Interview with Marcus Aurelius Anderson

The Gift of Adversity

Marcus Aurelius Anderson is a proud Veteran, TEDx & International Keynote Speaker, Leadership and Mindset Coach, and host of the Acta Non Verba Podcast. He is also the author of The Gift of Adversity: Overcoming Paralysis and Pain to Find Purpose.

How did you become interested in Philosophy?

When I started studying martial arts as a boy and found that philosophy was baked into the culture. I purchased a copy of Meditations at the age of 12; in hopes of learning more about the man my grandfather named me after. At that age, though, Marcus Aurelius’ words went over my head. I didn’t understand the context of his writings and soon became discouraged.

Returning to the bookstore to see if he had written any other works-and of course he didn’t-I sulked down the philosophy aisle feeling defeated. On my way out, I saw a book in the store display with Chinese characters on the cover. This put me in mind of the martial arts school I attended. It was called The Tao Te Ching, and it became my gateway to better understanding Stoicism and logic. The diligent study of philosophy has made a huge impact on my life and saved me during my darkest times.

What’s the most important concept or idea that you teach people?

Adversity is a gift. It’s often impossible to see the opportunity that’s presented while we’re in the heat of it, though. After we’ve overcome the hardship and reflected from a place of safety, that’s when the lesson reveals itself. Sometimes that lesson is simply to never put yourself in the same position again.

What do you think is the most important piece of practical advice that we can derive from your work?

The way we conduct ourselves in the heat of adversity is an indication of how we will respond to everything else in life. Everyone wants to be stronger, but we must be just as willing to embrace the hardship necessary to make us stronger if we want to improve. The answer we seek is found in the distress that we try so hard to avoid.

Do you have a favorite quote that you use?

Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.

Epictetus, Enchiridion

What advice would you give someone who wanted to learn more about what you do?

They could watch my TEDx Talk The Gift of Adversity, titled after my book.

I encourage checking out my podcast, Acta Non Verba, as well. Donald Robertson, Robert Greene, and Steven Pressfield are incredible philosophy authors that have been kind enough to be guests on the show. I also do Executive and Leadership coaching in addition to speaking in person. Please visit marcusaureliusanderson.com to learn more.

Suppose you were able to give a talk or workshop at the original location of Plato’s Academy, in Athens.

That would be the most surreal experience of my life. To speak on philosophy on such hallowed ground would absolutely be a dream come true—an honor to be part of such powerful work. I’ve never made it over to Athens, so this would be a great reason to make that a reality.