22d • The Forum
Meditations In May (5/9/26)
3.5. How to act:
Never under compulsion, out of selfishness, without forethought,
with misgivings.
Don't gussy up your thoughts.
No surplus words or unnecessary actions.
Let the spirit in you represent a man, an adult, a citizen, a Roman, a ruler. Taking up his post like a soldier and patiently awaiting his recall from life. Needing no oath or witness.
Cheerfulness. Without requiring other people's help. Or serenity
supplied by others.
To stand up straight-not straightened.
Marcus was raised by a step father, who was meant to groom Marcus to become emperor himself. His name was Antonius Pius, one of only 5 “good” emporers of Rome. One of the things Marcus revered him for was his ability to be balanced, if food and abundance were given he didn’t scoff it away in attempt to look sanctimonious but he also was fine when visiting the common people who could only provide the simplistic of meals. He was a man who could be content given any circumstance, and never so rigid that he couldn’t enjoy himself.
When Marcus finishes this passage with “to stand straight up-but never straightened” this is what he means. Yes act with honor, with discipline, and with an eye towards serving your fellow man. However don’t become so rigid in your attempt to be a serious human that you forget to enjoy it, to loosen up when the time calls for it. The best among use have discernment, knowing when to apply what virtue and when to let your hair down. Imagine that stoicism isn’t just about being an emotionless robot who whips himself into work and discipline. It’s about being more human.
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Meditations In May (5/9/26)
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