The Stoic with Swagger

When we study something a lot, it consumes our minds. We can't escape it. No matter where we go or what we do, we hear it, see it, and feel it.

Remember the code-breaking scene in A Beautiful Mind? As mathematician John Nash walks through a bustling campus, cryptic patterns emerge around him. Numbers and symbols flash across students' sweatshirts, encoded in fallen leaves, and scrawled across chalkboards. Nash's revelation builds as he frantically breaks the Soviet code.

In the same way, internalized lessons permeate our consciousness, illuminating like fireflies in a moonlit field. For me, it's not Soviet messages that arise out of randomness but lessons from ancient Stoic philosophers that glow, sparking connections to the world around me.

Amid a friend consoling his child, I overhear, "You can't control others, only how you respond." Suddenly, the voice of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius reverberates across the centuries. When witnessing someone gracefully navigate adversity with unwavering composure, I glimpse the slave-turned-philosopher Epictetus shining through in their resilience.

When we think of philosophers, certain images come to mind — tweed jackets with elbow patches, lofty academic pontification, and spiritual gurus cloaked in robes. Let me introduce you to a high-stepping philosopher who defies convention — Deion Sanders, now known as Coach Prime.

Imagine sitting in a philosophy class expecting a sleepy lecture on abstract ideas only to be greeted by the charismatic presence of Coach Prime, donning flashy sunglasses and a megawatt smile.

"Alright, class, today we're gonna talk about seizing the day," he announces, pacing the front of the room. "You do not have the remote control to my life to turn me on and off, high and low, and change the color any way you want. I got that."

What makes someone a philosopher? Is it formal logic training or scholarly expertise? Mastery of historical texts and ideas? Or is it the ability to live with practical wisdom? Coach Prime may not be a Stoic, yet his speeches contain distinct echoes of Epictetus and other sages.

Deion Sanders first burst onto the national stage as a phenom at Florida State University under legendary coach Bobby Bowden. He played offense and defense: football and baseball.

In a feat showcasing his superb athleticism, Deion once played an NFL game and an MLB playoff game on the same day - flying between cities to pull off the unprecedented double-header. He intercepted a pass for the Atlanta Falcons before dashing to Pittsburgh and slapping a hit for the Braves - Prime Time, indeed!

The speed of Prime's coaching rise is rivaled only by his legendary 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the 1989 NFL Combine. For me, Prime Time will always be the GOAT — my favorite athlete. His electrifying speed, visionary instincts, and unmatched self-confidence and swagger made him a hero of my youth.

During my glorious pee-wee football days, Deion's bold style inspired me to attempt the iconic "Deion Shuffle" after a touchdown, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It was well worth it.

What drew me to Deion wasn't just his athleticism but his infectious smile and impregnable self-confidence. Even amid trash-talking opponents, he smiled — he relished every second of competition. Some things never change, but Prime has elevated his admirable qualities to a new level. Today, Coach Prime shares timeless virtues in a manner only he can deliver: with charisma, conviction, and old-school swagger. His unique flare modernizes ancient wisdom, making it energizing and accessible.

Here are some of my favorite moments that exemplify virtues like self-control, purpose, and presence:

On Self-Control:

"I could have a bad moment, I could even have a bad minute or a bad hour, but I would never allow it to get to the point where I have a bad day because I'm in control of that."

If I told you these words came from the ancient philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, you'd likely believe it. With this statement, Coach Prime demonstrates the Stoic emphasis on self-mastery over emotions. He refuses to let setbacks poison his psyche or spiral into extended negativity, embodying the Stoic teaching that we control our response to external events.

"You do not have the remote control to my life to turn me on and off, high and low, and change the color any way you want. I got that."

With this declaration, Coach Prime reaffirms a fundamentally Stoic concept — external events do not control our inner reality. The Stoics emphasized focusing energy on what we can control — our judgments, intentions, and desires, a sentiment echoed by Epictetus:

"There are things which are within our power, and there are things which are beyond our power. Within our power are opinion, aim, desire, aversion, and, in one word, whatever affairs are our own."

On Wealth & Success:

"It wasn't about a bag; it was about an opportunity."

Coach Prime conveys deeply meaningful wisdom — success is defined not by material gains. True fulfillment comes from maximizing our potential, not accumulating possessions.

On What Others Think:

"What would make you think I care about your opinion of me? Your opinion of me is not the opinion I have of myself. You ain't make me, so you can't break me. You didn't build me, so you can't kill me. God established me, so ain't nothing you can do to me."

With swag, Coach Prime expresses a core Stoic ideal — not being swayed by others' judgments. This aligns with the writings of Marcus Aurelius:

"Someone despises me. That's their problem. Mine: not to do or say anything despicable. Someone hates me. Their problem. Mine: to be patient and cheerful with everyone, including them."

On Perspective:

"Do you have the propensity to make your day lovely?"

With this simple question, Coach Prime challenges his athletes and all of us to shape our days positively. He insists we seize each moment rather than wait for fulfillment to find us. We can inject our activities with meaning.

"You waiting on today, and the day is waiting on you."

Coach Prime reminds us that action, not mere contemplation, defines philosophy. It echoes the Stoic teaching that we must seize the present moment. Marcus Aurelius said:

"At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work — as a human being."

"You're always talking about it, but your actions are who you are."

In the Stoic view, a good life is not happenstance but the product of aligning values with action. It's not enough to talk about virtue; you must embody it through your actions.

Marcus Aurelius reminded himself: "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one."

Enlightened perspectives arise in unexpected packages — Deion embodies a philosophy of inner swagger. With open minds, we find meaningful lessons in unconventional places. While the ancients relied on philosophy schools and rhetorical training, Prime's charisma makes classical ideals contemporary, inclusive, and energizing.

We all face the opportunity to elevate our existence, to see life through a more inspired lens. As Coach Prime might tell us — seize each moment, tune out the noise, embrace the now. Keep smiling, stay steady, and be boldly yourself. Have the propensity to make today lovely. The field is yours. Run with it.