Another encouragement to humility: you can’t claim to have lived your life as a philosopher—not even your whole adulthood. You can see for yourself how far you are from philosophy. And so can many others. You’re tainted. It’s not so easy now—to have a reputation as a philosopher. And your position is an obstacle as well.
So you know how things stand. Now forget what they think of you. Be satisfied if you can live the rest of your life, however short, as your nature demands. Focus on that, and don’t let anything distract you. You’ve wandered all over and finally realized that you never found what you were after: how to live. Not in syllogisms, not in money, or fame, or self-indulgence. Nowhere.
—Then where is it to be found?
In doing what human nature requires.
—How?
Through first principles. Which should govern your intentions and your actions.
—What principles?
Those to do with good and evil. That nothing is good except what leads to fairness, and self-control, and courage, and free will. And nothing bad except what does the opposite.
Meditations 8.1
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the pursuit of living a virtuous life. In Meditations 8.1, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the importance of humility and living in accordance with one's nature. He notes that true fulfillment is not found in external sources like "syllogisms, money, fame, or self-indulgence," but rather in doing what human nature requires.
The passage reveals that living well is rooted in "first principles" that govern intentions and actions, specifically those related to "good and evil." It emphasizes that what is good leads to "fairness, self-control, courage, and free will," while what is bad does the opposite. This insight suggests that living well involves cultivating virtues like self-control, courage, and fairness, and making decisions that align with these principles.
To apply this insight today, one might ask themselves: "What are my intentions and actions aligned with?" Am I prioritizing fairness, self-control, and courage in my decisions and interactions? By reflecting on these questions, individuals can take a step back to assess their values and actions, and make adjustments to live more in accordance with their nature and the principles of virtue. As Marcus Aurelius advises, focus on living the rest of your life "as your nature demands," and don't let external distractions divert you from this path.
What is one area of your life where you could apply the principle of living in accordance with your nature and virtues, starting today?