On October 11th, we are invited to contemplate a profound reflection by the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius, taken from his “Meditations”. The quote of the day leads us to reflect on the power of individual autonomy and how this autonomy protects us from the potential addiction of others. Let's explore this reflection in more depth, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility.
“However much we have been formed for one another's benefit, yet the governing part of each of us has its own power; otherwise, another's vice could become my own misery. God saw fit that this should not happen, so that it is not in someone else's hands to make me unhappy.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 7, 56.
This quote reminds us of the Stoic principle of autonomy and personal responsibility. Let's explore this reflection in more depth, highlighting how we can apply these principles in our everyday lives to achieve a more balanced and authentic existence.
Individual Autonomy
The first part of the quote emphasizes that each of us has an inner “ruling part,” a power of choice and self-determination. This means we are responsible for our own actions and choices. The Stoics believed that regardless of external circumstances, this governing part is ours, and we are the only ones who can control it.
This individual autonomy is one of the cornerstones of Stoicism. It means that we should not depend on other people's actions or choices for our happiness, or virtue. Instead, we should cultivate our own inner strength and make decisions based on ethical principles.
Protection against the Addiction of Others
The second part of the quote highlights how autonomy protects us from the potential vice of others. Stoics recognize that if our emotional and moral states depended on the actions of other people, we would be vulnerable to their harmful behavior.
Imagining what could happen if other people's actions could determine our emotional well-being. We would be hostage to the choices and behaviors of others, and our happiness would be out of our control. However, stoicism teaches us that we are the only ones responsible for our happiness and virtue, which makes us resilient in the face of negative influences.
Personal responsibility
The day's reflection reminds us of the importance of personal responsibility. She invites us to be the masters of our own minds and to take responsibility for our choices and actions. Instead of blaming others for our problems or emotions, we should look within and reflect on how we can respond virtuously to situations.
Personal responsibility does not mean that we live in isolation or indifferent to the needs of others. On the contrary, it means that we are able to positively influence the world around us, without becoming slaves to circumstances or the behavior of others.
Conclusion
The reflection of the day, coming from “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, highlights the power of autonomy and personal responsibility in our lives. It invites us to recognize our capacity for choice and action, regardless of external influences, and to protect ourselves from the potential vices of others.
As we apply these Stoic principles to our everyday lives, we cultivate emotional self-sufficiency and virtue. Every day, we get closer to a more balanced, authentic and ethical existence.
This article explored the October 11th reflection from the book “365 Stoic Reflections”, by Marco Aurélio, highlighting its importance in the search for a life based on autonomy and personal responsibility.
