Remembering Mac Miller: A Stoic Reflection of “Everybody”

Today, September 7th, marks the 6th anniversary of the tragic passing of Malcolm James McCormick, better known to the world as Mac Miller. As a lifelong Pittsburgh native, Mac Miller’s music has been a constant companion throughout my life. His lyrics, infused with a raw honesty and vulnerability, have resonated deeply with countless individuals, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of shared human experience. Beyond his undeniable talent and cultural impact, Mac Miller’s music often embodies the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy.

From the poignant introspection of “Self-Care” to the defiant spirit of “Good News,” Mac Miller’s songs frequently explored themes of mortality, acceptance, and the fleeting nature of life. These concepts align closely with the core tenets of Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and cultivating inner peace amidst life’s inevitable challenges. Through his music, Mac Miller offered a unique perspective on the human condition, inviting listeners to confront their own mortality and find meaning in the present moment.

"Everybody" by Mac Miller (Cover of Arthur Lee's "Everybody's Gotta Live")

Mac Miller’s cover of "Everybody," originally by Arthur Lee, carries a deep philosophical resonance that aligns closely with Stoic philosophy. At first glance, the lyrics of the song seem simple, repeating the refrain “Everybody’s gotta live, and everybody’s gonna die.” Yet, within these lines, we find a profound meditation on life, mortality, and acceptance—core themes that the Stoics often reflected upon. By drawing upon Stoic teachings, we can find a path toward peace in these universal truths that "Everybody" addresses, while applying these lessons to the challenges of modern life.

Memento Mori: Remembering Mortality

The heart of "Everybody" is grounded in the inescapable reality of death. For the Stoics, this idea is encapsulated in the concept of memento mori, or the constant reminder of one’s mortality. The song confronts this fact head-on, and Mac Miller’s delivery imbues it with a personal touch that invites listeners to reflect on the finite nature of their own lives. Marcus Aurelius, in "Meditations," writes: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” This quote urges us to let the knowledge of our mortality guide our actions, a theme reflected in the song’s message that all humans share the same ultimate fate.

Stoicism teaches us to view death not with fear or avoidance, but with acceptance. By reminding ourselves that life is temporary, we can reframe how we approach the present moment. Mac Miller, through his music, explored themes of life’s impermanence with increasing depth, often reflecting on the fragility of existence in the face of personal struggles. This Stoic principle is an antidote to the anxieties of daily life. When we acknowledge that death is inevitable, we are reminded to focus on what we can control—the way we live.

In modern life, many people shy away from discussing death, but this avoidance can breed fear and anxiety. As Seneca said, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” The Stoics remind us to make the most of the time we have, and "Everybody" emphasizes this message. We all share the same fate, and how we choose to live is what defines us. By embracing death as a natural part of life, we open ourselves to living more fully and authentically, free from the fear of the inevitable.

Ta Eph’hemin, Ta Ouk Eph’hemin: What We Can Control

Another crucial Stoic teaching that resonates with Mac Miller’s "Everybody" is the concept of ta eph’hemin, ta ouk eph’hemin—what is in our control, and what is not. Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, taught that we must distinguish between the things we can influence and those beyond our reach. Life and death, as the song reminds us, are part of the human condition, and neither can be controlled. But how we live, how we respond to the moments between birth and death, remains within our power.

In "Everybody," we hear a call to let go of the things we cannot change, particularly death. Miller’s haunting yet calming delivery of this message echoes Epictetus’ wisdom: “Some things are up to us, and some things are not.” The refrain, repeated like a mantra, encourages a sense of peace and acceptance. Instead of railing against life’s impermanence, the song invites us to come to terms with it, recognizing that death is not something we can avoid or control. What we can control, however, is how we approach life before death arrives.

In everyday life, many of us spend time worrying about outcomes that are outside our control—whether it's career success, relationships, or other people’s opinions. Stoicism encourages us to focus on our own actions and attitudes. Mac Miller’s life itself, filled with both artistic triumphs and personal struggles, exemplifies the tension between external circumstances and internal peace. Like Stoic philosophers, he grappled with the idea that while we cannot control life’s hardships, we can control our reactions. "Everybody" offers a Stoic-like reminder that embracing life as it is—complete with its joys and sorrows—is key to finding peace.

Amor Fati: Loving One’s Fate

Closely related to the idea of controlling our reactions is the Stoic principle of amor fati, or the love of fate. This concept suggests that we should not only accept our circumstances, but embrace them, no matter how difficult or challenging they may be. In "Everybody," we hear echoes of this acceptance, a message that death and life are intertwined and that both must be faced with open arms.

As Marcus Aurelius puts it, “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it.” The Stoics taught that every challenge, every hardship, can be transformed into an opportunity for growth. Instead of viewing death as something to be feared, "Everybody" suggests that we see it as an intrinsic part of life. Through Mac Miller’s tender, introspective tone, listeners are encouraged to confront their fate with a sense of calm acceptance, much like the Stoics encouraged the embrace of life’s challenges as opportunities for virtue.

In practical terms, amor fati can be applied to daily life by learning to accept circumstances beyond our control with grace. Whether it's an unexpected career change, a relationship ending, or personal loss, Stoicism teaches us to see these events not as catastrophes, but as natural occurrences that shape who we are. Mac Miller’s own life, marked by personal struggles and ultimate artistic expression, illustrates how embracing one’s fate—whether in success or failure—can lead to inner peace and acceptance.

Living in Accordance with Nature

Stoicism often emphasizes living in accordance with nature, a principle grounded in understanding that life’s cycles, including death, are natural. "Everybody" captures this notion by framing life and death as universal, shared experiences that are part of the human condition. In the song, there’s an implicit understanding that trying to resist or deny the inevitability of death is futile—what matters is how we navigate the journey in between.

For the Stoics, living according to nature meant recognizing the natural order of things and aligning our lives with that understanding. As Epictetus said, “Don’t demand that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do.” This idea is reflected in the song’s reminder that death is a shared experience—no one is exempt from it. When we stop resisting the natural flow of life, we can find a sense of peace, knowing that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

In today’s world, many people experience stress because they are out of sync with this Stoic principle, constantly striving for things that may not align with their true nature or fighting against circumstances they cannot control. "Everybody" reminds us to realign our perspective, to find peace in the fact that we all share the same fate and that this universality can help us live with greater authenticity and serenity.

Empathy and Universal Brotherhood

One final Stoic lesson that comes through in "Everybody" is the idea of universal brotherhood. The Stoics believed that all human beings are connected, and that we are responsible for each other. Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The world as a living being—one nature, one soul. Keep that in mind... And how everything helps produce everything else. Spun and woven together.” This idea of shared humanity is a key element of Stoic ethics, and it resonates deeply in Mac Miller’s rendition of "Everybody."

The song’s refrain, “Everybody’s gotta live, and everybody’s gonna die,” captures this idea of shared experience. We are all on the same path, and this commonality should inspire compassion for others. In the Stoic view, understanding that we all face the same ultimate fate helps cultivate empathy and kindness. We are all struggling with the same fundamental challenges—life and death—and this realization can help us treat others with more understanding and grace.

In our daily interactions, recognizing the shared humanity of others allows us to live more compassionately. Whether it’s in the workplace, in our personal relationships, or with strangers, understanding that everyone is dealing with the same fundamental issues—whether it’s the fear of death or the quest for meaning—helps us become more empathetic and less judgmental. Mac Miller’s music, particularly "Everybody," serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, and this shared experience should be a source of connection, not division.