{"id":518,"date":"2026-02-07T07:21:46","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T07:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.friendlywolf.me\/blog\/why-a-friendly-wolf-the-idea-behind-the-creativity\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T03:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T03:51:17","slug":"role-model-exercise-a-gratitude-exercise-based-on-meditations-by-marcus-aurelius","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.huntertao.com\/blog\/role-model-exercise-a-gratitude-exercise-based-on-meditations-by-marcus-aurelius\/","title":{"rendered":"Role Model Exercise \u2014 A gratitude exercise based on Meditations by Marcus Aurelius"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I debated calling this a “virtue inventory”, but ultimately the aim of this exercise is to develop role models in your life. Here’s an exercise you can practice based on Book 1 of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. This exercise is so simple you can do it as doodles in your notebook. Or you can set time aside to really focus on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick backstory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Marcus Aurelius’ Book 1 of Meditations, he starts off by listing his mother, father, grandfather, teachers, and philosophers he’s studied. He then lists their virtues and what he learned from them. Now you do the same.<\/strong> That’s it, that’s the exercise. Write down a name and then list their virtues and qualities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“From my grandfather Verus I learned good morals and the government of my temper.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u27bc
Marcus Aurelius <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditations Book 1<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Exercise guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. Write down a list of people. <\/strong>These can be your family, friends, authors, pets, athletes, or even mystical figures.
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  2. Next, write down their virtues<\/strong>, lessons they’ve taught you, and anything you admire in them. Reflect.
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  3. Boom. Exercise complete<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    What this teaches you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This exercise forces you to meditate on other people’s virtues while developing appreciation for them. It’s a great exercise to develop empathy and reflect on virtue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With this exercise you learn: <\/p>\n\n\n\n