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“The essence of greatness is the perception that virtue is enough.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You ever feel like you’re stuck between worlds?
Too Asian for America, but too American for your Asian family?
Like your face tells one story, but your heart is somewhere else entirely?

I know that feeling. If you’re part of the Asian diaspora — whether you grew up in NYC, Sydney, London, or somewhere in the Midwest — you’ve probably felt it too. Not quite at home in your skin. Not quite at peace with your place.

But what if I told you that a Roman emperor from 2,000 years ago already understood this struggle — and had answers for it?

In this episode, I share how Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations — the personal journal of one of history’s greatest philosopher-kings — offers timeless wisdom for the modern identity crisis. Especially for Asian diaspora youth navigating inherited trauma, cultural confusion, and feelings of not belonging.

Marcus ruled an empire, buried children, endured plagues, and still chose humility, compassion, and self-discipline. And through it all, he came back to this:

Live in accordance with Nature. Do your duty. Be good. Do good. That’s enough.

As members of the diaspora, we’ve inherited so much — the good, the bad, the beautiful, the broken. But we don’t have to throw away our heritage to belong. We don’t have to hide our pain to be strong. We get to shape our identity with purpose and virtue.

Whether you’re lost, angry, disconnected, or searching — this is for you.

TL;DR - Delve into the rabbit hole of Stoic philosophy so it can change your life and help you reframe your Asian identity (struggle) in a positive meaningful way. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO START:

1. Why You Need to Read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
2. Marcus Aurelius - Meditations narrated by Vox Stoica
3. ABSOLUTE GOLDEN LECTURE: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: The Stoic Ideal

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