What it Takes to be a Stoic
(An analysis of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the three lines that best represent how Aurelius is a Stoic)
Often, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius is referred to as a stoic, or a person who believes in stoicism. Although there are many arguments of what it actually means to be a stoic, or even more basic than that, what stoicism means, it is safe to say that there are three main principles of stoicism. Those who are stoic will often believe concepts such as individuals cannot place blame on anyone in their life except themselves. This concept is one that is often brought up in modern times without intent of sounding like a stoic. Parents will often preach this concept to their children when the children are seeking …show more content…
“Remember too on every occasion which leads thee to vexation to apply this principle: not that this is a misfortune, but that to bear it nobly is good fortune” (268). Marcus Aurelius is stating that an individual’s life is solely their responsibility and that life is what a person makes of it. The most common example of this idea of stoicism in modern society happens with optimists will tell individuals things similar to “ask not why this happened to you, but why this happened for you”. That holds a powerful message that, if taken seriously, can change an individual's entire feelings about life. A stoic would see the question of “Why did this happen to me?” as pointless and unanswerable, which is a waste of energy, but to ask why a situation happened for an individual is much more meaningful. When an individual begins to switch this one small word in the question that is asked during a time of misfortune, they will most likely begin to see the world in a more positive light. In addition, it is a belief that not only Aurelius has, but most stoics, that an individual is the only one who can change their own lives and situations. That is to say if a person believes that their life is horrid due to all the unpleasant things going on, they are allowing their lives to be horrid. On the other hand, if a person chooses to see the lesson in every bad situation, that individual will be in control of their life and can change it to be as positive as
(An analysis of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the three lines that best represent how Aurelius is a Stoic)
Often, the philosopher Marcus Aurelius is referred to as a stoic, or a person who believes in stoicism. Although there are many arguments of what it actually means to be a stoic, or even more basic than that, what stoicism means, it is safe to say that there are three main principles of stoicism. Those who are stoic will often believe concepts such as individuals cannot place blame on anyone in their life except themselves. This concept is one that is often brought up in modern times without intent of sounding like a stoic. Parents will often preach this concept to their children when the children are seeking …show more content…
“Remember too on every occasion which leads thee to vexation to apply this principle: not that this is a misfortune, but that to bear it nobly is good fortune” (268). Marcus Aurelius is stating that an individual’s life is solely their responsibility and that life is what a person makes of it. The most common example of this idea of stoicism in modern society happens with optimists will tell individuals things similar to “ask not why this happened to you, but why this happened for you”. That holds a powerful message that, if taken seriously, can change an individual's entire feelings about life. A stoic would see the question of “Why did this happen to me?” as pointless and unanswerable, which is a waste of energy, but to ask why a situation happened for an individual is much more meaningful. When an individual begins to switch this one small word in the question that is asked during a time of misfortune, they will most likely begin to see the world in a more positive light. In addition, it is a belief that not only Aurelius has, but most stoics, that an individual is the only one who can change their own lives and situations. That is to say if a person believes that their life is horrid due to all the unpleasant things going on, they are allowing their lives to be horrid. On the other hand, if a person chooses to see the lesson in every bad situation, that individual will be in control of their life and can change it to be as positive as