STOICISM | How Marcus Aurelius Keeps Calm
How to keep calm
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As the ruler of Rome, Marcus Aurelius held unparalleled power, yet he stood apart from his predecessors and successors due to his dedication to virtuous living guided by Stoic philosophy. Amid the weight of leading an empire, he turned to Stoicism for solace, and his renowned work, "Meditations," offers insights into his coping strategies beyond the commonly known negative visualization.
Among Marcus Aurelius's lesser-explored teachings for a more serene life, one stands out: the principle of doing less. While the Stoics admired productivity, they also championed moderation. Marcus observed that many actions undertaken are superfluous. In our contemporary era, the abundance of entertainment easily leads us astray from purposeful pursuits. By filtering out the unnecessary and learning to work smartly, not just busily, we gain both tranquility and efficiency.
The advice to engage in fewer conversations also stems from this principle of doing less. Many discussions prove trivial and draining, sapping our time and energy. Thus, to embrace the essential, we must trim the excess. This mindful approach extends to crafting a task list the night before, enabling a focused start to the day, alleviating mental clutter.
Another teaching involves seeking respite not in physical travel, but within the depths of our own minds. Marcus challenged the notion of finding tranquility in external locations, asserting that the true sanctuary lies within our souls. This notion mirrors meditation—a practice of introspection and reflection to rejuvenate and proceed through life with composure.
Moreover, Marcus Aurelius implored us to internalize the impermanence of all things. The Stoic concept of "Memento Mori" underscores the importance of acknowledging our mortality, understanding the fleeting nature of life. Marcus urged us to comprehend the swiftness of change, from trends to our own existence. By accepting this transience, we can free ourselves from unnecessary attachments and aversions, fostering a balanced mindset.
In sum, Marcus Aurelius, an exemplar of Stoic wisdom, encourages us to simplify our lives, discover solace within ourselves, and embrace life's fleeting essence. Through focusing on the essential, nurturing inner calm, and acknowledging impermanence, we can cultivate a serene and resilient approach to existence. Marcus Aurelius emerges as an indelible figure in human history, wielding immense influence. Over two decades, he helmed the colossal Roman Empire during its zenith, a period when its sway reverberated globally. Strikingly, despite wielding boundless power that could fuel any whim, Emperor Aurelius staunchly embraced and embodied the tenets of Stoicism.
Through nightly journaling, he chronicled his personal quest to embody restraint, wisdom, and virtue in a world ripe with temptation. These intimate reflections were penned solely for himself, yet time unveiled them, transforming his musings into the collection known as "Meditations." Now regarded as a cornerstone of Stoic literature, this compilation offers an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a dedicated practitioner. Marcus Aurelius shines as a remarkable exemplar, demonstrating how Stoic principles can serve as a compass to navigate the tumultuous seas of stress and adversity.Herodian, the historian, noted that Marcus Aurelius stood alone among emperors, demonstrating his erudition not through rhetoric but by his unblemished character and moderate lifestyle. Cassius Dio echoed this sentiment, adding that Marcus excelled not just in virtues but surpassed all previous leaders in governance.
Born on April 26th, 121, as Marcus Catilius Severus Annius Verus, his eventual rise to the Roman Empire's throne was unforeseen. Emperor Hadrian, acquainted with young Marcus's early academic achievements, recognized his potential and affectionately referred to him as Verissimus—playing on his name's meaning, the "truest one." The exact qualities Hadrian discerned in Marcus remain unclear, yet by Marcus's 17th birthday, Hadrian had conceived an extraordinary plan.
In a momentous move on February 25th, 138, Hadrian adopted a 51-year-old Antoninus Pius with the stipulation that he, in turn, adopt Marcus Aurelius. Anticipating the norms of life expectancy, Hadrian envisioned this mentor-regent to rule within five years. However, Antoninus's reign endured for twenty-three years.
In 161, with Antoninus's passing, Marcus eventually ascended to the throne as Emperor of the Roman Empire, ruling steadfastly until his demise in 180. His reign was marked by challenges—conflicts with the Parthian Empire, the threat of barbarian tribes along the northern border, the burgeoning of Christianity, and a devastating plague causing widespread fatalities.
Edward Gibbon, the renowned historian, asserted that during Marcus's tenure as the last of the "Five Good Emperors," the Roman Empire experienced governance under absolute power guided by wisdom and virtue. It's this foundation of wisdom and virtue that distinguishes Marcus from numerous leaders throughout history. His personal journal, known as "Meditations," bears testament to this—a window into the inner thoughts of the world's most influential leader, counseling himself on virtues, justice, resistance to temptations, and wisdom.
For Marcus, Stoicism provided a pragmatic framework to navigate the daily pressures of leading one of history's most potent empires. It equipped him with tools to confront the rigors of leadership and cultivate a resilient mindset.
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The philosophy of Stoicism - Massimo Pigliucci
Zeno of Cyprus experienced a life-altering event when he found himself stranded far from home without any money or belongings. While many individuals would despair and blame their misfortune, Zeno saw this predicament as an opportunity. After being shipwrecked in Athens around 300 BCE, Zeno stumbled upon a bookstore and became captivated by the writings of Socrates. This encounter led him to seek out and study philosophy with renowned thinkers in the city. As Zeno began teaching his own students, he developed a philosophy known as Stoicism. This school of thought, which emphasizes virtue, tolerance, and self-control, has influenced countless generations of intellectuals and leaders. The name "Stoicism" derives from the Stoa Poikile, a public colonnade adorned with paintings, where Zeno and his followers gathered for discussions. While the term "stoic" is now colloquially used to describe someone who remains calm and composed in challenging situations, Stoicism encompasses more than just an attitude. The Stoics believed in a rational structure of the universe, which they referred to as "logos." They recognized that events surrounding us are governed by cause and effect and espoused the idea that although we may not have control over external circumstances, we have control over our own mindset and approach. Stoics strive to navigate the world as it is, aiming for personal growth through four cardinal virtues: practical wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage. Seneca, a prominent Roman Stoic, once wrote, "Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage." Stoicism not only focuses on individual betterment but also emphasizes our shared humanity. In an era when slaves were considered property under Roman law, Seneca advocated for their humane treatment, emphasizing the equality of all individuals. Furthermore, Stoicism promotes active engagement rather than passivity, asserting that only those who have cultivated virtue and self-control within themselves can bring about positive change in others. One of history's most notable Stoic figures was Marcus Aurelius, who served as a Roman emperor. Stoic principles guided him through the challenges of leading the Empire during times of war and personal loss. Centuries later, Marcus's writings provided solace and guidance to Nelson Mandela during his 27-year imprisonment, as he fought for racial equality in South Africa. After his release, Mandela focused on peace and reconciliation, recognizing that while the past injustices could not be altered, society could confront them in the present and strive for a more just future. Although Stoicism as a formal institution eventually faded away, its influence has persisted. Christian theologians, including Thomas Aquinas, have admired and incorporated the Stoic emphasis on virtues into their teachings. Additionally, parallels can be drawn between Stoic tranquility of mind, known as "Ataraxia," and the Buddhist concept of "Nirvana." Modern psychology and the self-help movement have also embraced Stoic ideas. For instance, rational emotive behavioral therapy aims to change self-defeating attitudes people develop toward their life circumstances. Similarly, Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, informed by his experiences as a concentration camp prisoner, aligns with Stoic principles by asserting that individuals can find meaning even in the most challenging situations through the power of their will. Stoicism was a significant philosophical school in ancient Greece and Rome, and while its formal existence may have waned, its impact endures. The teachings of Stoicism continue to shape our understanding of personal growth, resilience, and our shared humanity. It’s a philosophy of life that maximizes positive emotions, reduces negative emotions and helps individuals to hone their virtues of character.
By Krists Poriņš2 years ago in Humans
Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was born on October 27, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a world that would both inspire and wound her deeply. From the beginning, she seemed marked by intensity. Her father, Otto Plath, was a German immigrant and a professor of biology, a strict and intellectual man who studied bees. Her mother, Aurelia, was a devoted parent who valued education and discipline. Sylvia grew up near the sea, and the rhythms of the ocean would later echo in her poetry. When Sylvia was eight years old, her father died from complications related to diabetes. His death left a deep scar on her young heart. She felt both abandoned and haunted by his memory. This early loss shaped much of her later writing, especially her famous poem “Daddy,” in which she explored feelings of grief, anger, and longing. For Sylvia, words became a way to wrestle with emotions too powerful to hold inside. Even as a child, she was brilliant. She published her first poem at the age of eight. In school, she excelled in everything—writing, drawing, academics. She kept journals filled with detailed observations and ambitious dreams. Sylvia did not just want to be a writer; she wanted to be a great one. She worked tirelessly, often pushing herself beyond her limits. Success came early. By the time she entered Smith College on a scholarship, she had already published in national magazines. Yet behind her achievements was a storm of self-doubt. Sylvia often felt she had to be perfect. Anything less felt like failure. In her college years, the pressure intensified. She won prizes and praise, but internally she struggled with depression. In 1953, after a particularly difficult period, she attempted to take her own life. She survived and later received psychiatric treatment, including electroconvulsive therapy, which at the time was a common method for severe depression. After recovering, Sylvia returned to Smith College and graduated with highest honors. Her resilience was remarkable. She then received a Fulbright scholarship to study at Cambridge University in England. It was there, in 1956, that she met the English poet Ted Hughes. Their meeting was passionate and electric. They married just a few months later. Sylvia and Ted shared a deep love for poetry. They encouraged each other’s writing and traveled between England and America. For a time, their life seemed filled with promise. Sylvia published her first poetry collection, The Colossus, in 1960. Though it received respectful reviews, it did not bring her the fame she longed for. She also published a novel in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. The novel, The Bell Jar, was semi-autobiographical and told the story of a young woman struggling with mental illness and societal expectations. The book captured the suffocating feeling of being trapped under an invisible glass bell jar—a powerful metaphor for depression. Motherhood brought both joy and challenge. Sylvia gave birth to two children, Frieda and Nicholas. She loved them deeply, yet she struggled to balance her identity as a mother and as a writer. Meanwhile, her marriage to Ted Hughes began to fracture. In 1962, she discovered that he was having an affair. The betrayal devastated her. The couple separated, and Sylvia found herself alone in London with two young children during one of the coldest winters in years. But it was during this painful period that Sylvia’s most extraordinary poetry emerged. In the early mornings, before her children awoke, she wrote with fierce concentration. The poems she produced would later be collected in Ariel. These works were bold, sharp, and emotionally raw. Poems like “Lady Lazarus,” “Ariel,” and “Daddy” explored themes of death, rebirth, anger, identity, and power. Her language was vivid and intense, filled with striking images and fearless honesty. Sylvia’s style is often described as “confessional poetry,” a movement in which poets wrote openly about personal experiences, including mental illness, trauma, and private emotions. Yet her work was more than confession. It transformed personal pain into art of universal resonance. Readers around the world recognized their own fears and struggles in her words. Despite her creative triumph, Sylvia’s mental health continued to decline. The isolation, harsh winter, and lingering heartbreak weighed heavily on her. On February 11, 1963, at the age of thirty, Sylvia Plath died in London. Her death shocked the literary world. She left behind two young children and a body of work that would soon gain international recognition. After her passing, Ariel was published and received widespread acclaim. Critics hailed it as a masterpiece of modern poetry. In 1982, Sylvia Plath became the first poet to win a Pulitzer Prize posthumously for her Collected Poems. Her voice, once fragile and doubting, had become immortal. Today, Sylvia Plath is remembered as one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century. Her writing continues to be studied in classrooms and read by those searching for understanding in their own struggles. She wrote with a rare intensity, refusing to soften her truths. Her poems do not look away from darkness; instead, they walk straight into it, carrying a small but powerful flame. Her life was not an easy one. It was marked by ambition, brilliance, love, loss, and deep emotional battles. But through it all, she remained devoted to her craft. She once wrote in her journal about wanting to live “deeply and suck out all the marrow of life.” In many ways, she did exactly that—experiencing life in its brightest highs and darkest lows. Sylvia Plath’s story is not only a story of tragedy. It is also a story of courage—the courage to speak honestly, to create boldly, and to transform pain into something beautiful and lasting. Her words continue to breathe, reminding readers that even in silence, even in despair, the human voice can rise and be heard. In the end, Sylvia Plath’s greatest legacy is her poetry. It remains fierce, luminous, and unforgettable—a testament to the power of language and the complexity of the human heart.
By The best writer about 2 hours ago in History
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