Marcus Aurelius is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential Stoic leaders in history. Born in 121 AD, he became the Roman Emperor in 161 AD and ruled until his death in 180 AD. During his reign, Marcus Aurelius faced a range of challenges, including wars, uprisings, and economic difficulties. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to the principles of Stoicism and is remembered for his wise and compassionate leadership.
As a philosopher and statesman, Marcus Aurelius wrote extensively about the principles of Stoicism, including the importance of living a life of virtue, wisdom, and courage. He emphasized the value of inner tranquility, self-control, and self-discipline, all of which are core tenets of Stoic philosophy. His writings, which are compiled in a work called Meditations, have influenced countless people throughout history, and his ideas continue to resonate with people around the world today.
One of the reasons why Marcus Aurelius is so well known is because of the profound impact his leadership had on the Roman Empire. During his reign, he worked tirelessly to promote social justice, religious tolerance, and public welfare. He was known for his humility, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of his people. Despite being one of the most powerful men in the world, he lived a simple and austere life, and he remained committed to the Stoic philosophy until the end of his life.
Marcus Aurelius' commitment to living a life of virtue, wisdom, and courage, as well as his dedication to public service, serve as an inspiration to people around the world who are seeking to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Stoicism Philosophy
The philosophy of Stoicism is based on the belief that people can only control their own thoughts, emotions, and actions. By focusing on these internal aspects of their lives, people can cultivate a sense of inner peace and equanimity that allows them to withstand even the most difficult challenges that life can throw at them.
Stoicism offers a set of practical rules and principles people can use to cultivate this inner strength and resilience. These rules range from simple practices like meditating on the brevity of life and practicing gratitude, to more complex principles like embracing adversity and finding meaning in suffering.
In this article, we will explore some key Stoicism rules for a good life. These rules are designed to help people cultivate the inner strength and resilience they need to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. By following these rules, people can learn to embrace challenges, find peace in the face of adversity, and live a life that is guided by wisdom, virtue, and purpose. Whether you are looking to improve your personal relationships, advance your career, or simply find more peace and contentment in your daily life, the principles of Stoicism can provide you with the tools you need to achieve your goals and create a life that is truly worth living.
8 Stoic Rules for a Life of Contentment
Rule 1: Focus on What You Can Control
Stoicism emphasizes that the only things we have control over are our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. External events, such as the actions of others or the natural world, are beyond our control. Therefore, the Stoics believe that we should focus our energy and attention on what we can control and let go of the rest. This means accepting that certain events are outside of our influence and not allowing them to cause us unnecessary stress or anxiety.
To apply this principle in your daily life, start by identifying the things you can influence and those that you can't. For example, you can control how you respond to a difficult situation, but you can't control the actions of others. Once you have identified what you can control, focus your attention and energy on those things, and let go of the rest. This will help you cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience that will serve you well in all areas of your life.
Rule 2: Embrace Adversity
Another key Stoic principle is the idea that adversity is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Rather than avoiding difficult situations or trying to escape from them, the Stoics believe that we should embrace adversity and use it as a chance to develop our inner strength and resilience.
The best way to apply this principle in your own life is to begin by reframing your attitude towards adversity. Rather than viewing difficult situations as something to be avoided or feared, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Look for ways to challenge yourself and push beyond your comfort zone. This might mean taking on a new project at work, learning a new skill, or facing a personal challenge head-on. By embracing adversity, you will develop a sense of inner strength and resilience that will serve you well throughout your life.
Rule 3: Own the Morning
“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work – as a human being…I’m going to do what I was born for…Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?’” — Marcus Aurelius
In the opening of Book 5 of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, he has an internal battle with himself that many of us can relate to - the desire to stay in bed versus the need to get up and face the day ahead. This struggle is something Marcus acknowledges having experienced many times before, which highlights the importance of the decision he ultimately makes. Despite his position of power as an emperor, he knew that to achieve his goals and fulfill his duties, he needed to start his day early and with purpose.
Marcus' commitment to starting his day with intention and productivity was not unique to him, as other Stoics also emphasized the importance of "owning the morning." By winning the morning, one can set the tone for the rest of the day and ultimately succeed in life. While Marcus may not have been familiar with the expression "the early bird gets the worm," he understood that beginning the day well is a critical component of overall success.
But what exactly does "winning the morning" look like? Stoics say there are three habits that can make your mornings successful: journaling, taking a walk, and engaging in deep work. Journaling can help clarify thoughts and set goals for the day, while taking a walk can provide a refreshing start to the day and improve mental clarity. Engaging in deep work - focused, distraction-free work on key tasks - can help build momentum and achieve progress towards larger goals.
By embracing these habits and "owning the morning," we can cultivate a sense of control and purpose that will carry us through the rest of the day. Rather than starting the day in a state of stress and chaos, incorporating these habits can help to set a positive tone and increase overall productivity and success.
Rule 4: Do Not Suffer Imagined Troubles
We all worry about something or the other- our jobs, family, future, or health. It's natural to have these concerns, but what if we told you that worrying about them is not productive and only adds to our stress levels? It's a fact that most of the time, our worries are unfounded and exaggerated. We imagine troubles that never actually happen.
Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, wrote about the importance of staying in the present and not letting imagination overtake reality. He believed that worrying about the future only leads to anxiety and robs us of the present moment. Similarly, Seneca, another stoic philosopher, and rhetorician, advised us not to be unhappy before a crisis comes and not to exaggerate or anticipate sorrow.
When you find yourself worrying, take a step back and assess the situation. Ask yourself, "What is within my control right now?" and focus on that. By doing this, you'll develop a sense of calm and learn to prioritize your energy and resources.
Begin applying this Stoic principle by recognizing your worries and understanding that many of them lack foundation. Then, shift your focus to what you can control in the present. You can do this by creating a to-do list, setting achievable goals, or simply taking a break and doing something that brings you joy. By doing this, you'll start to feel more in control of your life, and your worries will start to dissipate.
Rule 5: Treat Success and Failure the Same
“To accept it without arrogance, to let it go with indifference.” — Marcus Aurelius
This Stoic rule emphasizes the importance of treating success and failure with equanimity. The principle teaches us that we should not be swayed by external circumstances or outcomes, but instead, focus on our own actions and decisions. The idea is to remain calm and composed, regardless of whether we succeed or fail, and to use every experience as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
By treating success and failure equally, we free ourselves from the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies these events. We become less attached to external outcomes, and more focused on our own efforts and intentions. This allows us to remain level-headed and objective, even in challenging situations, and to make decisions that are guided by reason rather than emotion.
Moreover, this principle allows us to view every experience as an opportunity for learning and growth. When we encounter success, we can acknowledge and celebrate our achievements, but also remain humble and recognize that there is always more to learn. Similarly, when we experience failure, we can approach it with curiosity and use it as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves.
Treating success and failure equally also helps us to develop a sense of resilience and adaptability. By focusing on our own actions and intentions, we can maintain a sense of control over our lives and respond to challenges in a proactive and constructive way. This allows us to bounce back from setbacks and to approach new situations with a sense of calm and confidence.
Rule 6: Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating happiness and contentment. The Stoics believed that we should practice gratitude on a daily basis, recognizing all of the good things in our lives and expressing appreciation for them.
The Stoics recognized that it can be easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of life and focus on what we lack rather than what we have. However, by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can shift our focus to the positive and cultivate a greater sense of contentment and fulfillment.
One way to practice gratitude is to keep a daily gratitude journal, in which you write down a few things each day that you are thankful for. These could be anything from the people in your life to the opportunities you have or even the simple pleasures, like a beautiful sunset or a good cup of coffee. By making a habit of this practice, you can begin to reframe your mindset towards one of abundance and appreciation.
Another way to practice gratitude is to express your appreciation to others. Take time to thank those who have helped you or made a positive impact on your life. This can not only help to deepen your own sense of gratitude, but also strengthen your relationships with others.
Rule 7: Just Do One Thing Every Day
The Stoics believed in the power of small actions and incremental progress. This is why the rule of "just do one thing every day" was an essential part of their philosophy. The idea is simple: instead of overwhelming yourself with an ambitious to-do list, focus on accomplishing just one task each day.
By taking small steps toward your goals every day, you build momentum and make progress without feeling burdened by a daunting workload. This approach also helps you develop discipline and consistency, which are essential qualities for achieving long-term success.
The rule is particularly useful when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Rather than giving in to procrastination or paralysis, simply identify one task that you can complete within a reasonable amount of time. It could be something as small as watering your plants or cooking something you like. The important thing is to take action and make progress, no matter how small.
Over time, these small actions will add up and lead to significant accomplishments. This approach also helps you avoid burnout by breaking down large tasks into manageable chunks.
Incorporating this rule into your daily routine can significantly impact your productivity and overall well-being. It helps you stay focused on your goals, builds discipline and consistency, and provides a sense of accomplishment and progress. So, start small, take action every day, and watch as your efforts compound over time to produce meaningful results.
Rule 8: Constantly ask, “Is this necessary?”
“Most of what we say and do is not essential,” Marcus Aurelius writes. “If you can eliminate it, you’ll have more time, and more tranquility. Ask yourself at every moment, ‘Is this necessary?’”
This rule is about recognizing that we often waste our time and energy on things that don't matter in the grand scheme of things. It's easy to get caught up in trivial matters or to spend time on things that are not truly important, but by constantly asking ourselves if something is necessary, we can become more aware of our priorities and make more deliberate choices.
This practice can be applied to all areas of our lives, from our daily routines to major life decisions. By regularly questioning the necessity of our actions, we can become more mindful of our habits and patterns, and make adjustments as needed to align our actions with our values and goals.
The Stoics believed that this practice could help us achieve greater tranquility and peace of mind, as we become less attached to things that don't truly matter and focus our attention on what is essential. We may keep ourselves from getting sidetracked by diversions and maximize the use of our limited time and resources by asking ourselves, "Is this necessary?" on a regular basis.
In a world that often encourages us to constantly do more and achieve more, the Stoic practice of questioning the necessity of our actions can help us find greater clarity and purpose in our lives. By focusing on what truly matters, we can live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
