Julius Caesar’s very name became synonymous with empire. In our feebleminded age, it’s worth remembering why.

As the future emperor advanced north into Gaul’s forests, dread rumors reached Caesar’s camp...

(It was like an average day on Twitter's front page)

In the wild, amidst hostile territory, and far from civilization in Provence, Caesar couldn’t afford any mistakes. Here, defeat equaled certain death, as there was no way to reach friendly territory further south.

A prudent commander, with full justification and the approval of all sane military minds, would have withdrawn to a more defensible position and awaited reinforcements.

Caesar’s refusal to do so threw his army into a slight state of sheer panic.

The chronicler—Caesar himself—tells us men gave up all hope for life. Experienced centurions steeled themselves for a brave but futile death. Fragile political appointees searched for any excuse to return to Italy. As desertions multiplied, Caesar’s trusted inner circle approached him with an urgent message.

In so many words, Caesar responded, “Don’t worry. Everything is under control.”

As readers and hearers, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Caesar could not have “had it under control” by any definition of the word. He found himself in a vulnerable position, facing a formidable army whose size and disposition could only have been unknown to him. The Legionnaires knew that the day of battle, a day of sudden death, was fast approaching… and there was precious little they could do about it.

Caesar’s advisers told him this. They told him about the men’s terror, and how even the old hands of the army were losing their nerve. Supplies were dwindling, reinforcements were scarce, and the Germans were renowned for their unmatched battlefield skill.

Who were these idlers questioning his ability? Who were the culprits spreading fear among the ranks? Fear is a disease he would cut off at the source.

The duty of the soldier is to defend his ground.

The duty of the Centurion is to command only the men under him.

And the army commander’s duty? Who dares infringe upon it? Who has the nerve to suggest that Caesar is incapable of fulfilling his own duty?

These chatterboxes were calling Caesar’s leadership into question; he would not tolerate the offense.

Soldiers gossiping like schoolgirls could only mean they didn’t have enough work to do. Caesar commanded them to take their shovels and start digging trenches. Set up hidden traps to injure the enemy’s feet. Bolster the fortifications.

Oh, is the trench already dug? Dig another! Every additional trench creates another barrier that the enemy has to overcome when crossing.

Julius Caesar was not the commander because he was the best at stabbing people, but because he could govern men. When King Priam witnessed the battalions of Achaeans massing on the field of Troy, he asked Helen beside him, “What kind of king must he be, who rules men as excellent as these?”

Caesar wouldn’t officially become an emperor for many years, but he was already the Emperor of the Romans in his heart, though he himself couldn’t have known it yet.

This simple story tells us everything we need to know about Caesar’s ability to rule. He knew instinctively that tired men sleep more soundly. Preparation defeats anxiety, and work is the antidote to fear.

These were the words of Siddhārtha Gautama at the end of his life. If we want to say the same words at the end of our lives, we must make them our own words every passing day.

Cyberspace is a simulated environment where the mind easily loses itself to demoralization and fear. Words are more infectious than any bacterium. One who governs themselves and others should not passively consume the fearful words spoken by fearful men. He must guard the chamber of his heart from enervation.

This is equally true whether the danger is real or imaginary. Fear can be avoided through careful preparation and persistent, hard work.

Do you see everyone around you losing their minds over war fears, money fears, or religious fears?

Good. Now when things look like they're falling apart (again) is the best time to take action for yourself.