Everything obeys and serves the universe – the land and sea, the sun and other stars, as well as the world’s plants and animals. Our body also obeys it in both sickness and health (whichever it dictates), in youth and old age, and in the course of the body’s other changes. So it is unreasonable that our will, which is in our power, be the only thing to try to resist it. It is stronger than we are and very powerful indeed; besides, it has planned for us better than we could ourselves by including us in its grand design. Resistance is vain in any case; it only leads to useless struggle while inviting grief and sorrow.
Fragments 3.3
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the alignment of our will with the natural order of the universe. As Epictetus notes in [Fragments 3.3], "Everything obeys and serves the universe." This passage reveals that living well involves recognizing and accepting the natural flow of life, rather than resisting it.
The Stoic reasoning is clear: our bodies, like the land and sea, obey the universe's dictates, whether in sickness or health. It is unreasonable, then, for our will to resist this natural order. By acknowledging the universe's power and design, we can surrender our attempts to control what is beyond our control.
Applying this insight today, someone might reflect on areas where they are resisting the natural flow of life. Are they fighting against circumstances that are beyond their control? Are they struggling with their own limitations or the limitations of others? By letting go of this resistance, they can conserve their energy and focus on what is within their power to control.
As a practical guide, consider this: when faced with a challenging situation today, ask yourself, "Is this within my power to control?" If not, can you accept it as part of the natural order, rather than resisting it? By doing so, you may find that you can navigate life's challenges with greater ease and wisdom. What is one thing you can let go of resisting today, and how might that change your approach to the day ahead?