Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that teaches us how to live well in a chaotic and unpredictable world. It helps us to focus on what we can control, practice self-discipline, cultivate wisdom, and live in harmony with nature. In this article, we will explore 9 Stoic rules for a better life, inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most famous Stoic philosophers and Roman emperors.
1. Put people first
Marcus Aurelius was not only a philosopher, but also a leader who cared for his people. He sold off his personal belongings to fund public welfare projects and relief efforts during a plague. He also treated his enemies with respect and compassion. He wrote in his Meditations:
“Begin each day by telling yourself: Today I shall be meeting with interference, ingratitude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will, and selfishness — all of them due to the offenders’ ignorance of what is good or evil.”
He reminds us that we should not judge or resent people for their actions, but rather understand that they are acting out of ignorance or weakness. We should also remember that we are all connected and interdependent and that we should put the common good above our own interests.
2. Another path is always open
Marcus Aurelius faced many challenges and obstacles in his life, such as wars, rebellions, conspiracies, and diseases. He did not let these events discourage him or stop him from pursuing his goals. He wrote in his Meditations:
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
He teaches us that we should not see difficulties as setbacks, but as opportunities to grow and learn. We should also be flexible and adaptable, and not cling to one plan or outcome. There is always another path open to us if we are willing to look for it.
3. Take it step by step
Marcus Aurelius was a busy man who had many responsibilities and duties as an emperor and a general. He did not let himself be overwhelmed by the complexity or magnitude of his tasks. He wrote in his Meditations:
“Do not let your thoughts at once embrace all the various troubles that you may expect to befall you: but on every occasion ask yourself, What is there in this that is intolerable and past bearing? For you will be ashamed to confess.”
He advises us to break down our goals into smaller and manageable steps and to focus on one thing at a time. He also urges us to ask ourselves what is the worst that can happen and to realize that most of our fears are exaggerated or irrational.
4. Discard your anxiety
Marcus Aurelius was well aware of the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. He did not let himself be consumed by anxiety or worry about things that he could not control or predict. He wrote in his Meditations:
“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.”
He reminds us that we should not waste our time and energy on worrying about the future, but rather focus on the present moment and what we can do now. He also assures us that we have the power of reason and logic to deal with whatever challenges we may face.
5. Well begun is half done
Marcus Aurelius was a morning person who valued the importance of starting his day well. He wrote in his Meditations:
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?’”
He motivates us to wake up early and get ready for our work and duties as human beings. He also challenges us to think about our purpose and mission in life, and whether we are living up to our potential.
6. Be strict with yourself
Marcus Aurelius was a disciplined person who practiced self-control and moderation in all aspects of his life. He wrote in his Meditations:
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find happiness. He wrote in his Meditations:
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
He encourages us to be strict with ourselves and not let our emotions or desires get the better of us. He also empowers us to realize that we have the ability to shape our own thoughts and attitudes and that this is the source of our strength and happiness.
7. Don’t resent people
Marcus Aurelius was a forgiving person who did not hold grudges or seek revenge against those who wronged him or his empire. He wrote in his Meditations:
“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”
He teaches us to be humble and self-aware and to recognize that we are not perfect and that we make mistakes too. He also urges us to be compassionate and empathetic and to understand that people act according to their own judgments and beliefs.
8. Ask yourself, “is this essential?”
Marcus Aurelius was a minimalist person who did not care for luxury or excess. He wrote in his Meditations:
“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”
He advises us to ask ourselves whether what we pursue or desire is essential for our well-being, or whether it is superfluous or harmful. He also reminds us that happiness does not depend on external things, but on our inner state of mind.
9. Remember these mantras
Marcus Aurelius was a meditative person who often repeated to himself certain phrases or maxims that helped him cope with life’s challenges and stay focused on his goals. He wrote in his Meditations:
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.”
This is a summary of the first paragraph of the Enchiridion (Handbook) of Epictetus, another famous Stoic philosopher who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. It captures the essence of Stoic philosophy: to focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot.
Another mantra that Marcus Aurelius often used was:
“Live each day as if it were your last.”
This is a reminder to live in the present moment and not take life for granted. It also motivates us to live with purpose and passion, and to make the most of every opportunity.
These are some of the Stoic rules for a better life that Marcus Aurelius followed and taught. They are based on a philosophy that has been around for more than two thousand years but is still relevant and useful today. By applying these rules to our own lives, we can learn to live more wisely, virtuously, and happily.
