4 Simple Life Lessons From Marcus Aurelius To Simplify Your Life
Strive to become the best version of yourself, not the best version of others.
Marcus Aurelius was an emperor-philosopher, but he spent most of his time on the battlefield.
Sure, he was meant for bigger things, but at the end of the day, he saved his empire and made the right decisions.
What we always want doesn’t happen, and do you know why? Because nature knows the right about us, our capabilities, and our strengths. Hence it leaves us to do bigger things.
At that time, Aurelius used simple life lessons to stay sane and make sound decisions while fulfilling his duties as a philosopher, emperor, military man, and family man.
Below are 4 simple life lessons picked from Aurelius’s life to simplify your life.
1. If you change, everything will change for you.
There were many Roman emperors before Marcus Aurelius, but not all of them were as wise as Aurelius.
Some of the names are:
- Nero: debauchery and extravagant lifestyle
- Caligula: cruelty
- Domitian: autocratic rule
However, their end wasn’t favorable either. Nero and Caligula left their empire in turmoil and chaos. Domitian’s reign marked a decline in the strength and stability of the Roman Empire.
Knowing the lessons from the mistakes of previous emperors, Aurelius wisely adopted a different approach. He practiced self-reflection daily, acted with integrity and honesty, cultivated a virtuous character, and lived in accordance with nature and its laws.
He was an ideal Roman emperor, setting him apart from others because of his innate goodness and wisdom. When someone possesses these qualities, things tend to fall into the right place.
2. The best revenge is not even the revenge.
In his writing, Marcus Aurelius focused on personal reflections and, most importantly, forgiving.
He didn’t forgive anyone for who they were but for his own sanity. He knew that harboring feelings of hate brings turmoil and harm to both oneself and others around us.
During Marcus Aurelius’ reign as emperor, he faced a rebellion in 175–176 AD led by General Avidius Cassius. Instead of seeking revenge, Marcus Aurelius displayed forgiveness when he learned that Cassius had been assassinated by his own troops. His goal was to mend the divisions within the empire.
This act of principle is an example that proves Marcus Aurelius lived his life by a set of rules that led to a fulfilling life. When you forgive others, you release the negative thoughts in your heart.
Seeking revenge only brings more pain and doesn’t solve anything.
3. The need to impress others is unimpressive.
History has shown that leaders who prioritize the need to impress others often fail to earn genuine respect.
Aurelius, on the other hand, followed the path of self-reflection and constant self-improvement. Instead of comparing himself with fellow empires like Parthian, Dacian, and Germanic tribes, he focused on doing the right thing.
The right man knows his resources. Aurelius had mental capacity, and he used his mind to do the right thing.
He used his time to:
- Serving his people
- Governing the Roman empire
- Studying and following Stoic principles
Luckily, Marcus Aurelius never failed these people. Maybe that’s the reason that when you try to impress others, you try becoming the person you’re not. On the other hand, when you focus on your qualities, you achieve what you’re made of.
Strive to become the best version of yourself, not the best version of others.
4. Life is hard. You make it harder by not looking after yourself properly.
Marcus Aurelius prioritized some habits:
- Choosing simplicity over excess
- Accepting that change is necessary
- Finding joy in simple things
- Seeking balance in all areas of your life
Marcus Aurelius recognized the uncertainty of life, understanding that he could never predict what would happen on any given day.
His life was uncertain, just like the possibility of a surprise attack from a Germanic tribe (in the middle of the night) if the opportunity presented itself.
During the rough and tough of life, find some time to do right by yourself. Time passes quickly, and it’s easy to lose track of our actions.
Pause and look around you. You’re either in the middle of what you prayed for or either still waiting for your prayers to be answered. In either case, resume and reflect.
Reflect on yourself. Disconnecting yourself from your inner self can have negative consequences. Prioritize your sanity and mental health to maintain overall well-being.
Final thoughts:
Marcus Aurelius led a simple life.
His lessons were straightforward but simple. Yet he left such an impact on our lives. Maybe simplicity is the energy of the universe.
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