Great Conquerors: Julius Caesar

Hello Enlightened Samurai Readers,  

Glory and fortune are my concubines!

This is the mindset of Julius Caesar.

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 an unstoppable rise to greatness in Roman history.

This rise can be attributed to certain personality traits that Caesar possessed—namely, charisma and boldness. These two traits will be the focus of this edition of Great Conquerors.

Anticipating Pompey's reliance on his superior cavalry, Caesar stationed a hidden reserve force of elite cohorts behind his lines. When Pompey's cavalry attempted to outflank Caesar's right, this reserve force launched a surprise attack, routing Pompey's cavalry and turning the tide of the battle.

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 to disband his army or be branded a traitor, Julius Caesar made his choice.

He crossed the Rubicon River, knowing it was a point of no return—a single act that made him an enemy of the entire Roman Republic.

This moment of audacity defines the essence of risk-taking: to achieve greatness, one must do the unthinkable, embrace uncertainty, and challenge the odds head-on.

The Value:

Being audacious is the only way to achieve greatness.

It’s Caesar’s boldness that immortalized him, ensuring his name is still spoken in the 21st century. Even beyond fame, to be as audaciously daring as Caesar is not just exhilarating—it’s transformative. Bold actions, no matter how small, breathe life into the ordinary, creating a more vibrant and fulfilling existence.

Ask yourself regularly: How can I be more like Caesar? What is my Rubicon to cross today? Thoughts like these ignite excitement and purpose, turning your day-to-day life into an adventure worth living.

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