Battling the exhaustion of today’s challenging world
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that each day consists of unavoidable troubles caused by other people’s ignorance or bad behavior. We come across all sorts of people — the ungrateful, the arrogant, the busybodies, the dishonest, the jealous, and the irritable. In dealing with such people, we must never violate or compromise our principles.
“What is it that we must bestow our care and diligence upon?… that our inclination be always set to embrace whatsoever shall happen unto us, as necessary, as usual, as ordinary, as flowing from such a beginning, and such a fountain, from which both thyself and all things are.”
Marcus Aurelius
We have no control over what others do or how they behave. We only control our behavior and how we react to other people’s actions. Look inside your soul and mind — this is your biggest sphere of influence. Exercise inner resilience, kindness, and integrity rather than fight a windmill of external circumstances.
⚡️People cannot make you feel any negative emotion — anger, fear, sadness, oppression — unless you allow them to.
There will always be those who find joy in tearing others down. People will lash out at you out of jealousy or pure hatred.
When this happens, be the guardian of your mind and choose the interpretation that serves you. After all, only you have the power to determine the impact of others on you.
Marcus Aurelius says no one can cause you pain or grief if you ignore what happens in other people’s souls and keep track of what happens in yours. He reminds us that evil people behave the way they do because they are ignorant of right and wrong and that we should forgive them for their wrongdoings, even when they hurt us.
Moreover, Marcus Aurelius believes it’s against our nature as humans to despise evil people and try to avoid them. No one is perfect. When judging others, take a deep breath and be mindful of your actions; it doesn’t make sense to blame others.
The world is full of the things we disagree with. While it is important to stand up for what we value, trying to change everything that doesn’t align with our beliefs can be draining and exhausting.
Marcus Aurelius reflects that your ability to control your thoughts protects your mind from false perceptions. It’s what makes thoughtfulness and affection for other people possible.