The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t. — Marcus Aurelius
The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Stoicism. His book “Meditations” is a collection of his personal thoughts and reflections on the Stoic philosophy, and it is still widely read and studied today. One of the most notable quotes from “Meditations” is “The only thing that isn’t worthless: to live this life out truthfully and rightly. And be patient with those who don’t.” This quote encapsulates the Stoic idea that living a virtuous life, in accordance with reason and nature, is the highest good and the only true happiness.
To understand the full meaning of this quote, it is important to understand the Stoic concept of virtue. To the Stoics, virtue is the only good, and it is something that can be attained through the use of reason. They believed that by living virtuously, individuals could achieve eudaimonia, which is a state of well-being and contentment. To live this life out truthfully and rightly, then, means to live in accordance with virtue and reason.
The second part of the quote, “And be patient with those who don’t,” highlights the Stoic belief in the importance of empathy and compassion. The Stoics believed in the idea of universal brotherhood and the equality of all human beings. They believed that all individuals are part of the same rational order and that we should treat each other with kindness and respect, even if others do not live in accordance with virtue and reason.
The quote also implies that living virtuously is not always easy and that one should have patience with oneself and others in the journey of becoming virtuous. The Stoics believed that individuals have the power to control their own lives and destinies, and that they are responsible for their own happiness and well-being. They also believed that individuals have the ability to choose how they respond to events and that they should strive to overcome negative emotions such as fear, anger, and grief in order to live a virtuous life.
In today’s world, the concept of living truthfully and rightly may be interpreted in different ways depending on one’s personal beliefs and values. But, one thing that remains the same is that living a virtuous life, in accordance with reason and nature, is a common goal for many individuals. The Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of virtue, reason, and self-control, can serve as a valuable guide in this pursuit.
In summary, Marcus Aurelius’s quote reminds us of the importance of living a virtuous life, in accordance with reason and nature, and to be compassionate towards others who may not yet understand or practice this way of life. It is a reminder to be patient with ourselves and others in the journey of becoming virtuous. The Stoic philosophy can serve as a valuable guide in this pursuit and its teachings can be applied to modern life to find meaning and purpose in even the most challenging situations.
Recommended Read
Navigating life’s challenges can be a difficult task, but the Stoic philosophy offers a valuable guide for understanding and overcoming these obstacles. One of the most important figures in the history of Stoicism is the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, whose book “Meditations” is a collection of personal thoughts and reflections on the Stoic philosophy. In his book, Marcus Aurelius offers insights on how to live a virtuous life, in accordance with reason and nature, which is the highest good and the only true happiness.
If you’re looking to learn more about the Stoic approach to living truthfully and rightly, I highly recommend the book “The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. This book is a modern interpretation of Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic philosophy and offers daily meditations on how to apply Stoicism to your everyday life. The book is organized in a calendar format, with a different meditation for each day of the year, making it easy to read and reflect on the teachings of Stoicism.
The Daily Stoic provides a clear and concise explanation of the Stoic philosophy, making it accessible for readers of all levels. It covers a wide range of topics, from self-control and resilience to wisdom and personal growth. Each meditation is accompanied by a quote from a famous Stoic, such as Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, providing a deeper understanding of the Stoic teachings.
One of the most valuable aspects of The Daily Stoic is that it shows how the Stoic philosophy can be applied to modern life. It provides practical tips and strategies for dealing with everyday challenges, such as stress, fear, and anger. The book also offers insights on how to live a virtuous life, in accordance with reason and nature, which is the highest good and the only true happiness.
Lastly, The Daily Stoic is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Stoic philosophy and how to navigate life’s challenges. It offers a modern interpretation of Marcus Aurelius’s Stoic philosophy and provides daily meditations on how to apply Stoicism to your everyday life. It’s a book that I highly recommend for anyone looking to find meaning and purpose in even the most challenging situations.
I hope this article has sparked your interest in the Stoic philosophy and the teachings of Marcus Aurelius. The Daily Stoic is a valuable resource that offers a modern interpretation of the Stoic philosophy and provides daily meditations on how to apply it to your everyday life. I would love to hear your thoughts on this book and the Stoic approach to living truthfully and rightly. How do you think the Stoic philosophy can help you navigate life’s challenges? Have you read The Daily Stoic or any other books on Stoicism? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. Your thoughts and feedback are valuable to me and other readers.
Sapiens Verbum 