Introduction: The Stoic Pursuit of Virtuous Success
Stoicism, a philosophical school of thought that seeks tranquility, ultimately aims at living a life in harmony with nature and virtuously. In Stoicism, success is not merely about wealth or fame but about living virtuously. The wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, offers profound insights into cultivating a successful mindset grounded in logic and reason.
Stoicism and Virtuous Success
At the core of Stoic philosophy lies the pursuit of virtue and tranquility. Stoics believe that the path to true happiness and success is through living a life in accordance with nature and embracing virtue. Unlike conventional notions of success that often focus on external achievements, Stoic success is internal and revolves around living a life guided by reason, wisdom, courage, and justice.
The Role of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius, a prominent Stoic philosopher, was not only a Roman Emperor but also a deep thinker who left behind a collection of his thoughts known as “Meditations.” He shares his insights on life, virtue, and success in these writings. While Stoicism is often associated with tranquility, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that the ultimate goal is to live virtuously.
Five Key Teachings from Marcus Aurelius for Success
Embracing the Stoic philosophy entails more than just seeking tranquility; it is a journey toward virtuous success. Marcus Aurelius imparts several invaluable teachings to guide us on this path. Here are five of these teachings:
Create Your Teachers: Learning from Others
Marcus Aurelius keenly observed human nature and found valuable lessons in those around him. He extracted positive attributes from individuals and considered them lessons to be integrated into his life. For instance, he learned generosity from his mother, the importance of private tutors from his great-grandfather, the value of avoiding wasteful pursuits from Diognetus, and the significance of self-control from Maximus.
Applying the Teaching
The practical application of this teaching involves a shift in perspective. Rather than being critical or judgmental of others, we can adopt a more open and receptive mindset. By focusing on the positive qualities and actions of those around us, we can turn them into sources of inspiration and learning. This approach extends beyond our immediate circle to encompass philosophers, historical figures, and even individuals we may consider less admirable.
Creating a Culture of Mutual Growth
Recognizing the potential for learning in everyone we encounter fosters a culture of mutual growth and collaboration. Instead of viewing others as competitors or adversaries, we embrace them as potential teachers. This shift in mindset contributes to our personal development, strengthens our relationships, and enriches our understanding of the human experience.
Stop Caring About Them: The Art of Non-Distraction
While Marcus Aurelius emphasizes learning from others, he also cautions against caring too much about their opinions or judgments. He aptly states, “The tranquility that comes when you stop caring what they say, think, or do. Only what you do. Not to be distracted by their darkness. To run straight for the finish line, unswerving.”
Resisting External Influences
This teaching encourages us to resist the distracting influence of external opinions and judgments. It’s natural for people to offer advice or express skepticism about our goals and aspirations. However, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our vision, knowledge, and perspective are uniquely our own. Instead of being swayed by the opinions of others, especially when their motives are questionable, we must trust our judgment and stay committed to our path.
Navigating Skepticism and Envy
In our pursuit of success, we may encounter skeptics who doubt our choices and decisions. Marcus Aurelius’ advice reminds us not to be deterred by such skepticism. These individuals may not fully understand our vision, and their reservations should not hinder our progress. Some people may harbor envy or even attempt to sabotage our efforts. In such cases, Marcus Aurelius’ teaching encourages us not to be distracted by their negativity.
Do What’s Essential: Embracing Minimalism for Success
The third teaching from Marcus Aurelius underscores the importance of doing what is essential. Many of us fall into the trap of engaging in numerous activities that are neither relevant nor productive. This lack of focus can lead to aimlessness, stress, and burnout.
The Significance of Essential Actions
Marcus Aurelius advises, “If you seek tranquility, do less. Or, more accurately, do what’s essential—what the logos of a social being requires, and in the requisite way. Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, better. Because most of what we say and do is not essential. You’ll have more time and tranquility if you can eliminate it.”
Practical Application of Essentialism
Embracing minimalism and essentialism in pursuing success involves deliberately evaluating our actions and commitments. We must identify the tasks and responsibilities that align with our overarching goals and priorities. Focusing on these essential actions enhances our efficiency and reduces stress.
Clear Prioritization
As Marcus Aurelius did, creating a clear plan for our day gives us focus and a sense of purpose. This practice ensures that we allocate our time and energy to tasks that truly matter. By eliminating unnecessary and non-essential actions, we become more productive and safeguard ourselves against distractions that can divert us from our path to success.
Change Your Perception: Resilience in the Face of Hardship
Hardship is an inevitable part of life, and success often involves overcoming obstacles. Marcus Aurelius experienced numerous setbacks during his reign as emperor, including plagues and betrayals. He teaches us the art of changing our perception of hardship.
Shifting Our Perspective
Marcus Aurelius posits, “Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.” This teaching underscores the idea that our emotional response to adversity is rooted in our thoughts and perceptions. Shifting perspective and developing resilience can help us navigate setbacks with greater fortitude.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Marcus Aurelius’ teaching aligns with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, a widely used psychological approach. CBT emphasizes that our thoughts influence our emotions. Therefore, we can change our emotional responses by altering our thoughts and interpretations of events.
Resilience and Stoic Principles
Embracing this teaching enhances our resilience and ability to persevere in facing challenges. Instead of viewing hardship as insurmountable, we see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Stoicism teaches us that we control our reactions and emotions, even in adverse circumstances, ultimately contributing to our success.
Follow Nature’s Way: Embracing Individuality and Ethics
The fifth teaching from Marcus Aurelius encourages us to follow nature’s way. This concept reflects the Stoic idea of living harmoniously with the natural order. It is about recognizing our strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations and aligning our actions with our true nature.
Respecting Our Unique Nature
Marcus Aurelius advises us to “Take the shortest route, the one that nature planned—to speak and act most healthily. Do that, and be free of pain and stress, free of all calculation and pretension.”
Self-Reflection and Self-Acceptance
This teaching calls for introspection and self-acceptance. To follow nature’s way, we must first understand our nature—our strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and values. By embracing our individuality and respecting our inherent qualities, we can make choices and pursue endeavors that align with our true selves.
Ethical Considerations
From a Stoic perspective, success should benefit us individually and contribute positively to humanity. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that personal success must align with ethical principles. Success achieved at the expense of others or through unethical means is not true success. It is essential to consider how our achievements impact the world and strive for success that benefits ourselves and our communities.
Conclusion: The Stoic Path to Virtuous Success
In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius’ teachings offer profound insights into the Stoic philosophy of virtuous success. Stoicism teaches us that success is not merely about external achievements but, more importantly, about living a life per nature and virtue. We can navigate the path toward virtuous success by creating teachers from those around us, resisting distractions, embracing minimalism, changing our perception of hardship, and following nature’s way.
Success, as viewed through a Stoic lens, is not achieved in isolation. It is about living a life of integrity, resilience, and purpose. It is about being mindful of our choices and actions and their impact on the world. Ultimately, Stoicism offers a timeless blueprint for success beyond conventional definitions and aligns with a deeper, more meaningful sense of fulfillment and contentment.