Aurelius' Wisdom Applied

As modern men, we are privileged to have a wealth of knowledge and information at our disposal, yet the quest for a meaningful and fulfilling life remains an enduring challenge. We can glean valuable insights from the great men of history who have left indelible marks on the world. Among them is Emperor Marcus Aurelius, hailed as one of the greatest Roman emperors to have ever lived.

The Philosopher King

Emperor Marcus Aurelius governed the Roman Empire from 161 to 180 AD. His reign was marked by numerous challenges, including wars, famines, and political unrest. In the midst of these trials, he penned his personal reflections in the "Meditations." The Stoic philosophy he espoused underscored the significance of rationality, self-control, and personal ethics.

Today, the "Meditations" continues to be widely read and studied by individuals seeking guidance on leading a meaningful and fulfilling life. Its themes of mindfulness, self-discipline, and acceptance of one's fate continue to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds and age groups. In this article, I aim to explore three of his profound quotes and discuss how we can apply them to our lives to achieve a more fulfilling existence.

Quote #1: "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-- to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

How often do we awaken each morning grumbling, feeling irritable, or numbing ourselves by scrolling through social media? I must confess, I frequently find myself in such a state. Consequently, we carry that negativity throughout the day, eager for it to end, only to repeat the same pattern the following day. What a dreadful way to live!

Marcus Aurelius, however, challenges us to embrace the precious gift of life and to commence each day with gratitude and appreciation. By fostering a daily practice of reflecting on this privilege and remaining mindful of life's beauty and wonder, we can adopt a positive and thankful attitude. This approach enables us to concentrate on the opportunities and joys life presents, rather than being burdened by negative thoughts or worries.

Quote #2: "Here is a rule to remember in future, when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not 'This is misfortune,' but 'To bear this worthily is good fortune.'"

Life presents numerous elements beyond our control: the economic climate, natural disasters, other people’s opinions, and so on. It is crucial to recognize this reality. However, it is also essential to remind ourselves of the things we can control – our thoughts and responses.

Instead of succumbing to defeat or bitterness in the face of uncontrollable external events, we can confront adversity with a sense of purpose and determination, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and development. By taking control of our minds and acknowledging our responsibility for our actions, we can find the strength to persevere. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder that our attitude and perspective greatly influence our experience of the world, and that a positive mindset can help us discover meaning and purpose even amidst the most challenging circumstances.

Quote #3: “How much time he gains who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or thinks, but only at what he does himself, to make it just and holy.”

In the current age of social media, it is increasingly difficult to avoid comparing our lives to those of others – often leading to simultaneous judgment and envy. In response, we may try to portray a beautiful, yet hollow, facade of our "perfect life" to the world, leaving us feeling empty and dissatisfied internally.

The wisdom of Aurelius encourages us to engage in self-reflection and assume responsibility for ourselves. Instead of squandering our lives in comparison, why not dedicate our precious time and energy to cultivating ourselves as worthy individuals, ensuring that our actions are "just" and "holy"? This quote serves as a reminder to concentrate on our personal growth and development, rather than becoming entangled in the opinions or or actions of those around us. By cultivating a sense of personal integrity and moral responsibility, we can live a life that is true to our own values and beliefs, rather than constantly seeking validation from others.

Living a Meaningful Life

The wisdom of Emperor Marcus Aurelius is timeless, and we can learn much from his teachings. By implementing his principles of gratitude, self-control, and personal ethics, we can lead a more fulfilling life for ourselves. Let us take inspiration from Aurelius' wisdom and strive to be the best versions of ourselves, both in our personal and professional lives. In doing so, we can lead a life that is not only meaningful and fulfilling but also worthy of emulation by future generations.