Nature is like someone throwing a ball in the air, gauging its rise and arc—and where it will fall. And what does the ball gain as it flies upward? Or lose when it plummets to earth?
What does the bubble gain from its existence? Or lose by bursting?
And the same for a candle.
Meditations 8.20
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the impermanence of things. In Meditations 8.20, Marcus Aurelius uses the analogy of a ball, a bubble, and a candle to illustrate the fleeting nature of existence. He asks, "What does the ball gain as it flies upward? Or lose when it plummets to earth?" This question reveals that the ball's trajectory is beyond its control, and its "gain" or "loss" is merely a perspective.
This passage teaches us to reevaluate our attachment to outcomes and our perception of gain and loss. As Marcus Aurelius implies, things rise and fall, come into being and pass away, without any inherent value or consequence. This insight can help us cultivate a sense of detachment and acceptance, allowing us to live more in accordance with nature.
To apply this insight today, consider the things that are currently rising or falling in your life. Are you attached to a particular outcome or worried about a potential loss? Ask yourself, "What does this thing gain or lose in its existence?" This question can help you see that the value or significance you assign to things is often arbitrary and subjective. By letting go of these attachments, you can focus on what is within your control and live more mindfully.
As you go about your day, remember that everything is in a state of flux, like the ball, bubble, and candle. What can you do today to cultivate a sense of acceptance and detachment, allowing you to live more in harmony with the natural order of things?