Use people’s specific talents 

If anyone did anything excellent, Marcus praised them and used their talents for that purpose. But he did not expect other things from them. Marcus said: 

It is impossible to make human beings exactly what one wants them to be. We must use them as they are for any service in which they can be useful for the common good. 

Take advice from the wise 

Before doing anything, whether it was a military or civil affair, Marcus always consulted the chief staff of the state. In fact, this was his favorite saying: 

It is more sensible that I follow the advice of my many wise friends than my many wise friends follow what I would like. 

Don’t flatter, don’t fear 

The combat was tough, and the soldiers scored a big victory. Yet, Marcus refused to reward them by saying this: 

The more they received beyond their fixed pay, the more they would extract from their parents and relatives. Only God could judge matters of his sovereignty. 

He ruled with such wisdom and self-command that, although he was engaged in many great wars, he never moved away from what was right. He did not say anything to flatter anyone. Neither did he do anything because he was afraid. 

(Source: Aurelius The Unknown by Chuck Chakrapani, published by The Stoic Gym. https://amzn.to/2sYWXRa 

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