Yes, keep on degrading yourself, soul. But soon your chance at dignity will be gone. Everyone gets one life. Yours is almost used up, and instead of treating yourself with respect, you have entrusted your own happiness to the souls of others.
Meditations 2.6
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of self-respect and personal agency in living a dignified life. In Meditations 2.6, Marcus Aurelius cautions against "degrading yourself" and relying on others for happiness. This passage reveals that true dignity and happiness come from within, and that we must take responsibility for our own lives.
The Stoic reasoning is clear: we have one life, and it is fleeting. As Marcus Aurelius notes, "Everyone gets one life. Yours is almost used up." This urgency underscores the need to focus on what truly matters - our own character, actions, and values. By "treating yourself with respect," we can cultivate a sense of self-worth that is not dependent on external validation.
To apply this insight today, one might ask themselves: "What are the things that I am doing to degrade myself, and how can I stop?" This could involve letting go of self-destructive habits, negative self-talk, or unhealthy relationships. Instead, focus on building self-respect by setting boundaries, prioritizing your own needs, and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and virtue.
As you reflect on this passage, consider the following question: What is one thing you can do today to treat yourself with respect and dignity, rather than entrusting your happiness to others?