10 Stoic Teachings Of Marcus Aurelius We Desperately Need Today (Practical Stoicism)

Summary

In this video, we explore the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, the last of Rome's 'good emperors.' His 'Meditations' offer profound insights into Stoic philosophy, applicable even today. Key lessons include ignoring others' actions to focus on personal growth, shaping reality through our perceptions, doing less to reduce stress, embracing mortality for clarity on what truly matters, and recognizing our inner strength. Aurelius also emphasizes the importance of contributing to the common good, being grateful for our blessings, and finding happiness in simplicity. These teachings aim to reduce suffering and empower individuals to live meaningful lives.

Takeaways

• 😌 **Ignore Others' Actions**: Focus on your own tasks and calling, rather than being distracted by the actions of others.
• 🔄 **Your Reality is Your Perception**: Shape your reality with positive thoughts and interpretations, as there is no objective reality outside of our perceptions.
• 🏋️‍♂️ **Do Less, Focus More**: Reduce unnecessary actions to decrease stress and increase focus on what truly matters.
• 🚪 **Embrace Mortality**: Live as if each day is your last to prioritize what is truly important and meaningful.
• 💪 **Strength in Adversity**: Recognize your inner strength and resilience when faced with challenges and harm.
• 🌟 **Discover Your Purpose**: Identify and utilize your unique gifts to contribute positively to humanity.
• 🙅‍♂️ **Avoid Complaints**: Instead of complaining, change your attitude or circumstances to align with your life's task.
• 🏡 **Contentment with Your Environment**: Find happiness and satisfaction in your current living situation without longing for elsewhere.
• 🤝 **Serve the Common Good**: Act purposefully to help others and contribute to the community without seeking recognition.
• 🙏 **Gratitude for Blessings**: Cultivate gratitude for what you have and appreciate the value of your blessings.

Q & A

Who is Marcus Aurelius and why is he considered one of the last 'good emperors' of Rome?

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who reigned from 161 to 180 AD and is known for his wisdom and philosophical pursuits. He is considered one of the last 'good emperors' because he genuinely cared for the well-being of his citizens and was a proponent of Stoic philosophy, which focused on virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

What is the significance of the 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius?

The 'Meditations' is a personal journal written by Marcus Aurelius, which outlines his Stoic philosophy and reflections on life, leadership, and ethics. It is significant because it provides insights into his thoughts and the principles he lived by, offering timeless wisdom that is still relevant today.

How does Marcus Aurelius suggest we should deal with the distractions caused by others' actions?

Marcus Aurelius advises ignoring what others are doing and focusing on one's own tasks and calling. He emphasizes not wasting energy on worrying about neighbors or social media, but rather devoting time and effort to personal needs and creative work.

What is the practical application of the idea that 'Life is opinion' as per Marcus Aurelius?

The practical application of the idea that 'Life is opinion' is to perceive everything positively and interpret others' actions in a way that does not harm us. It suggests that we can shape our reality by changing our thoughts and reactions to events, focusing on growth and learning from every experience.

Why does Marcus Aurelius recommend doing less and what are the benefits?

Marcus Aurelius recommends doing less to reduce unnecessary actions and focus on what is truly important. The benefits include reduced stress, increased focus, and the ability to devote more time and energy to meaningful activities, such as spending time with family or pursuing creative work.

How does the reminder of death serve as a tool for focusing on what is truly important in life?

The reminder of death serves as a tool for focusing on what is truly important by prompting us to drop unimportant activities and focus on our passions, meaningful work, and relationships with loved ones. It encourages us to live each day as if it were our last, prioritizing our time and energy on what truly matters.

What does Marcus Aurelius say about our ability to withstand challenges and how can we harness this strength?

Marcus Aurelius believes that we are stronger than we think, and we can change our interpretation of challenging situations to emerge stronger. He suggests imagining oneself as a giant with golden armor, impervious to the 'little arrows' of harm, and to be grateful for our strength in the face of adversity.

How can we discover and utilize our personal gifts to serve the common good according to Marcus Aurelius?

To discover and utilize our personal gifts, Marcus Aurelius advises reflecting on our innate abilities and how we can best share them with others. This could involve socializing, teaching, creating, or any other skill that can empower and benefit others. The key is to remain focused on this purpose and not get distracted.

What is the Stoic perspective on complaining and how can we change our attitude towards it?

The Stoic perspective, as expressed by Marcus Aurelius, is to avoid complaining and instead focus on what we can control. If something is bothersome, we should either remove it from our lives or change our attitude towards it. The goal is to make the best of our limited means and resources by focusing on our life's task and the common good.

How does Marcus Aurelius view the concept of happiness and contentment with our living situation?

Marcus Aurelius views happiness and contentment as being independent of our external circumstances. He suggests that we can find peace and happiness anywhere by focusing on the positives of our current situation and not desiring to be elsewhere. This mindset allows us to dedicate our energy to more meaningful pursuits.

What does Marcus Aurelius say about the importance of gratitude and how can we practice it?

Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of gratitude by advising us to count our blessings and to appreciate what we have. Practicing gratitude involves acknowledging and being thankful for our blessings, and imagining how much we would crave them if we did not possess them, which can lead to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.