Meditations
"The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing, in that it stands ready for what comes and is not thrown by the unforeseen."
“...no superstitious fear of the gods, nor with men any populism or obsequious courting of the mob, but a sober steadfastness in all things, and nowhere any vulgar or newfangled taste.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
The above quote could have been written today in the wake of a scary worldwide trending toward populism. Its pertinence is why it’s important to read classic books, because Marcus Aurelius wrote the passage in the second century. The past week - politics-wise - was scarier than any of us could imagine. As a response, we either rose up to resist or were knocked off our feet in fear, sometimes both depending on the moment. Perhaps it’s time we return to the rationality of stoicism to get us through life.
"All is ephemeral, both memory and the object of memory."
Granted, the stoics had many issues of their own. In several passages of Meditations, Marcus Aurelius condemned homosexuality and demonstrated a rigidly austere attitude toward intimacy. Keep in mind when reading Meditations - or any Stoic work for that matter - to do so in the context of the time, a time when Marcus Aurelius would have been considered an open-minded man. Even if that’s not the case today, he was the pinnacle of integrity, principle, steadfastness and action. He lived by his words and convictions and through separate fragments they've been pieced together so future generations understand the importance of rationality.
"Look within: do not let allow the special quality or worth of any thing to pass you by."
Most people are probably not reading Meditations, but for anyone in need of grounding - or a good read - the book is essential. Meditations is divided into twelve sections, some where Marcus Aurelius expresses gratefulness toward the lessons his mentors and relatives have taught him, and others where he journeys inward to examine his thoughts and feelings. Much of the book focuses on how we can't control everything around us, but can choose how we respond to the things outside of our control. Though Marcus Aurelius wouldn't have recognized this as mindfulness, what he practices and preaches is mindful living, an approach to life that is present and non-judgmental, an approach to life that requires great convictions and courage to live out. Few will master it, but all can experience mindfulness, if we only take a moment to do so.
Mindful living is stylish living. Stylish in the way that activities and pursuits become intentional, but stylish in the way that treating others and one's self with dignity never falls out of grace, despite the prevailing attitude of our leaders. The maxims Marcus Aurelius wrote are rooted in the present and describe balance achieved through thoughtful consideration. At the very least, Meditations is a tome that suggests we treat ourselves with more kindness and - in spite of who and what is surrounding us - live the most meaningful, purposeful lives we can all manage.