My only fear is doing something contrary to human nature—the wrong thing, the wrong way, or at the wrong time.
Meditations 7.20
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of living in accordance with human nature. In Meditations 7.20, Marcus Aurelius expresses his fear of acting "contrary to human nature." This reveals a key principle for living well: aligning one's actions with what is natural and virtuous for humans.
This insight suggests that living well involves cultivating self-awareness and discernment to recognize what is in harmony with human nature. As Marcus Aurelius implies, this includes considering the right action, the right way to perform it, and the right time to do so.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their daily actions and decisions, asking themselves: "Is this action in line with what is virtuous and natural for humans?" This could involve considering whether their words and deeds promote the well-being of themselves and others, and whether they are acting with integrity and justice.
A practical step might be to pause before making a decision or taking an action, and ask: "What would be the natural and virtuous thing to do in this situation?" By doing so, one can cultivate a greater sense of alignment with human nature and increase the likelihood of living a life characterized by wisdom, justice, and self-control.
What is one action you can take today that you believe aligns with human nature and promotes the well-being of yourself and others?