Sunday, March 07, 2021

Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius

Lately I have been drawn to the philosophy of Stoicism, as famously taught by the ancient Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.  Stoicism teaches that it is not external events that make us unhappy, but our reaction to them.  You can avoid unnecessary, fruitless stress and worry over events and situations that are beyond your control, and achieve serenity in the process.  For example you can alleviate anguish over Biden’s destruction of the economy through a stoic response.  At times you must “trust the universe” to deal with such situations.

Of course you should do everything that is under your control to avoid unpleasant outcomes.  However, when the outcome is beyond your direct control, stressing over it has no purpose.  Accept it and move on.


Marcus Aurelius


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