LIVE, LEARN, & LOVE
Do you take delight in watching films or
listening to pop music? For English learners, movies, songs, and books are one
of the most wonderful sources to explore the language! You can indulge in your
favorite pastime and still learn some expressions, words of wisdom, and
oftentimes good lessons while you’re at it.
#15. MEDITATIONS (journaled by
Marcus Aurelius, 170–180 CE )
“Always
observe how ephemeral and worthless human things are, and what was yesterday a
little mucus, tomorrow will be a mummy or ashes. Pass then through this little
space of time conformably to nature, and end thy journey in content, as an
olive falls off when it is ripe, blessing nature who produced it, and thanking
the tree on which it grew.”
ð By
emphasizing the transience of human life, he points out that material success
and possessions hold little value in the context of eternity, encouraging
people to distance themselves from trivial cravings and step back from fleeting
recognition.
“Remember
too on every occasion which leads thee to vexation to apply this principle; not
that this is a misfortune, but that to bear it nobly is good fortune.”
ð “At
its core, this principle centers on owning your emotional responses and
deliberately choosing a composed, poised, and virtuous reaction instead of
resentment. Hardship provides an opportunity to develop patience, resilience,
and inner strength, which can itself be considered a kind of blessing.
Adopting
this perspective in life would reduce needless emotional distress by stopping
minor annoyances from escalating into significant, lasting sources of
negativity and stress.
“Judge
every word and deed which are according to nature to be fit for thee; and be
not diverted by the blame which follows from any people, nor by their words,
but if a thing is good to be done or said, do not consider it unworthy of thee.
“
ð This
suggests that you should have confidence in and affirm your own moral choices
when they are rational, virtuous, and consistent with your true purpose as a
reasoning, social being. “Be not diverted by
the blame which follows... nor by their words”. Do not let criticism,
disapproval, or fear of unpopularity prevent you from doing what is right.
The
sentence that goes “If a thing is good to
be done or said, do not consider it unworthy of thee” tells you not to allow
pride or the fear of appearing foolish to stop you from acting the right way.
If something is virtuous, it is never beneath you.
** Jean’s Small Thoughts:
As I read Marcus Aurelius’ reflections, I began to
recognize how limited my perspective has been—both figuratively and, in some
ways, literally. Over time, the world around us seems to be shifting quickly
into unfamiliar chaos filled with uncertainty, something we are clearly
experiencing today. However, when we examine this disorder through the
recurring patterns of history, it may become easier to choose our path with
assurance. Marcus Aurelius encourages us to turn inward and discover an inner
center that allows us to remain calm despite external disturbances and turmoil.
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