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Today’s reflection
People who feel hurt and resentment: picture them as the pig at the sacrifice, kicking and squealing all the way.
Like the man alone in his bed, silently weeping over the chains that bind us.
That everything has to submit. But only rational beings can do so voluntarily.
Meditations 10.28
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the nature of resistance and acceptance in the face of life's challenges. In Meditations 10.28, Marcus Aurelius observes that "everything has to submit" to the natural order of things, but notes that "only rational beings can do so voluntarily." This distinction reveals a key aspect of living well: the ability to accept what is outside of our control with equanimity.
The image of the pig at the sacrifice, "kicking and squealing all the way," serves as a metaphor for the futility of resisting the inevitable. In contrast, the rational being can choose to submit voluntarily, acknowledging the natural order of things and avoiding unnecessary struggle. This voluntary submission is not a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of strength and wisdom.
To apply this insight today, consider the areas of your life where you may be resisting or struggling against circumstances that are outside of your control. Ask yourself: "What am I kicking and squealing about?" Reflecting on this question can help you identify where you may be expending unnecessary energy and emotion. By choosing to accept what is outside of your control, you can conserve your energy and focus on what you can truly influence. As you go about your day, remember that "only rational beings can do so voluntarily" – and strive to embody this rational acceptance in the face of life's challenges.