Marcus Aurelius: 8 Surprising Traits of People Who Excel in Life

Do you know: people would die to be where you are (now.)

Marcus Aurelius started ruling at the age of 40.

Even though his first language was Latin, Marcus wrote his diary “Meditations” in Koine Greek.

Years after the death of Marcus Aurelius, people found his book “Meditations” and began translating it. Aurelius was a sharp man who wanted to preserve his thoughts for posterity. It’s the same as hiding important information until we feel like telling it.

Aurelius’s existence revolved around plagues and tragedies, so his journal imparts wisdom to those who can comprehend it.

Ryan Holiday is still surprised that Marcus wrote in a non-native language: Greek.

If you look closely, Marcus went to great lengths to convey his feelings in the diary — most of us won’t do it.

These little things make you stronger. When we start finding a comfort zone, we become lazy. Marcus never wanted that for himself. That’s why he deliberately challenged himself with strict routines, positive thinking, and a language barrier.

Marcus’s life was filled with more juicy lessons.

So, let’s read below eight surprising traits of people who excel at life, according to Marcus Aurelius.

1. Able to balance

• A bird is not afraid to fly.

A bird has wings, which means no one can stop a bird from his birthright, flying.

We’re the same creatures. Marcus Aurelius says:

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”

When we start living our life, we realize all the problems, tensions, and anxieties were distractions. Life has more fun to it, even though you’re poor.

Happiness is a mental state. Marcus Aurelius says he didn’t escape anxiety; he discarded it. So if you feel anxiety loops you around like a blanket, maybe you need to burn that blanket. The problem is in the blanket, not you!

2. The shoes of an empath

Marcus was forced to become an empath.

Marcus became hardened by plagues, natural disasters, family issues, and tragedies, such as the death of his wife, Faustina. Marcus knew that it’s nobody fault that his life had evil turning points. Marcus was eventually calm with people.

He never blamed anything on anyone except for himself.

As Marcus believes:

“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?”

No one is perfect. And when you start to point sticky fingers at people, it exposes your skeletons too. You better not criticize anyone if you’re not proud of your healthy lifestyle.

Abide by one rule of life: never criticize anyone because nobody’s perfect.

3. A diamond’s method of critical thinking

Marcus Aurelius was a human, not a supernatural creature.

Yet, we still love and follow his guidance, not knowing if they’re (even) right.

We don’t follow Marcu’s teachings because we know him personally but because Marcus Aurelius’ quotes resonate with us. Joe Rogan says, “what did Marcus see that made him like this?”

Marcus was a calm man. And it’s when marcus cracked the code of life and decided not to give a damn.

In Aurelius’ words:

“It is not events that disturb people. It is their judgment concerning them.”

Thinking critically is okay, but letting the thinking affect you isn't good. I know your life is different, but every stone has to go through the heat to become a diamond.

Otherwise, it’s not worth it.

4. The herd mentality

Those who came before Marcus Aurelius [insert] weren’t quite worthy of claps.

• Servius Galba: leading with old-school discipline
• Caesar Domitianus: showiness, wanted to be called “master and God”
• Caesar Traianus: started unwanted wars to expand Rome’s land

In other words, Marcus Aurelius was calm despite inheriting the consequences of previous emperors’ decisions. Marcus wanted to be different.

Not different in the ruling, but different in order.

(You get that?)

Marcus decided to break the chain. We all have one family member who stood out and made the right decision. Marcus was one of them. Historians wonder, what if Marcus was handed over a clean empire? Would he still be the same?

As Marcus says:

“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”

Don’t follow the herd mentality. Be positive.

5. Manifesting

Marcus could be a historian, a teacher, or an alchemist.

This represents the same thought: “You could be anything. But you’re here because this is your path.”

It doesn’t matter what you want for me. God has great plans in his pockets.

You’re going to be the exceptional one. Our mind thinks small, and it’s hard to cry over something you and I both know came out of passion. As Marcus believes:

“Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear.”

Nature is not your enemy. Nature doesn’t have a personal agenda. All that happens is best for you.

Stop opposing. Go with the flow and think about things that are in your control.

6. Valuing ourselves

Your mind is an all-you-can-eat buffet.

All sorts of thoughts occupy your mind, but it’s your job to find the right ones.

Value yourself and your ideas because no other person would do it for you. As Marcus says:

“I have often wondered how every man loves himself more than all the rest of men but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.”

My father said to me: Find your value. Because eventually, another person will, and you will have to work for him.

Don’t be the person who realizes the value of himself too late. Life doesn’t respect latecomers.

The one who understands quickly breaks the code.

7. Don’t be the blind one?

How often did you try to find something, but it was right beside you?

You’re not the wrong person. You need some polishing up.

Everybody learns. But the person who stays stagnant is to be blamed. Never stop learning.

Learn about how you can be a good person. Don’t stop your journey. As Marcus believes:

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

Think good. Think about becoming suitable for the sake of the people around you because the currency of this universe is positive energy. The locks you cannot open before are easily opened with positive thinking.

Think positive and do good.

8. Stay thankful

I have lots to blame

You have lots to blame

• But the blame doesn’t let you move forward.

My mother believes: in comparing yourself to people lower than you and feeling thankful. Also, never stop comparing yourself to people above you and strive to improve.

Our lives are privileged.

You might not have a fancy life like Natalia, but why are you comparing yourself with no common ground?

Compare how she has no family and friends who like her. Every time you despise yourself, you’ll realize how blessed you are. As Marcus Aurelius believes:

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ….”

You’re a work of art. Just see it.

It’s a privilege to wake up daily and not worry about putting food on the table.

Do you know that?: people would die just to be where you are now.

Final thoughts:

According to Roman historians, Marcus Aurelius’ last words were:

“Go to the rising sun; I am already setting.”

You’re not. You have the potential to touch the sun. You have life laid in front of you.

Don’t be the one who regrets at their deathbed.

As you live a life you enjoy, eventually, people will respect you more after you die.

(Peace)

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