Insights from Ryan Holiday’s 'The Boy Who Would Be King'
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Stoicism for Kids
Ryan Holiday has emerged as a prominent figure in promoting Stoicism in contemporary times. Having read nearly all of his works, I find them insightful and well-articulated. His latest venture, The Boy Who Would Be King, marks his debut in children's literature, narrating the tale of Marcus Aurelius in a concise yet engaging 54-page picture book.
At just three years old, my toddler isn't yet reading independently, so I took on the role of storyteller. The book was accessible through Kindle Unlimited, which I eagerly borrowed. While my wife and I generally limit our child's screen time—keeping it to under an hour as advised by the WHO—I made an exception this time, opting to read from my Kindle app on the iPad.
The experience turned out to be enjoyable for both of us, and we discovered several valuable Stoic lessons, particularly two that resonated with us.
Section 1.1: Reflecting on Life’s Purpose
The first lesson that stood out involved a thought-provoking question posed by Marcus's teacher, Rusticus: "Is this what you were put on this earth to do?" When Rusticus found Marcus still under the covers, he challenged him in a playful tone. My toddler and I repeated this line with exaggerated enthusiasm, finding joy in its delivery.
This question serves as a valuable prompt for self-reflection whenever we find ourselves prioritizing pleasure over responsibility or indulging in distractions. For instance:
- "Is this what you were put on this earth to do? Play video games?"
- "Is this what you were put on this earth to do? Waste time on social media?"
Rusticus's words can guide us to reconsider our choices, nudging us back on a path toward purpose.
Section 1.2: Managing Anger with the Alphabet
Another lesson we appreciated revolved around managing anger. Marcus Aurelius had a technique: counting the letters of the alphabet when he felt anger rising. My toddler and I enjoyed pretending to be angry, only to shift gears by reciting the alphabet together, transforming our frustration into laughter.
I wish I had learned this technique as a child; it could have prevented many unkind words from being spoken. However, it's never too late to adopt this practice. I plan to use this method whenever I sense my temper flaring.
Chapter 2: More Lessons to Explore
Ryan Holiday Reads The Boy Who Would Be King (Stoicism for Kids) - In this engaging reading, Ryan Holiday presents key Stoic principles in a way that's relatable for children.
The Boy Who Would Be KING Book! - A vibrant overview of the book, highlighting its lessons and the importance of Stoicism in daily life.
As I look forward to revisiting this book with my child in a year or two, I’m excited to explore additional lessons together, such as:
- Marcus's mother's wise reminder: "To whom much is given, much is expected." This echoes Spiderman’s Uncle Ben's famous words about the weight of responsibility that comes with power.
- The connection between reading and leadership—essentially, that life lessons begin with books and continue to unfold beyond them.
Ultimately, I wholeheartedly recommend this short yet impactful book to both children and adults. It promises to impart valuable wisdom and foster personal growth, making you a better individual in the process.