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Lessons from Ancestral Wisdom
The Stoa
April 03, 2023
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Marcus Aurelius | Meditations 1:1
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Meditation 1:1 by Marcus Aurelius
From my grandfather Verus I learned good morals and the government of my temper.
From the reputation and remembrance of my father, modesty and a manly character.
From my mother, piety and beneficence, and abstinence, not only from evil deeds, but even from evil thoughts; and further, simplicity in my way of living, far removed from the habits of the rich.
From my great-grandfather, not to have frequented public schools, and to have had good teachers at home, and to know that on such things a man should spend liberally.
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It is important to note that Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher, and his Meditations are a collection of personal reflections an//d philosophical musings on the nature of the universe and the human condition. In many ways, his writings are a testament to his own philosophical journey and the practical wisdom he gained from living a life of service and leadership.
In the first meditation, Marcus Aurelius is reflecting on the influence of his ancestors on his own character and development. This is a common theme in Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of modeling our behavior on the wisdom and virtues of those who came before us.
One of the key virtues that Marcus Aurelius learned from his grandfather was the ability to govern his own temper. This is an important aspect of Stoic philosophy, which holds that our emotions and desires can often lead us astray and cause us to act impulsively or irrationally. By learning to control his emotions, Marcus Aurelius was able to cultivate a sense of inner calm and equanimity, which helped him to navigate the challenges and pressures of his role as emperor.
Similarly, the virtues of modesty and courage that he learned from his father were essential for developing a strong and resilient character. The Stoics believed that we should strive to live according to nature and to cultivate virtues that enable us to face adversity with strength and fortitude.
From his mother, Marcus Aurelius learned the importance of living a simple and virtuous life. This is a theme that runs throughout Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes the value of self-restraint and the avoidance of excess and luxury. By living a simple life, Marcus Aurelius was able to focus his attention on what truly mattered and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Finally, the importance of education and intellectual development that Marcus Aurelius learned from his great-grandfather reflects another key aspect of Stoic philosophy. The Stoics believed that the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom was essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life, and they placed great emphasis on the value of rational thought and inquiry.
Overall, this passage from Marcus Aurelius provides a powerful example of the practical wisdom and timeless virtues of Stoic philosophy. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating self-control, courage, kindness, and wisdom, and of modeling our behavior on the wisdom and virtues of those who came before us.
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