People who feel hurt and resentment: picture them as the pig at the sacrifice, kicking and squealing all the way.
Like the man alone in his bed, silently weeping over the chains that bind us.
That everything has to submit. But only rational beings can do so voluntarily.
Meditations 10.28
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the nature of resistance and acceptance in the face of life's challenges. In Meditations 10.28, Marcus Aurelius notes that "everything has to submit," highlighting the inevitability of certain events. However, he also observes that "only rational beings can do so voluntarily," suggesting that our unique capacity as rational beings is to choose how we respond to these events.
This passage reveals that living well involves recognizing what is outside of our control and accepting it willingly, rather than resisting or resenting it. The image of the pig "kicking and squealing all the way" to the sacrifice serves as a stark contrast to the voluntary submission that rational beings can choose. By voluntarily submitting to the inevitable, we can conserve our energy and maintain our inner peace.
To apply this insight today, consider the challenges you are currently facing. Are there any situations where you are resisting or resenting something that is outside of your control? Perhaps you can take a step back, acknowledge the inevitability of the situation, and choose to accept it willingly. As Marcus Aurelius suggests, this voluntary submission can be a powerful way to maintain your inner strength and live in greater harmony with the world around you.
What is one situation in your life where you might practice voluntary submission today, and how might that change your experience of it?