On impulse this morning, I reread parts of Marcus Aurelius’ wonderful classic book Meditations, which has sat on my shelves for many years. Marcus was of course one of the few ‘good’ Roman Emperors, but also at the same time a philosopher.
He actually has lots to say about matters that disturb us today. Fortunately, Goodreads has made an excellent selection of quotes from the book, so I was able to choose from these.
Consider our distress at the apparent downturn in world events (across many countries) and our circumstances:
“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”
And what about our countries that appear to be descending into populism, lying politicians out on the make, even fascism.
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.”
Yes we need to witness what is going on, act where we can to mitigate against disturbing trends, but at the end of the day:
“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
Featured image is young Marcus Aurelius from the Musei Capitolini.
I can't believe it! 
It’s hard to have an untroubled spirit without just ignoring what’s going on in the world, but I’ll try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No it’s not easy, Jane. I find it helps from time to time to read texts by such as Marcus Aurelius, those who appear to have found secure ground on which to play their part in the world, but not be overcome by its perceived circumstances. We are witnesses of the creation, as well as a part of it. To be ‘in the world, but not of the world’, as John says in the bible.
LikeLike