The world’s cycles never change—up and down, from age to age.
Either the world’s intelligence wills each thing (if so, accept its will), or it exercised that will once—once and for all—and all else follows as a consequence (and if so, why worry?).
One way or another: atoms or unity. If it’s God, all is well. If it’s arbitrary, don’t imitate it.
The earth will cover us all, and then be transformed in turn, and that too will change, ad infinitum. And that as well, ad infinitum.
Think about them: the waves of change and alteration, endlessly breaking. And see our brief mortality for what it is.
Meditations 9.28
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the human tendency to resist or worry about the natural cycles of change. In Meditations 9.28, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that "the world's cycles never change—up and down, from age to age." This passage reveals that living well involves accepting the inevitability of change and the interconnectedness of all things.
As Aurelius notes, "Either the world's intelligence wills each thing... or it exercised that will once—and all else follows as a consequence." This suggests that we can choose to accept the natural order of things, rather than trying to control or resist it. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of detachment and equanimity in the face of change.
To apply this insight today, consider the areas of your life where you may be resisting or worrying about change. Are you holding onto something too tightly, fearing loss or uncertainty? Remember that "the earth will cover us all, and then be transformed in turn, and that too will change, ad infinitum." This perspective can help you let go of attachment to specific outcomes and focus on what is within your control.
As you navigate the challenges of the day, ask yourself: What is the one thing I can accept or let go of, in order to align myself with the natural flow of life? By embracing the impermanence and interconnectedness of all things, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace and wisdom, and live more in harmony with the world around you.