Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who once wielded absolute power and commanded a formidable army, is a remarkable historical figure in stoic philosophy. Absolute power is fascinating to contemplate, something many powerful individuals throughout history have struggled to handle responsibly. All too often, power has led to corruption, as individuals become slaves to their insatiable greed and desire for more.
However, Marcus Aurelius was a different breed of leader. As the emperor of Rome, he was acutely aware that momentary pleasures were his for the taking, without limits. Yet, in stark contrast to his son Commodus, he chose a path divergent from indulgence in orgies, excessive alcohol, or the sadistic spectacles in the Colosseum, where the Roman elite sought entertainment.
Marcus Aurelius chronicled his inner struggles and unwavering determination in his private memoirs, never intended for publication. These writings, known as “Meditations,” eventually became a cornerstone of a philosophical school that has thrived for over two millennia—Stoicism. Central to Stoicism is a fundamental observation: human experiences can be categorized into two distinct realms—those we can control and those we cannot.
The Stoic Dichotomy of Control
The Stoic philosopher Epictetus introduced this philosophy with a powerful axiom: most things are simply not within our control. Consider the myriad external factors that shape our lives—our friendships, professional relationships, intimate partnerships, the vagaries of the economy, the number of “likes” on our Facebook posts, the utterances of politicians, and even the inexorable aging of our bodies. While we may influence these matters somewhat, there remains an inescapable truth: the capricious hand of misfortune can strike at any time. This may sound pessimistic, even disheartening, but rest assured, there’s a ray of hope.
Focusing on What We Control
Epictetus encourages us to shift our attention towards those aspects of life that fall within our grasp: our opinions and actions. In other words, we can determine our stance towards the world. While individuals who are gravely ill have no control over their ailments, they retain authority over their response to the situation.
When one fully embraces their sickness and acknowledges the potential for death, one can attain a state of inner peace. It’s worth noting that this isn’t medical advice; it’s philosophy.
Moreover, a tranquil mind can navigate challenges logically and rationally, making sound life choices that might enhance the chances of recovery. Stoic ethics encompass a spectrum of values rather than rigid commandments.
The Stoics advocated living in harmony with nature, which refers to our role as human beings within the greater whole. We have the inherent potential to act for the greater good without resisting the natural course of events. Contrary to popular belief, Stoics are not devoid of emotion. They view emotions as quintessentially human, subject to the authority of reason.
Harnessing the Power of Indifference
What sets Stoics apart is their recognition that it’s not the emotion that dictates our emotional state but rather the position we adopt concerning that emotion. This inherently therapeutic perspective fosters heightened emotional awareness and enables individuals to perceive emotions as transient sensations akin to waves in the vast ocean. This shift in perception prevents individuals from becoming overwhelmed by their emotions.
Modern Stoic Practices
Modern Stoics employ a range of exercises to cultivate inner peace. One such exercise is “praemeditatio malorum” or negative visualization. Marcus Aurelius, who frequently encountered difficult individuals, began his day with this exercise, mentally preparing himself for anticipated confrontations. He would remind himself, “Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness—all due to the offenders’ ignorance of what is good or evil.”
Another practice, “memento mori” or “remember that you will die,” encourages Stoics to acknowledge life’s transience. It serves as a reminder not to squander time on trivial matters and, perhaps more subtly, not to take life overly seriously. Additionally, the “view from above” exercise encourages individuals to contemplate their existence from a cosmic standpoint, recognizing their insignificance in the grand tapestry of the universe.
The Power of Indifference in the Modern Age
Stoicism emerges as a valuable compass for navigating life’s complexities in a world characterized by a deluge of stimuli and distractions. The Stoic philosophy invites us to embrace indifference as a potent force. Life is fleeting, and in recognizing this, we can direct our life energy towards the essential and meaningful aspects, leaving the inconsequential by the wayside.
Stoicism, with its profound wisdom, has transcended time and remains a guiding light for those who seek to navigate the turbulent seas of existence with grace and resilience. Thank you for reading.