Embracing the Wisdom of Marcus Aurelius

The first time I learned about Marcus Aurelius, the last of the good Roman Emperor, was back in 2020. Ever since, his philosophy has a profound impact on me. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher, left behind a legacy of wisdom through his personal writings and reflections. Born in 121 AD, Aurelius ruled the Roman Empire from 161 until his death in 180 AD. During his reign, he faced numerous challenges and trials, yet he remained committed to principles of virtue, self-improvement, and moral governance. Today, his writings, known as "Meditations," continue to inspire and guide people from all walks of life.

I recently re-read "Meditations" and every time I read this I get new insights. Marcus Aurelius was an avowed follower of the Stoic branch of philosophy. Every night he would write down his thoughts into a journal for his own reflection to help improve himself as a leader, father and citizen. Here are some of my favorites lessons from this Roman Emperor:

Embrace the present moment

"Do not act as if you had ten thousand years to throw away. Death stands at your elbow. Be good for something while you live and it is in your power."

- Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius emphasized the importance of living fully in the present moment. Dwelling on the past or anxiously fixating on the future only distracts us from the opportunities and challenges of the present. By cultivating mindfulness, we can immerse ourselves in the richness of each moment, making the most of our experiences and contributing meaningfully to the world around us. He said, "Imagine you were dead now or had not lived before this. Now view the rest of your life as a bonus and live it as nature directs."

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them

Marcus Aurelius

Aurelius encourages us to immerse ourselves in the beauty and wonder of the world around us. By actively observing and appreciating the simple joys of life, such as gazing at the stars, we can connect with something larger than ourselves and experience a sense of unity and awe. Embracing the present moment allows us to fully engage with the beauty of existence.

The present moment is all you have and all you control. Treasure it, savor it, and make the most of it

Marcus Aurelius

He further highlights that the present moment is the only time we truly possess and have influence over. By fully immersing ourselves in the present, we can extract its richness and appreciate the opportunities it offers. By redirecting our attention from past regrets or future anxieties, we find a deeper sense of fulfillment in the here and now

Accept the Impermanence of the life

"Everything is ephemeral—both memory and the object of memory."

Marcus Aurelius

When it comes to life, the emperor reminds us of the transient nature of all things. He urges us to embrace change as an integral part of life and to find contentment by accepting and adapting to it. Recognizing that everything is in constant flux enables us to let go of attachments, embrace new opportunities, and find serenity amidst the ever-changing tides of life. He said," Loss is nothing else than change. But the universal nature delights in change, and in obedience to her all things are now done well, and from eternity have been in like form and will be such to time without end."

"Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What's closer to nature's heart? Can you take a hot bath and leave the firewood as it was?"

Marcus Aurelius

He also points out that change is an integral part of life and nature. Just as we cannot experience the comfort of a hot bath without burning the firewood, we cannot grow and evolve without embracing change. Accepting the impermanence of life allows us to flow with its natural rhythms and find harmony within the ever-shifting landscape of existence.

Cultivate Kindness and Empathy

The best way to take revenge is not to be like your enemy.

Marcus Aurelius

In "Meditations", Marcus wrote about the transformative power of kindness, compassion, and empathy towards others. He recognized the inherent dignity and worth of every human being and encouraged us to practice understanding and empathy in our interactions. By treating others with respect and compassion, we can create a more harmonious and interconnected world. To him, one should not waste time in arguing about what a good person should be but one should be a good man. "Start right away. Do what nature requires at this moment. Be content with smallest step forward and regard even that result as no mean achievement." Marcus wrote.

Accept the things to which fate binds you and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart

Marcus Aurelius

Aurelius advises us to accept the circumstances and relationships that life brings our way. Rather than resisting or fighting against them, he encourages us to embrace them wholeheartedly. By practicing acceptance and cultivating a genuine love and compassion for others, we can reduce anxiety caused by resistance and judgment.

Improve your thoughts and cultivate peace

Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.

Marcus Aurelius

In "Meditations", Marcus Aurelius encourages us to cultivate inner peace by recognizing the transient nature of external events. By adopting this mindset, we can navigate life's trials with equanimity, focusing on our own character and virtue rather than being swayed by external forces. He wrote:

“You don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.”

It's so true that its our opinion that troubles us not the things that really happens to us and Marcus warned us about it. "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts", Marcus said. That explains it all.

You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think

Marcus Aurelius

He further reminds us of our mortality, urging us to live each moment as if it were our last. By recognizing the transient nature of life, we are inspired to make the most of our time, prioritizing what truly matters and aligning our actions with our values. Embracing the present moment becomes a catalyst for living a purposeful life.

Embrace Death

Soon you will have forgotten all things and soon all things will have forgotten you.

Marcus Aurelius

One of the must crucial teaching from ancient philosophies is remembering and embracing death as a process of life. To Marcus, death is natural and dying when and where doesn't matter. He wrote, "Nature gives and takes away. Anyone with a sense should tell her, "Give and take as you please". Not out of defiance but out of obedience and goodwill."

Recognizing our mortality can be unsettling, but Marcus Aurelius encourages us to embrace it as an essential part of the human experience. By acknowledging the impermanence of life, we are inspired to live with purpose, integrity, and compassion. Understanding that our time is limited motivates us to make the most of every precious moment. According to him, one should not despise death, instead welcome it, rather as a further part of nature's will.

How to deal with anxiety

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.

Marcus Aurelius

I find this very interesting and helpful and I believe he is right when he says that one should not be disturb by the future rather one should just focus on present. Aurelius advises us not to be consumed by worry about the future. He reminds us that the same rational thinking and resilience that help us navigate the present moment can also guide us through future uncertainties. By trusting in our ability to reason and adapt, we can face the future with a calmer mindset.

You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength

Marcus Aurelius

He emphasizes that anxiety often arises from our external circumstances. However, he reminds us that true power lies in our ability to control our thoughts and reactions. By shifting our focus inward and recognizing that we have the power to choose how we respond to external events, we can find inner strength and reduce anxiety.

Do not disturb yourself by picturing your life as a whole; do not assemble in your mind the many and varied troubles which have come to you in the past and will come again in the future.

Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius encourages us to avoid ruminating on past difficulties or anticipating future challenges. By focusing on the present moment and taking life one step at a time, we can alleviate anxiety. Overthinking and anticipating problems that may or may not occur only serve to exacerbate our worries. He also said that one should not elaborate beyond what our initial impression suggests. We should see the things as they appear and should not put meaning into it.

The timeless wisdom encapsulated within the teachings of Marcus Aurelius continues to ignite the flames of inspiration and gently guide individuals through the annals of time. Whether it be embracing the present moment, accepting the facets of life beyond our control, cultivating virtue, selecting our thoughts with discernment, or nurturing inner resilience, the lessons bestowed by Marcus Aurelius equip us to lead lives brimming with purpose and fulfillment, even amidst the trials and tribulations that define our modern era.

Here are some of the quotes from Marcus Aurelius.