Marcus Aurelius is enjoying immense popularity, two thousand years after his life and reign. In the past two weeks alone, I’ve received three separate emails about articles on his Meditations; seen that Ryan Holiday is releasing another book on Stoicism this fall; and picked up the summer edition of The Happy Reader magazine, of which Aurelius is the focus. All of this led me to the question, what is it about Stoicism and a philosopher serving as a head of state that so captivates our modern attention?
Political tensions are high and people want to feel they have control over their own lives. We want to be able to find a sense of calm no matter what the circumstances are. Between President Trump, Brexit, the Middle East and the domestic issues in virtually every country, it’s not difficult to see why many people, across the world, need a source of clarity, calm, and fortitude.
Additionally, religious institutions, in the past sources of stability and hope, have been stained by recent revelations of their complacency and alleged compliance in crime and abuse. The public’s trust in institutionalized religion is at low point, and perhaps the lowest it has ever been in this country. While many shun specific beliefs, religions, or denominations, people still want to feel equipped to handle the stress of life. These factors, I believe, contribute to the appeal of Stoicism. Rather than a creed or dogma, the Stoic perspective asks you to consider reason and examine everything which occurs or presents itself to you. Humility is the driving force of the philosophy, and its practical teachings make it useful for most, if not all, people. The world could certainly stand to see more humility.
Aurelius himself firstly serves as an inspiration because he kept a journal, his Meditations. A personal journaling practice enables us to gain insight into our own thoughts, feelings, and decision-making processes. Likewise, we are able to see that Aurelius had values, and aimed to live his life in line with them. As Aurelius illustrates, taking time to consider our values, letting those shape our responses, and guide our decisions is what leads to a fulfilling life.
The Meditations focus on examining and breaking down situations we all encounter, such as looking at death as a part of life, embracing change as a necessary function of living, and developing an inner fortress which is impenetrable to influences from the outside world. The wisdom accumulated here is also uniquely applicable to learning, relationships, and leadership.
Learning
“That which is an obstacle on this road helps us on this road.”
Train yourself to look at obstacles as opportunities. Instead of defining events as good or bad, look at them as the path to your success. Consider the different components which created that problem, and whether one of them offers a solution. That same obstacle, which others will become emotional about and lose time and energy over, you can look to squarely for guidance in accomplishing your aim.
“But intelligence and reason are able to go through everything that opposes them…”
We must take our education seriously. Learning about the world and learning how to think well are the only way to succeed in life. Education is not simply our school years or formal instruction, but encompasses the life-long process of acquiring knowledge in order to make wise, healthy, and profitable decisions. Aurelius is saying that intelligence and reason are the only two things which will see you through trials and obstacles. If you want to succeed in life, it’s your responsibility to take your education seriously.
Relationships
Much of Aurelius’ focus, understandably so, was on how the individual should interact with his community. Perhaps the majority of the Meditations deals with how to think about and respond to other people. He always returns to the humble perspective of speaking to everyone as a human, and doing right by them, even when they may not deserve it.
“Shall any man hate me? Let him look to it. But I will be mild and benevolent towards every man, and ready to show even him his mistake…”
“Nothing will stand in the way of your acting justly, and soberly, and considerately.”
Remind yourself that you can always do the just and considerate thing. We often call this being the bigger person, when really, it’s just acting decently, and not emotionally. When we don’t have the noise of ego or emotion driving us to react one way, we are then free to use reason and exhibit humility in our thoughts and actions.
“It is in our power to have no opinion about a thing, and to not be disturbed in our soul; for things themselves have no natural power to form our judgments.”
We don’t have to engage with everything that begs for our attention.
We don’t have to get carried away with emotions; we can choose our responses.
And again,
“It is in the power of the soul to maintain its own serenity.”
Each of us is capable of controlling our own thoughts and responses. Other people’s responses are not in our control. Internalize and accept the fact that you will never be able to control what other people think or feel or how they react.
You are capable and responsible for your own actions.
“Let the wrong which was done by a man stay where the wrong was done.” He restates this even more strongly later, “It is your duty to leave another man’s wrongful act where it is.”
Resentment is a choice.
Instead of giving time and energy to a past event, we can choose to put our resources towards successful endeavors. This means choosing not to pursue vengeance. This means, again, making the best decision within your control, and allowing what is outside your control to fade away.
It is not within your power to change the past or how anyone feels about you. It is within your power to control and examine your thoughts and to determine the best path forward.
His emphasis on allowing reason to determine our actions toward others, rather than emotion, is something everyone can benefit from. Indeed, the seeds of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be seen here. CBT is a form of psychosocial therapy which attempts to reverse negative thinking patterns, by employing techniques – including journaling – which allow the patient to identify patterns and cues for their negative and anxiety-inducing thoughts. We can see again how useful a journaling practice can be to becoming more mindful and thoughtful in our actions and responses.
Leadership
Aurelius admired the self-control of Stoic philosopher Claudius Maximus, and went on to act with self-control throughout his reign. Unsurprisingly, he is often considered a philosopher-ruler, and was the only prominent Roman ruler to maintain his Stoic ethics when he did ascend to power. This rich legacy stands in testament to the vital characteristic of self-control.
“Receive wealth or prosperity without arrogance; and be ready to let it go.”
“Carry not thyself either tyrannically or servilely towards any.”
These are astounding statements from a ruler, and could only be embodied by a disciplined individual marked by integrity and self-control. The lack of these qualities in our political and religious institutions are the reason for so much of the frustration and tension we face. Those in leadership positions are showing themselves to be unworthy of those positions.
The qualities listed throughout this essay are characteristics of good leaders; they are aware of their own habits, goals, and motivation; exhibit self-control mentally and physically; are able to separate outcomes from emotion; and are reasonable and humble. It is not an exaggeration to say, that those who practice these Stoic values – whether they claim Stoicism or not – become leaders who people willingly follow. The world needs more people who are mindful of their values and act in line with them, even in trying situations.
Finally, a summary quote:
“If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it.”
Simple, timeless, and universal advice, which is too often dismissed. Be truthful and do what is right. May Marcus Aurelius and his Meditations serve as examples that we each have the choice to exercise reason and self-control. Even we modern humans need to be reminded that inner calm and control are always within our reach.
Ed. note: This is the tenth entry in a series looking at the three schools of philosophy for perspectives on relationships in our modern world. Inspired by Emerson’s “The American Scholar,” we are exploring timeless wisdom which endures to inform our approaches to learning, relationships and leadership. Click here for all the posts in this series.
