How do we know that Telauges wasn’t a better man than Socrates?
It’s not enough to ask whether Socrates’ death was nobler, whether he debated with the sophists more adeptly, whether he showed greater endurance by spending the night out in the cold, and when he was ordered to arrest the man from Salamis decided it was preferable to refuse, and “swaggered about the streets” (which one could reasonably doubt).
What matters is what kind of soul he had.
Whether he was satisfied to treat men with justice and the gods with reverence and didn’t lose his temper unpredictably at evil done by others, didn’t make himself the slave of other people’s ignorance, didn’t treat anything that nature did as abnormal, or put up with it as an unbearable imposition, didn’t put his mind in his body’s keeping.
Meditations 7.66
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue in this passage is the nature of a good life and how to evaluate one's character. In Meditations 7.66, Marcus Aurelius reflects on what makes a person truly good, using the example of Socrates. He notes that it's "not enough to ask" about outward actions or accomplishments, but rather "what kind of soul he had."
This reveals that living well is not about external achievements or how others perceive us, but about the state of our inner character. As Marcus Aurelius writes, it's about being "satisfied to treat men with justice and the gods with reverence" and maintaining a steady and virtuous character in the face of challenges.
To apply this insight today, one might ask themselves: What kind of soul do I have? Am I driven by a desire to do what is right, or am I swayed by external opinions and desires? Do I treat others with justice and respect, even when it's difficult? Do I remain calm and composed in the face of adversity, or do I let my emotions get the better of me?
As Marcus Aurelius notes, a person with a good soul doesn't "lose his temper unpredictably at evil done by others" and doesn't "make himself the slave of other people's ignorance." This suggests that living well involves cultivating inner strength, wisdom, and independence, rather than being controlled by external events or the opinions of others.
Today, someone might apply this insight by taking a moment to reflect on their own character and values. They might ask themselves: What are my core principles, and am I living in accordance with them? Am I treating others with kindness and respect, even when it's challenging? By focusing on the state of their own soul, rather than external accomplishments or validation, they can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and virtue, and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
As you consider this passage, you might ask yourself: What is one area of my life where I can practice treating others with justice and reverence, and cultivate a stronger and more virtuous character?