Did you know that Marcus Aurelius never claimed to be a Stoic? Gregory Hays, one of Marcus Aurelius’s best translators, writes in his introduction to Meditations, “If he had to be identified with a particular school, [Stoicism] is surely the one he would have chosen. Yet I suspect that if asked what it was that he studied, his answer would not have been ‘Stoicism’ but simply ‘philosophy.’” Hays then notes that in the ancient world, “philosophy” was not perceived the way it is today. It played a much different role. “It was not merely a subject to write or argue about,” he writes, “but one that was expected to provide a ‘design for living’—a set of rules to live one’s life by.” So what were some of Marcus’s rules to live his life by? We’re sharing some of our favorites this month—Meditations Month here at Daily Stoic—in honor of Marcus’ birthday on April 26th (head here to learn more and find out how to get your exclusive invitation to the LIVE Meditations Month Q&A call with Ryan Holiday). This is Part 1 of a 4-part series. In this first installment, we’re looking at some of Marcus Aurelius’s most impactful rules related to self-improvement. Never be overheard complaining…Not even to yourself.
In Meditations, Marcus emphasizes this idea over and over again: Look inward, not outward. Don’t complain. Don’t meddle in the affairs of others. When you see someone acting objectionably, remember when you have acted that way. The Stoic is too busy improving themselves to waste time criticizing others. By distinguishing between what we can and cannot control, it becomes clear that only our choices, deeds, words, and thoughts deserve our focus. Everything else concerns others, not us. Always do the right thing.
“Just that you do the right thing,” Marcus wrote. “The rest doesn’t matter. Cold or warm. Tired or well-rested. Despised or honored. Dying…or busy with other assignments.” Be free of passion and full of love.
Marcus was far from emotionless—he was a devoted husband, loving father, and hard worker who stood by his principles. These traits aren’t those of someone who suppresses their feelings; however, he and other Stoics emphasized emotional regulation. Marcus spoke about mastering anger, navigating through sorrow, curbing desire, and banishing fear. This might seem contradictory, but in Marcus’s view, it’s a beautiful balance. He learned from his teacher Sextus to keep anger and other emotions in check—to live without being driven by passion—yet to be abundant in love. This isn’t to say Stoics never felt anger or fear; rather, they managed these feelings and chose love instead. They embraced a love of life (amor fati), love for others, and love for every moment of existence. Get active in your own rescue.
Marcus noticed how often he found himself praying for assistance and eventually realized it’d be wiser to strengthen himself to not require what he wished the gods to provide. Don’t wait around hoping for someone to save you. Instead, listen to Marcus’s empowering call to “get active in your own rescue—if you care for yourself at all—and do it while you can.” | 
