Great Conquerors: Julius Caesar

Hello Enlightened Samurai Readers, 

Did you know Julius Caesar stands as Rome's most famous general? He was the catalyst for the Roman Republic's metamorphosis into the mighty Roman Empire. A man so audacious and brilliant that it’s hard not to be impressed by him. From his tenure in the Roman Senate to the conquest of Gaul to his defeat of Pompey, Caesar embodies this unstoppable rise to greatness in Roman history.

Moreover, Caesar became so great because of two personality traits. Those traits are his charisma and boldness. These two traits will be the focus of this edition of Great Conquerors.

Charisma:

Julius Caesar commanded his legions and spoke to the citizens of Rome with supreme charisma. He had a genuine ability to connect with people and make them feel understood, valued and inspired. His charisma came from his self-belief about his accomplishments and his conviction to Rome. This self-belief was infectious, rallying people to his cause and making them believe in the seemingly impossible.

The Value: 

Charisma holds a profound significance in our society; those who have it generally live fulfilling and happy lives. They usually get what they desire. At its core, charisma is anchored in three pillars: Power, Warmth, and Presence. Power is not just about dominance but the genuine ability to influence those around us, often stemming from genuine confidence. Warmth, on the other hand, is the radiant energy we bestow upon others, crafted from genuine kindness, consideration, respect, and love. Presence, the most subtle of the three, is about truly being in the moment, actively listening and engaging, rather than being aloof. It's this very presence that amplifies our warmth and power, making others feel valued. Together, these three elements intertwine to define true charisma.

Boldness:

In 49 BC, faced with the ultimatum of disbanding his army or being declared an enemy of the state, Caesar chose to cross the Rubicon River, a point of no return, leading to the Roman Civil War. His audacious decision underscores the essence of risk-taking: sometimes, to achieve greatness, one must venture into the unknown, defying all odds.

The Value:

Being audacious is the only way you can achieve great things. His audacious actions are why we still remember him in the 21st Century. Being as audaciously bold as Casear is incredibly exhilarating. Taking bold actions creates a more interesting and fulfilling life, even if they have a small consequence. You should think to yourself regularly, how could I be more like Caesar? What is my crossing of the Rubicon? Thoughts like these will make you instantly feel more excited about your day-to-day life. In conclusion, Boldness will make you stand out from the rest of the people around you.

Next Edition Teaser:
Ashoka the Great: From Ruthless Conqueror to Beacon of Peace. Explore the transformative journey of this ancient Indian emperor and understand lessons in personal growth and redemption.