Favorites from Meditations (Part 2) - Correcting Self

Perhaps because it is in our nature to get disturbed by thoughts on how others have wronged us rather than on how we have wronged others, Aurelius writes more about the manner in which we must deal with or correct others when we feel they did wrong to us. I found less quotes on correcting ourselves, but I guess the principles are the same.

This one is just on ‘Correcting Self’.?

Not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault, even if he should find fault without reason, but to try to restore him to his usual disposition

He asks to acknowledge when our friends show us our faults or tell us how we caused them hurt, rather than rationalizing their feelings. Right or Wrong can sometimes just be a matter of perspective but he suggests we acknowledge the feelings of our friends and try to preserve the relationship.

He quantifies wrong-doing saying,

Offence which is committed with pleasure is more blameable than that which is committed with pain”

meaning those who intentionally commit an offence just for pleasure are more blameworthy than those who commit an offence out of hurt, pain or anger.?

If any man is able to convince me and show me that I do not think or act right, I will gladly change; for I seek the truth by which no man was ever injured. But he is injured who abides in his error and ignorance.?

Being a strong believer in “being yourself” the statement “I will gladly change” gave me momentary anxiety but I think Aurelius talks about change in a different context: thinking critically, being open to perspectives, accepting that we may not always be right and improving the not-so-good side of us. He says reprimanding oneself and apologizing for doing wrong is only a reflection of the divine part of us overpowering our Ego and Pride.?

I think it takes a great deal to convince me, but I do try to learn when something or someone is truly able to.

I also reflect a lot and think about where I went wrong and what I shouldn’t do if a similar situation presents itself another time.

But I fail a lot ??