromises that shaped a nation. 1776 shows leadership tested through consecutive losses. The British Are Coming explores how to hold your ground when the outcome is uncertain. Shortform breaks each book down into practical action plans on decision-making, resilience, and teamwork. A leadership manual, made simple.
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