Self-restraint, self-control in character, and a simple life are some postulates the Roman Emperor Mucus Aurelius applied in his life. What can we learn from Stoicism? Below are some quotes from the book “MEDITATIONS.”

 

The book “Meditations” shakes the reader who doesn’t understand how Marcus Aurelius, a man with the superpowers of an ancient Roman Emperor, could have devoted his life to following a strict code of ethics, honesty, humility, modesty, and other high virtues. 

How could a political and military leader have developed a code of conduct close to the life of a saint than a ruler?

Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180) wrote the famous book “Meditations” in the 2nd century, and it’s one of Western culture’s most influential philosophical treatises, which continues to amaze those who read and study it.

He was concerned with good morals, modesty, purity, benevolence, and “abstinence not only from evil deeds but from evil thoughts.”

The following are some parameters followed by an emperor at the top of one of humanity’s most powerful empires.

• self-restriction,
• self-control in character
• and simple life “away from the habits of the rich…”were the parameters of someone at the top of one of humanity’s most powerful empires.

 

Why he wrote the book “Meditations”?

 

Marcus Aurelius wrote the “Meditations” as a personal guide to keep a reminder of all the rules he wanted to apply in his life. It is unlikely that he wrote it for others to read. But whoever discovers these reflections is impressed by the rigor, beauty, idealism, and purity of the rules of conduct this ruler wanted for himself.

It is believed that the original title was “To Himself,” a compilation of 12 short books, which presents a long list of teachings based on Stoic philosophy, that proposes as basic principles the use of reason, self-control, and acceptance of things beyond man’s control.

The emperor’s humility is so evident that he attributes the teaching of great lessons to other people. In these details, the ruler shows high modesty and lack of arrogance by giving credit to other people. He uses a natural tone and does not show off or embellish the text with ostentatious words.

Here are some quotes:

“From my grandfather Vero, I learned good morals and to govern my temperament.”

“From the reputation and memory of my father, modesty and a manly character.”

“From my mother, piety, beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds but even from evil thoughts…”

He assures that from his governor, he learned not to belong to any party and “have resistance at work, want very little, work with my own hands, do not meddle in the affairs of others, and do not listen to slander.”

In a simple, direct tone, he advises not to seek luck and to follow discipline in life: 

“Do not spend time on trivial things, do not believe in fortune tellers, endure freedom of speech, and desire everything that belongs to Greek discipline.”

 

What is Stoicism, and what are its benefits?

 

As a faithful follower of Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius believes in fulfilling a duty, considers that emotions turn a man into a marionette, and that “insignificant is the life of each one.”

Stoicism is an ancient Greece philosophy that later gained popularity in ancient Rome and has recently become popular in 2023 for the benefits and structure it provides in the development of human character and behavior. 

It teaches individuals to cultivate inner resilience in adversity, maintain emotional equilibrium, and live a virtuous and simple life.

Stoicism emphasizes personal ethics, humility, self-control, and accepting things beyond human control.

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How can Stoicism help?

 

Here are some benefits of putting Stoicism into practice:

Navigate adversity with strength: it trains individuals to view challenges and setbacks as opportunities for personal growth. Individuals with stoic mindsets can overcome obstacles with greater strength, perseverance, and resilience.

Emotional resilience: it teaches individuals to detach their well-being from external circumstances. It encourages focusing on inner strength or the “divinity inside” rather than being overly affected by external events.

Decisions using reason: it promotes reasoning and clear thinking over emotions. This means that individuals can make more objective decisions, free from the influence of irrational feelings and biases.

Virtuous character: it emphasizes the development of virtuous qualities such as wisdom, justice, courage, and self-discipline. Individuals can lead a moral and fulfilling life by cultivating these virtues.

Encourages humility: it asks individuals to be humble since we’re “blood and flesh” and have nothing to brag about. 

Appreciate the present moment: it encourages individuals to live and find happiness in the present moment and to stop seeking public validation or pursuing material desires. It leads to more profound gratitude and satisfaction with one’s life.

Improvement of relationships: it promotes the practice of empathy, kindness, and fair-mindedness towards others. 

Acceptance and Serenity: It encourages individuals to accept what they can’t control, which leads to greater peace of mind and freedom from unnecessary worry. 

Recognition of life and death as a natural process. It instructs that both are part of the life cycle; therefore, we must accept them without “drama.” Also, to understand that life is perishable. 

 

How do Stoics view fame? 

 

Marcos Aurelius explains that fame is so brief that he defines it as a “succession of little men who do not know the famous, [but speak of the famous] and they too will die.”

Life is impermanent, so what is the purpose of working so hard for fame?

Here are some quotes:

“Small is posthumous fame, even the most prolonged.” “Insignificant is everyone’s life.”

“Each one lives the fleeting instant.”

He also affirms that no object, possession, or title justifies vainglory or boasting. He says humans are insignificant in the face of “the infinity of the past and the future.” 

We only have a fleeting present that quickly vanishes in the “constant transformation of all things.”

He also warns against the ostentation of the most benevolent acts, and he writes to himself the following:

“Not to show myself as a man who practices a lot of discipline or does benevolent acts to make a display…:

And he continues with more measures, such as: “refrain from rhetoric, do not walk in the house with clothes you use to go out and write letters with simplicity.”

He explains that man, through reason and reflection, cannot succumb to anger, anxiety, violence, and envy.

Man must have self-control and remain calm to remain free and fulfill his purpose with “unwavering firmness.” And he must not use excuses that divert him from his purpose, not even the most acute pains or sufferings.

Here are some quotes:

“Run to the finish line without deviating.”

“Keep yourself simple, good, pure, respectable, without arrogance, a friend of the just, pious, benevolent, approachable, firm in fulfilling duty… Respect the Gods and help save men.”

 

A Stoic principle: “Yes” to reason, “No” to emotions

 

Despite the Roman emperors’ privileges, riches, and magnanimous power, Marcus Aurelius vehemently followed the Stoic philosophy, which puts reason and intellect above human desires and passions, as the best way to overcome life’s obstacles.

The book expresses that emotions transform human beings into “puppets,” which is why they must be avoided or controlled through indifference.

It does necessarily mean that stoic people are emotionless. They have the same emotions as regular human beings. The difference is that they learn to control their responses. Therefore, they don’t allow emotions to interfere with their decisions, no matter how painful they can be. 

Here are some quotes:

“Sensible things are changeable and unstable.”

“The senses are blind and susceptible to easily receive false impressions.”

“Do not wait, nor avoid anything. You settle, and you will be happy…”

“Avoid imagination.”

According to Stoicism, human beings must always behave the same, without changing, equanimous, serene, and attentive to their purpose –the text explains–

The book “Meditations” states that man must lead a life without too much consent and be attached to the rhythm imposed by nature. He explains that birth and death are stages that we must accept “without drama.”

The ruler speaks of a simple life attached to ethical rules, honesty, humility, simplicity, and work.

“You can channel your life well if you can walk the right path and think and act with methods. These two things are common to the soul of God.”

He points out there are things that man cannot control, such as a disease, for example –but must accept because it’s dictated by nature– and others that he can control, such as his behavior and emotions.

 

How do Stoics deal with death?

 

To Marcus Aurelius, life is perishable, and death is the most natural thing.

“Ash or skeleton.” –a quote that reflects how the human body is subject to decay

Human beings are “insignificant” pieces in the vast universe within the broad notion of life. And as such, it makes no sense for men to boast about themselves when they are just a system of flesh, tissues, and blood that transforms until it dies.

Here are some quotes:

“Life is short…”

“Each one lives the fleeting instant…”

“Death is a natural process of transformation.”

However, despite the perishable nature of life, Marcus Aurelius believes that the short time we have should be used to work and improve “the community.”

He thinks that man is “rational and social” and must “collaborate with others” to improve the society in which he lives. By collaborating with others, you “do good to yourself.”

He explains that humans are connected by “a sacred bond,” and we all work together –without being aware of this– and we have “a mission” in a plot we do not know.

Here is the quote:

“Rejoice and rest in only one thing: moving from a useful action to society to another useful action to society, always keeping God in mind.”

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How can Stoics deal with stress and problems?

 

Throughout the book, the author insists on explaining that there is “a divinity in you” in which “you must take refuge” whenever you need it.

This divinity is the source of wisdom and strength in times of difficulty, where you can “seclude” to find inner order and calm.

Here is the quote:

“Dig inside. Inside there is the source of good, and this source is capable of springing up continuously if you do not stop digging.”

 

Conclusion

 

The Book, “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, is a profound book that impacts by its high degree of rigorousness, but at the same time, affirms that the human being has the potential to lead an exemplary life to unimaginable levels.

Only individual commitment is enough to practice these stoic rules that can elevate any man to a Superman level.

You don’t have to be a cloistered monk, religious priest, or blessed to lead a simple life without boasting and focusing on the “purpose” each one has.

The secret is to fulfill that “purpose” even if we will die and are insignificant beings. What matters is the “divinity in you” that takes pleasure in effort, tenacity, and courage.

Do all this with rigorous discipline, not expecting praise and knowing that we are all perishable.

Here are some quotes:

“Wander no more, and come to your aid, as long as you have this possibility.”

“Moral perfection consists in passing each day as if it were the last, without convulsions, without hindrance, without hypocrisy.”

“Meditations” is an inexhaustible source of wisdom, and whoever discovers it awakens from the illusion that is life.

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