Stop Wasting Time on Nonsense

Marcus Aurelius, Roman head from 161 Advertisement up until his passing in 180, entreats us (or or maybe, himself) in his Reflections “Not to squander time on nonsense.”

How genuine is that? Of course, what is drivel to me may not be babble to you, and bad habit versa. And what any of us accept to be “the nonsense” that we’re squandering our time on presently may afterward turn out to be imperative after all.

With that said, there are certain exercises (such as reviving Twitter or Facebook for the tenth time in the past half hour) that are, unless you work for either of these companies, obviously drivel. Afterward in Contemplations (all citations are coming from the amazing Gregory Hays interpretation) Marcus goes on to remind us (himself) approximately the significance of character and self-control, noticing: “Remembering that our possess worth is measured by what we commit our vitality to,” and “Do outside things divert you? At that point make time for yourself to learn something beneficial; halt letting yourself be pulled in all directions.”

Stop letting yourself be pulled in all headings; don’t squander time on garbage. Simpler said than done, but a tall and commendable perfect to take into this unused year all the same.

The Challenge of Defining "Nonsense"

Marcus Aurelius' advice in *Meditations* to avoid wasting time on "nonsense" is both timeless and remarkably relevant in today’s digital age. However, what constitutes "nonsense" is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. In the Roman Emperor's time, distractions may have included political intrigues or philosophical debates, but for modern individuals, distractions are often digital and seemingly trivial activities like checking social media feeds or endlessly scrolling through news updates. The allure of these activities is strong—designed to capture attention and keep us coming back for more. Social media platforms, in particular, are engineered to be addictive, offering intermittent rewards that keep users engaged. Despite being labeled as "nonsense" by Aurelius, these digital distractions can feel urgent and significant in the moment, leaving one to question whether they truly waste time. Moreover, activities that may seem pointless in one moment—like catching up on Twitter or scrolling through Facebook—could later reveal deeper personal or professional connections, making it difficult to dismiss them entirely as meaningless. Aurelius himself would likely recognize this nuanced view of time-wasting, as he often grappled with the idea that time, in its fleeting nature, should be used to cultivate personal growth and virtue rather than succumb to empty pursuits.

The Significance of Intentional Time Use

The key element in Marcus Aurelius’ reflections on time and virtue is the importance of intentionality. He highlights the idea that a person's worth is shaped by how they choose to spend their time. By this logic, the activities we engage in—whether considered productive or not—reflect our priorities, character, and values. In *Meditations*, he urges individuals to dedicate their energy to learning, self-improvement, and meaningful interactions, as these are the pursuits that truly define a person’s worth. This is an especially poignant reminder in our modern era, where distractions are abundant and time feels more fragmented than ever. The pressure to be constantly connected and available for communication can easily pull one in many directions. Yet, Marcus' advice resonates now more than ever: instead of allowing external forces to dictate where we focus our attention, we must deliberately choose what aligns with our long-term goals. Whether it’s through cultivating mindfulness, pursuing meaningful relationships, or developing skills that foster personal growth, being intentional about how we spend our time helps ensure that we don’t fall victim to the endless pull of trivial diversions.

A Path Forward: Embracing Discipline and Self-Control

While Marcus Aurelius’ call to avoid wasting time on nonsense may seem like an idealistic aspiration, it is, in fact, grounded in the practical philosophy of Stoicism. The Stoics emphasized self-control, discipline, and resilience as essential virtues for living a fulfilled life. They understood that, although distractions and temptations are inevitable, individuals have the power to control how they respond to them. For modern readers, this idea of self-control takes on a new urgency. The pervasive nature of technology has made distractions more enticing, but it has also given us tools to foster discipline. For example, setting specific goals for productivity, using apps to block distracting sites, or simply practicing the art of mindfulness can help regain control over one’s time. The key takeaway from Marcus Aurelius' reflections is not simply to avoid all distractions but to prioritize what genuinely adds value to one’s life. By aligning our daily actions with our core values and resisting the pull of superficial entertainment, we can move closer to the ideal of living a purposeful life. Embracing this challenge requires self-awareness, the courage to confront our habits, and a commitment to personal growth, but the rewards—greater focus, deeper satisfaction, and a stronger sense of self—are well worth the effort.