STOICISM Main Pillars of Marcus Aurelius' Reflection 1. Impermanence and Death: Marcus Aurelius was always aware of the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. He didn't see death as something to be feared, but as part of the natural cycle. This acceptance gave him an urgency to live purposefully, doing good, and acting justly, as time is limited. This reflection helped him maintain perspective, reminding him that worldly concerns and fame are fleeting. 2. Community and Nature: For him, Stoicism was not just an individual practice, but a way of serving the community. Marcus Aurelius saw humanity as a vast interconnected web, where each person has a role to play. He often referred to nature as an ordered and rational whole. By acting in accordance with nature, the individual acts justly and contributes to the greater good. Being a Stoic emperor, for him, meant being a guardian and servant of the common good, not a tyrant. 3. Inner Strength and the Locus of Control: Marcus Aurelius reinforces the central idea of Stoicism: you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your reaction. For him, the true battle was not against barbarians or political enemies, but against one's own passions, fears, and irrational desires. His "Meditations" is a constant reminder to turn inward, to the "inner citadel," a place of peace and reason that nothing external can shake. He teaches us that happiness and freedom are not found in the external world, but in our ability to accept fate and maintain serenity. In short, Marcus Aurelius's vision of Stoicism is that of a man committed to applying philosophy to real life, transforming wisdom into action. He shows us that true power lies not in ruling an empire, but in mastering oneself. I am a curious little apprentice of Stoicism. Embarking on a daily quest for mental evolution through these and other wise teachings, which aim to bring the most precious treasure of all: THE MIND AT PEACE #Stoicism