The Modern Man

Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons when we least expect it. For me, the path to becoming a stronger, more resilient man began in the aftermath of a nasty breakup. Yeah, you read that right. A breakup led me to Stoicism, and eventually to Bushido – two ancient philosophies that would shape my journey into Marine training and beyond.

Let me take you back. Picture a younger, more naive version of myself, nursing a broken heart and searching for answers. That’s when I stumbled upon the Stoics. Their teachings hit me like a punch to the gut – in the best way possible. The idea that we can’t control external events, only our reactions to them? That was a game-changer. But it wasn’t until I picked up “Warrior’s Creed” by Roger Sparks that everything clicked into place. This book, more than any other I’ve read, changed my life. It introduced me to the Hagakure, another book that changed me, these books represent one thing, the way of the warrior, and showed me how these ancient Japanese principles could apply to modern life.

As I prepared for Marine training, I found myself drawing on both Stoicism and Bushido. These weren’t just philosophical concepts anymore – they were practical tools for pushing through pain, overcoming self-doubt, and becoming the man I knew I could be. Stoicism taught me to focus on what I could control. During those gruelling training sessions, when every muscle screamed for me to quit, I remembered Marcus Aurelius: “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” It wasn’t about controlling the pain, but controlling my reaction to it. Bushido, on the other hand, instilled in me a sense of duty and honour. The samurai code emphasises loyalty, self-discipline, and the mastery of fear. When faced with seemingly impossible tasks, I’d recall the words of Yamamoto Tsunetomo: “The way of the samurai is found in death.” It reminded me that to achieve greatness, I had to be willing to “die” to my old self, my limitations, my doubts.

There were days when the training seemed too much. Days when laziness whispered for me to take it easy, when doubt told me I wasn’t cut out for this. But the combination of Stoic resilience and samurai determination proved more powerful than any negative thought. I remember one particularly brutal endurance test. As we ran mile after mile, carrying heavy packs, I felt my resolve wavering. That’s when I drew on a Stoic practice – negative visualisation. I imagined how I’d feel if I quit, if I let myself and my team down. Then I visualised success, the pride of pushing through. Alongside this, I recalled the Bushido principle of “Giri” – the burden of obligation. My duty wasn’t just to myself, but to my fellow NODS (a nickname given to Royal marine recruits), to the code I was living by. These philosophies didn’t just get me through training – they’ve become a part of who I am. In everyday life, I still find myself drawing on these teachings. When facing a tough decision at work, I ask myself what the honourable path is, what aligns with my duty. When life throws curveballs, I remember to focus on my response, not the event itself.

Here’s the thing, gents. We all face our own battles, our own “training” in life. Maybe you’re not preparing for the Marines, but you’re pushing for a promotion, starting a business, or fighting to be a better father. The wisdom of the Stoics and the code of the samurai aren’t relics of the past – they’re tools for building the men we want to be today.

So, I challenge you. Seek out wisdom from unexpected sources. Read “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. Pick up “Warrior’s Creed” by Roger Sparks. Hell, read “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi. Find the philosophies that resonate with you and put them into practice. Remember, it’s not about becoming a perfect Stoic or an ideal samurai. It’s about taking these timeless principles and forging them into something uniquely your own. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself – The Modern Man.

What ancient wisdom guides you? How have you applied age-old principles to modern challenges? Share your experiences in the comments. Let’s learn from each other and keep pushing forward, always.

Faithfully yours,

Jack