All things are drawn toward what is like them, if such a thing exists. All earthly things feel the earth’s tug. All wet things flow together. And airy things as well, so they have to be forcibly prevented from mixing. Fire is naturally drawn upward by that higher fire, but ready to ignite at the slightest touch of other, earthly flame. So that anything drier than usual makes good fuel, because less of what hinders combustion is mixed in with it.
And things that share an intelligent nature are just as prone to seek out what is like them. If not more so. Because their superiority in other ways is matched by their greater readiness to mix and mingle with their counterparts.
Even in irrational beings we see swarms and herds, and nesting, and love not unlike ours. Because they do have souls, and the bonding instinct is found in a developed form—not something we see in plants, or stones, or trees. And it’s still more developed in rational beings, with their states, friendships, families, groups, their treaties and truces. And in those yet more developed there is a kind of unity even between separate things, the kind that we see in the stars. An advanced level of development can produce a sympathy even in things that are quite distinct.
But look how things are now. The rational things are the only ones that have lost that sense of attraction—of convergence. Only there do we not see that intermingling. But however much they try to avoid it, there’s no escaping. Nature is stronger. As you can see if you look closely.
Concrete objects can pull free of the earth more easily than humans can escape humanity.
Meditations 9.9
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the human tendency to resist our natural inclination towards unity and interconnectedness with others. In Meditations 9.9, Marcus Aurelius observes that all things in nature are drawn towards what is like them, and this is especially true for rational beings. He notes that even irrational beings, such as animals, exhibit a sense of unity and bonding, but rational beings often resist this natural tendency.
The Stoic reasoning behind this passage suggests that our natural inclination is to seek out and connect with others who share our intelligent nature. As Marcus Aurelius says, "things that share an intelligent nature are just as prone to seek out what is like them." This implies that living well involves embracing our natural tendency towards unity and interconnectedness, rather than resisting it.
To apply this insight today, one might reflect on their own relationships and interactions with others. Are there areas where you are resisting or avoiding connection with others? Are there opportunities to cultivate unity and cooperation with those around you? In Meditations 9.9, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that "nature is stronger" than our attempts to resist our natural inclination towards unity. By acknowledging and embracing this natural tendency, we can live more in harmony with ourselves and others.
As you go about your day, consider how you can apply this insight in a practical way. Can you reach out to a friend or family member to strengthen your bond? Can you find ways to cooperate and work together with colleagues or community members towards a common goal? By embracing our natural inclination towards unity and interconnectedness, we can live more authentically and in greater harmony with the world around us. What is one step you can take today to cultivate greater unity and connection with others?