“All I am is a little flesh and breath, plus mind.
Put away entertainments, set aside distractions, and look at yourself as you truly are: blood and bones, a network of nerves and veins. Your breath is only air, sucked in one moment and blown out the next. The mind, then, is the ruling part.
You’re an old man now. It’s time to stop being a slave; to no longer be pulled along like a puppet on strings; to stop being dissatisfied with today and afraid of tomorrow.”*
~ Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelias is recognized as one of the pillars of Stoic Philosophy, which became the basis of modern self help psychology. He wrote private journals capturing his thoughts over several years as Roman Emperor from 161-180. Today they are known as the Meditations, although they were never intended for publication or sharing.
I find it fascinating that this great and powerful man had such insight into himself and how to achieve self mastery.
Here he encourages us to face the reality of who we are as human beings, to shift our mindset and to seize the day.
If you are looking for inspiration on self mastery, and not getting sidetracked with all the distractions in today’s world, you may find his work inspiring.
p.s. Please forward to the President.
*Aurelius, Marcus. The Meditations: An Emperor’s Guide to Mastery (Stoic Philosophy Book 2) (p. 11). Ancient Renewal. Kindle Edition.
Marcus Aurelius was a fascinating person, wasn’t he? Sometimes I wonder if he was ahead of his time or if we simply haven’t progress that much. Lol. Thanks for sharing the quote, Val. I hadn’t heard this one before. And I agree that a few of the folks in Washington could use some of this old advice. 😀
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Thanks Diana. If we had more leaders like this over the centuries, then perhaps we would have evolved more. 💕
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Good thoughts!
“Distraction is the only thing that consoles us for our miseries, and yet it is itself the greatest of our miseries.” ~ Blaise Pascal, 17th century French Philosopher.
Pascal also noted that “all of man’s problems come from his inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”
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Thank you for sharing this perspective Nancy. 💛
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Thanks for that post Val. I am a fan of the Stoics and have been learning more about them in the last 12 months. Your post script brought a smile to my face 🙂
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Thank you Lorraine 💛
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I don’t think the man on top knows how to read big words. ;( Introspection is essential for growth as a person. Enjoyed reading this.
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Agreed Marlene 💛 thank you my friend!
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So long ago. So much timeless wisdom. Genius like no other
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I thought his words would resonate with you DK. 💛
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Love his work! 👏💚
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Me too Karen. It’s so nice to come back to the wisdom of the ages. Thank you ❣️
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Thanks, Val! Some years ago his name just jumped into my head. To be honest, I knew he was an emperor…but had no idea at that time of his insight of self-mastery. Thanks for the info…it just might be time to revisit for me.
Hope you are well and that the new year started off beautifully for you.
💜
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Thank you Lorrie. So glad it rekindled interest. The new year has started and I’m with it 😊
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A great man! Had to laugh at your ‘forward this to the President’ comment… Sadly, I don’t think it would help!
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Hey .. but it brought a smile. That helps in this chaotic world we live in!
Thanks Fiona 💕
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He was an amazing man. Many people in power would be well advised by him, and I agree one in particular!
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Love your comment Helen … thank you 💛
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How about leaving your politics out of this? You alienate people by looking for the echo-chamber to soundly agree
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If my father was alive I would consider sending to him. It isn’t about politics, but more about leadership and what it stands for…. in ourselves, the family, the world, work and government. I appreciate your comment James.
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Great insight and great post!
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Great quote! Loved your post!
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Thank you 🙏
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Valid points, it becomes harder everyday to put aside the distraction and keep focused on who we are. When that’s where our greatest strength lie.
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Love Marcus and Senecas stoicism. It seems more and more relevant each day. I wrote a couple of recent posts on Marcus Aurelius, would love it if you had time to read my latest https://markward.today/2019/03/25/how-to-think-like-a-roman-emperor/
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