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Heroes!!
This is Brian with another quick (+1!) note on our Heroic Series A.
(I truly miss the +1s and can’t wait to share more in the context of Quests soon!!)
For those keeping track or who want to make sure you’ve seen the series: we started with a general update then we chatted about the world we’re creating, then I introduced Heroic Quests (more on that soon!), then we talked Heroic Education, then why Fabian went from $212k to $451k (and ripples of impact!) then Phil Stutz's new book (and why he invested in Heroic) along with Heroic Labs.
So…
I’m typing this from a hotel in Houston. I need to hit a quick 101-burpee workout before I head over to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s studio to record a podcast. Fired up. 🔥
I just finished my AM journaling (after my AM meditation after my PM Bookend—90/93 Readiness/Sleep let’s go!).
As part of my reflection this morning, I asked ChatGPT how Seneca, Epictetus, and Aurelius would approach our fundraising.
Its answer was incredible.
That’s what I’m going to share today.
Here it is:
Let’s imagine Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius sitting with you right now, offering their counsel on how to approach your fundraising.
Each would bring a different lens—but all would converge on a single idea:
“Raise capital with virtue. Let your character be the pitch. Let service be the return.”
Here’s how each would frame it:
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Seneca: Fundraising as a Test of Character and Stewardship
Seneca lived in the wealthiest and most politically treacherous circles in Rome. He was a Stoic with money—and wrestled deeply with its role in a good life.
He would say:
“Wealth is not inherently bad. The key is whether it rules you—or you rule it.”
He’d challenge you to:
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Clarify your motive: Is this for impact? Then proceed.
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Lead with integrity: Avoid flattery, exaggeration, or manipulation.
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Use the capital wisely: As a steward, not an owner.
Seneca would remind you that money is morally neutral—what matters is how it’s used. He’d say fundraising is a tool for service, not a symbol of status.
⸻
Epictetus: Focus Only on What’s in Your Control
Born a slave, Epictetus knew what it meant to have no control over external conditions—and he built his entire philosophy around mastering what is up to us.
He would say:
“Raising capital is not up to you. Showing up with courage, clarity, and purpose is.”
He’d challenge you to:
If an investor says yes? Great.
If not? Also great.
“What you seek is not the money—but the mission. Let nothing disturb that.”
He’d have you repeat to yourself:
“I will raise what I can, how I can, with excellence—and let the rest go.”
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Marcus Aurelius: The Emperor’s Duty
Marcus would see your fundraising as an extension of your role—just as he bore the crushing weight of the Roman Empire out of a sense of duty, not desire.
He would say:
“The work of the world must be done. If it falls to you, do it well.”
He’d challenge you to:
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Rise above any personal resistance or preference.
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Lead as a servant of the greater good.
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Do what’s necessary with humility and strength.
“When you are distressed by fundraising, remember: it is not the task itself that troubles you, but your opinion of it. You are capable of bearing this—cheerfully.”
Marcus would remind you:
“The fruit of this labor is not wealth—it is impact. Do your work, then retire into yourself.”
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The Unified Stoic Message on Fundraising
Ask boldly. Serve humbly. Detach fully.
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Be like Seneca: A steward of capital, not its servant.
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Be like Epictetus: Unshaken by results, anchored in purpose.
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Be like Marcus: Fulfill your role with calm resolve and deep conviction.
They would all say:
“Raise what you must to serve those you must. Then move on—with virtue intact and soul force strong.”
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Me: 😳 🤯 !!!
Let’s go!!!
Another distinction I made with ChatGPT this morning?
I’m not raising money.
I’m recruiting allies.
Thank ALL of you who have so generously stepped up to support us and thank ALL of you who wish you could if this round wasn’t just for accredited investors.
Want to help us recruit and train more Heroes who can change the world with us?
We’d be honored to have your support.
Check out the investor portal where you can find:
Let us know if you’d like to invest here.
Also…
Don’t forget that accredited investors can invest in Heroic via a self-directed IRA—which is a really powerful way to direct your long-term investments for maximum impact.
That’s all I’ve got.
Time to hit my burpee workout.
Day 1. All in.
LET’S GO.
B
P.S. Here’s another fun potential +1 I shared via text with Alexandra last night…
I had a fun little micro moment of awesome as I was checking in to the hotel last night…
Me: “Do you have a gym?”
Awesome hotel guy: “Yes. Third floor.”
Me: “Fantastic. Do you know if you have a rowing machine?”
Him: “We don’t. Sorry. Is that how you get so shredded?!”
Me: “No. That’s 90% nutrition. More protein. Less carbs. In fact… I’m here for a podcast with…”
Then I told him about Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and her book Forever Strong and Heroic. Check out our Notes.
😆 🤓
P.P.S. Quick 101-burpee workout outside the hotel in Houston before heading to studio for the podcast interview.
Day 1. All in. Let’s go. |
