Search and explore the words of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus — over 1,400 curated passages from the Meditations, Discourses, Enchiridion, Fragments and Seneca’s essays, with AI-powered explanations.
Today’s reflection
Does that mean you have to be miserable? Let’s suppose you didn’t understand what you had the power of vision for; it would be your bad luck if you decided to close your eyes just at the moment a beautiful painting passed before you. You are even unluckier for being oblivious to the fact that you have the power of patience to deal with your diffculties. [31] You forget the virtues of character you have in reserve, just when problems that they can control present themselves, and you could use their help.
Discourses 1.12.30
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the misuse of one's inner resources, particularly the power of patience and virtues of character. As Epictetus notes, "You forget the virtues of character you have in reserve, just when problems that they can control present themselves" [Discourses 1.12.31]. This reveals that living well involves recognizing and utilizing our inner strengths, especially in times of difficulty.
The passage suggests that we often overlook our capacity for patience and other virtues, just when we need them most. This is akin to having the power of vision but choosing to close our eyes to a beautiful painting [Discourses 1.12.30]. It's a matter of being mindful of our inner resources and applying them to the challenges we face.
To apply this insight today, one could take a moment to reflect on the virtues of character they possess, such as patience, resilience, or compassion. When confronted with a difficult situation, they could remind themselves of these inner strengths and intentionally draw upon them. For instance, if faced with a frustrating task, they might say to themselves, "I have the power of patience to deal with this difficulty" [Discourses 1.12.30].
As you go about your day, consider this question: What virtue of character can you draw upon to navigate a challenging situation that arises, and how will you intentionally apply it to improve your response?