Strength: Case Studies

personal995
May 26, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2024

Index

Epictetus
Helen Keller
Abraham Lincoln

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
King John Lackland of England

Introduction

Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.

We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.

The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.

The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.

Process

As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:

Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.

Case Studies: By Example

1. Epictetus

Epictetus's life story serves as an exemplary illustration of the benefits of cultivating strength and resilience for living a good life and doing good work.

Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, was born into slavery in Hierapolis, Phrygia (present-day Pamukkale, Türkiye) around 50 AD. Despite enduring the hardships and indignities of slavery, including physical abuse and mistreatment, Epictetus demonstrated remarkable resilience and inner strength.

The turning point in Epictetus's life came when he encountered the teachings of Stoic philosophy, which emphasized the importance of cultivating inner resilience and moral integrity. Inspired by the Stoic ideals of acceptance, rationality, and the distinction between what is within and beyond one's control, Epictetus embraced Stoicism wholeheartedly.

Through rigorous philosophical study and introspection, Epictetus transformed his suffering into a source of strength and wisdom. He internalized Stoic principles, learning to face life's challenges with equanimity and courage, regardless of external circumstances.

Epictetus's resilience and philosophical insights attracted the attention of prominent Stoic teachers, including Musonius Rufus, who became his mentor. Under Rufus's guidance, Epictetus deepened his understanding of Stoicism and honed his ability to live in accordance with its principles.

Despite his humble origins and the adversity he faced as a former slave, Epictetus rose to prominence as one of the most influential philosophers of his time. His teachings on resilience, self-mastery, and moral virtue continue to inspire countless individuals to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and resilience.

Epictetus's story serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative power of cultivating inner strength and resilience. By embracing Stoic philosophy and living in accordance with its principles, Epictetus exemplified the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and flourish in the face of life's challenges.

Further reading: The Complete Works: Handbook, Discourses, and Fragments

(Epictetus)

2. Helen Keller

Another historical figure whose story vividly illustrates the benefits of cultivating strength and resilience is that of Helen Keller.

Helen Keller, born in 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, faced profound challenges from a young age when an illness left her deaf and blind. Despite these immense obstacles, Keller's indomitable spirit and resilience propelled her to remarkable achievements.

With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate using finger spelling and Braille. Through tireless effort and determination, she overcame the limitations of her disabilities and pursued education with zeal.

Keller's resilience and tenacity were further demonstrated when she became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to become a renowned author, activist, and lecturer, advocating tirelessly for the rights of people with disabilities.

Throughout her life, Keller faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but she refused to be defined by her disabilities. Instead, she embraced life with courage and determination, using her experiences to inspire others to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

Keller's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of perseverance in the face of adversity. By cultivating strength and resilience, Keller not only achieved personal success but also became a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions around the world.

Further reading: The Story of My Life (Helen Keller)

3. Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, faced immense challenges throughout his life, including poverty, loss, and political adversity. Despite these obstacles, Lincoln displayed unwavering resilience and determination in his pursuit of justice and equality.

One of the most notable examples of Lincoln's resilience was his leadership during the American Civil War. As president, Lincoln faced the monumental task of preserving the Union and abolishing slavery amidst a deeply divided nation. Despite the immense pressures and criticism he faced, Lincoln remained steadfast in his commitment to his principles and the cause of freedom.

Lincoln's resilience was further tested by personal tragedies, including the loss of his beloved son Willie and the strain of leading a nation torn apart by war. Despite his grief and anguish, Lincoln drew strength from his convictions and refused to waver in his resolve to see the nation through its darkest hour.

Throughout his presidency, Lincoln faced criticism, opposition, and even threats to his life, but he never lost faith in the fundamental goodness of humanity or the potential for a brighter future. His resilience and determination ultimately led to the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery, securing his place as one of America's greatest leaders.

Lincoln's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of resilience in the face of adversity. By cultivating strength and resilience, Lincoln not only changed the course of history but also inspired future generations to persevere in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Further reading: And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle (Jon Meacham)

By reviewing these lessons above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.

Case Studies: Cautionary Tales

1. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

A cautionary tale illustrating the downsides of not cultivating strength and resilience can be found in the unfortunate story of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

Nicholas II ascended to the throne of Russia at a difficult period, in 1894 amidst growing social and political unrest. However, instead of demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of mounting challenges, Nicholas II proved indecisive and out of touch with the needs of his people.

Throughout his reign, Nicholas II faced numerous crises, including the Russo-Japanese War, Bloody Sunday, and the outbreak of World War I. However, his response to these challenges was characterized by a lack of leadership and an unwillingness to implement meaningful reforms.

Nicholas II's inability to address the grievances of his people and modernize Russia's outdated political and social systems ultimately led to his downfall. The strains of World War I exacerbated existing tensions within the country, leading to widespread unrest and discontent.

In 1917, facing widespread strikes, protests, and mutinies among the military, Nicholas II abdicated the throne, marking the end of the Romanov dynasty and the beginning of the Russian Revolution. He and his family were subsequently arrested and sadly executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

Nicholas II's story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of failing to cultivate strength and resilience in leadership. His inability to adapt to changing circumstances and address the needs of his people ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Russian Empire and the upheaval of Russian society.

Further reading: A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution 1891-1924 (Orlando Figes)

2. King John Lackland of England

A cautionary tale from history that illustrates the importance of resilience and strength is the story of King John Lackland of England, whose reign was marked by weakness, betrayal, and a lack of leadership during a pivotal period in English history. King John, who ruled from 1199 to 1216, inherited the English throne following the death of his brother, King Richard the Lionheart.

Throughout his reign, King John faced opposition from his barons and nobles, who resented his heavy-handed rule and perceived lack of legitimacy. John's arbitrary taxation policies and abuses of power alienated many of his subjects, leading to widespread discontent and unrest.

One of the most infamous episodes of King John's reign was his conflict with the English barons, which ultimately led to the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215. Faced with mounting pressure from his nobles, who demanded greater rights and freedoms, King John reluctantly agreed to the terms of the Magna Carta, which established principles of limited royal power and laid the foundation for constitutional governance in England.

However, King John's compliance with the Magna Carta was short-lived, and he soon reneged on his promises, sparking a civil war with his barons. His lack of integrity and inability to honor his commitments eroded trust in his leadership and further destabilized the realm.

Internationally, King John's reign was marked by military failures and territorial losses, including the loss of Normandy to the French king, Philip II. John's inability to defend England's continental possessions and his lack of strategic vision weakened the kingdom's standing in Europe and undermined his authority as king.

In 1216, King John died of dysentery while campaigning in East Anglia, leaving behind a legacy of failure and mismanagement. His reign is remembered as a cautionary tale of the dangers of weak leadership and the importance of resilience and strength in times of crisis.

King John's story serves as a reminder of the consequences of ineffective leadership and the need for leaders to demonstrate resilience, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. His failures underscore the importance of courage and decisiveness in the face of adversity, particularly for those entrusted with positions of power and authority.

Further reading: King John: Treachery and Tyranny in Medieval England (Marc Morris)

By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.