"Look back over the past with its changing empires and you can foresee the future too."

The core idea here is that by studying the past, we can predict what might happen in the future. It’s like saying history has a way of repeating itself, and by understanding what happened before, we can get a pretty good idea of what might come next.

Let's put this in a bit of context. This idea isn't new; it’s rooted in the study of history and the lessons that come from it. The Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius likely had this perspective because he lived in a time of great change and upheaval. Empires rose and fell around him, often due to similar mistakes and oversights. By looking back at those patterns, he believed, one could gain insight into what the future might hold.

Imagine you're looking at the rise and fall of businesses today. Take Kodak, for example. They were once the kings of the photography world. Everyone used Kodak film. But then digital photography came along, and Kodak didn't adapt fast enough. They fell behind and eventually had to file for bankruptcy. Now, think about modern companies that are at the top of their game right now – like smartphone manufacturers. If they don’t keep innovating and adapting, they could face the same fate. History warns them to keep moving forward or risk being left behind.

So, how do you apply this to your life? First, recognize that the patterns in your own past can inform your future. If you always rush through your work and end up making mistakes, take that as a sign. Slow down. Learn from those errors instead of repeating them. If you notice you thrive in collaborative environments, seek more teamwork opportunities in the future.

Here’s a relatable story to illustrate this concept: Think about someone who’s trying to get healthier. They’ve gone on diets, joined gyms, bought fancy equipment – but nothing sticks. Every New Year, it’s the same resolution with the same result. Finally, they sit down and look back. They realize they do well when they have a workout buddy. So they find a friend with similar goals and start a routine together. This time it sticks. By looking at their past, they’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t. They’ve used history to predict and shape a better future.

Talking about this over coffee, I’d say, “Hey, we’ve all made mistakes. But think about it – if you keep doing the same thing, you’ll get the same results. Look at what’s worked for you, and what hasn’t. Use that to make better choices going forward. It’s like how we can predict the weather by looking at patterns. Sure, it’s not 100% accurate, but it gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect. So next time you’re facing a decision, think about your own history. It might just show you the way.”