First, tragedies. To remind us of what can happen, and that it happens inevitably—and if something gives you pleasure on that stage, it shouldn’t cause you anger on this one. You realize that these are things we all have to go through, and that even those who cry aloud “o Mount Cithaeron!” have to endure them. And some excellent lines as well. These, for example:
If I and my two children cannot move the godsThe gods must have their reasons
Or:
And why should we feel anger at the world?
And:
To harvest life like standing stalks of grain
and a good many others.
Then, after tragedy, Old Comedy: instructive in its frankness, its plain speaking designed to puncture pretensions. (Diogenes used the same tactic for similar ends.)
Then consider the Middle (and later the New) Comedy and what it aimed at—gradually degenerating into mere realism and empty technique. There are undeniably good passages, even in those writers, but what was the point of it all—the script and staging alike?
Meditations 11.6
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the importance of perspective and acceptance in living well. In Meditations 11.6, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the lessons from tragedy and comedy, highlighting the inevitability of life's challenges and the need to endure them. He quotes, "If I and my two children cannot move the gods, The gods must have their reasons," which suggests that some things are beyond our control, and we must accept them.
This passage reveals that living well involves recognizing what is within our power to change and what is not. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of detachment and acceptance, rather than resisting or getting angry at the things that happen to us. As Marcus Aurelius notes, "And why should we feel anger at the world?" This question prompts us to examine our emotions and reactions, and to consider whether they are justified.
To apply this insight today, someone might take a step back and assess their current situation, identifying what they can control and what they cannot. They might ask themselves, "What am I getting angry or upset about, and is it something that I can truly change?" By recognizing what is outside of their control, they can begin to let go of unnecessary frustration and focus on what they can do to move forward.
As Marcus Aurelius suggests, we can also learn from the idea of "harvesting life like standing stalks of grain." This image implies a sense of acceptance and gratitude for what we have, rather than constantly striving for more or resisting what is. Today, someone might try to approach their daily tasks and interactions with a sense of humility and acceptance, recognizing that life is full of challenges and uncertainties, but also full of opportunities for growth and learning. What is one thing you can accept and let go of today, allowing you to focus on what truly matters?