You have to assemble your life yourself—action by action. And be satisfied if each one achieves its goal, as far as it can. No one can keep that from happening.
—But there are external obstacles….
Not to behaving with justice, self-control, and good sense.
—Well, but perhaps to some more concrete action.
But if you accept the obstacle and work with what you’re given, an alternative will present itself—another piece of what you’re trying to assemble. Action by action.
Meditations 8.32
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the challenge of navigating obstacles while striving to live a virtuous life. In Meditations 8.32, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that "you have to assemble your life yourself—action by action." This phrase suggests that living well is a deliberate and incremental process, where each action is an opportunity to move closer to our goals.
The passage also highlights the importance of focusing on what is within our control. When faced with external obstacles, we might feel hindered in our pursuit of concrete actions. However, as Marcus Aurelius notes, "No one can keep that from happening" when it comes to behaving with "justice, self-control, and good sense." This implies that our character and values are always within our control, regardless of external circumstances.
To apply this insight today, consider approaching challenges with a mindset of flexibility and resourcefulness. When faced with an obstacle, ask yourself: "What alternative can I find that still aligns with my values and goals?" By working with what you're given and adapting to circumstances, you can find new ways to move forward. As the passage suggests, "an alternative will present itself—another piece of what you're trying to assemble."
How might you put this into practice today? Perhaps you could take a specific challenge you're facing and try to break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Focus on the aspects of the situation that are within your control, and look for opportunities to behave with justice, self-control, and good sense. By doing so, you can begin to assemble your life, action by action, and make progress towards your goals despite any obstacles that may arise.
What is one obstacle you're currently facing, and how might you work with it to find an alternative path forward?