Ancient philosophy for modern living

How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself? — Epictetus

The Birth of an Emperor

He stared up at the towering marble columns of the Senate House, his small frame dwarfed by the grandeur of Rome. Only a child, he could scarcely comprehend the weight of the words that had been uttered within those halls today.

“You have been chosen, my dear Marcus, to be the next emperor of Rome”.

Many would have been filled with pride, joy, and excitement upon receiving such words. Yet, as Aurelius looked upon the statues of his now predecessors lining the corridors, he felt dread. He knew that the weight of the purple cloak would be heavy.

From this day forward, his childhood was forfeit. He would continue to be instructed by the finest tutors, slowly moulding him into a leader of discipline and duty to the Roman people. Games and fancies of youth would be replaced by studies of the doctrine of military strategy, philosophy, and the arduous work of governing an empire that spanned from the dews of Britannia to the sands of Egypt.

As the sun began to dip below the Palatine Hill, bathing the city in a crimson glow, Marcus already felt the mantle of empire upon his small shoulders. A burden invisible, but heavier than any mortal toil. Would his mind and spirit be equal to this task once his years had rendered him a man?

He prayed silently to his Gods that history would show him a wise, strong, and kind guardian of Rome’s majesty.

The Philosopher King

Marcus Aurelius, would indeed be remembered as a kind guardian of Rome. He navigated invasions by barbarians and plagues to become one of the five “good” Roman emperors who presided over Rome’s most glorious days (in utter contrast to the reigns of Caesar and Nero). Much of his enduring legacy can be attributed to his unwavering dedication to studying, practicing, and developing Stoicism. Even as the most powerful man in the world, Aurelius maintained a private journal to hold himself accountable to his philosophical principles. This journal, later published as “Meditations,” would become one of the most influential texts in Stoic philosophy.

Aurelius’s commitment to Stoicism exemplifies the enduring appeal of this philosophical school, founded by Zeno of Citium in Ancient Greece over 2,300 years ago. The lasting influence of Stoicism lies in its emphasis on practicality over discourse, action over mere contemplation. While many philosophical inquiries have devolved into esoteric debates confined to academic texts, Stoicism offers something more tangible: a pragmatic blueprint for navigating human existence and achieving a state of eudaimonia. This practical approach, as demonstrated by Aurelius himself, has allowed Stoicism to transcend its ancient origins and remain relevant in addressing the complexities of life, from ruling an empire to managing our daily challenges.

It is tempting to see Aurelius as a powerful emperor developing a powerful philosophy, but he was just a man trying to be better. He wasn’t merely ruling an empire; he was battling his own thoughts, striving to grow as a person. This shows that greatness isn’t about having power and influence; it is truly, and simply, the effort we put into improving ourselves. If he could do this with the weight of an empire on his shoulders, we can do the same in our own lives.

The root of Stoicism

At its core, Stoicism acknowledges that life is unpredictable. Life can catapult you from the depths of despair to the heights of ecstasy in mere moments: your car sputters to a halt on the motorway as you rush to a life-changing interview; a lottery ticket transforms you from pauper to millionaire overnight; the unexpected death of a loved one leaves an irreparable void in your heart; a long-awaited email grants you your dream job; or the stroke of a pen on divorce papers shatters the life you’ve built.

Stoicism is an antidote to this uncertainty of life, it advocates for developing a robust inner fortitude to withstand adversity (and, indeed, to remain level-headed through the great times). Rather than futilely attempting to control external circumstances, Stoicism encourages us to shift our focus to what lies within our sphere of influence: our thoughts and our actions.

I wish they found me attractive becomes I can focus on improving my character.
I wish I earned more money becomes I can practice gratitude for what I have and find contentment in living within my means.
I wish I had more free time becomes I can prioritise and organise my tasks and days.

Neuroscience and philosophy: an unlikely, but sensational, combination

This shift in mindset can be liberating, but it naturally takes time. It is, however, very, very, doable. Neuroscience tells us that our brains have a preference for familiarity, even when it comes to thought patterns that may not be beneficial to us. This phenomenon is related to the concept of neuroplasticity and the formation of neural pathways.

For instance, consider someone who is excessively concerned about their appearance. Each time they pass a mirror, they might think, “I’m not attractive enough.” As this thought is repeatedly reinforced, it becomes increasingly ingrained in their neural circuitry. The connections between neurons associated with this thought pattern strengthen, making the response almost automatic.

However, the remarkable plasticity of our brains allows us to modify these patterns and adopt new perspectives, such as a Stoic outlook. Using the same example, one could intentionally think, “I appreciate my appearance today, and I choose to focus on developing my character” when passing a mirror. This practice gradually weakens the neural pathways associated with negative self-perception while strengthening those linked to positive self-regard and values-based thinking.

By consistently practicing new thought patterns, we can rewire our neural networks over time. It’s important to note that this change is gradual and requires persistent effort, as the brain’s neuroplasticity operates on a “use it or lose it” principle.

This persistent effort can sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You can commit to doing a daily journal; whether by hand or even if it’s in the Notes app on your phone (‘Stoic’ is a great app to download too). It can be dedicating time to do a meditation on Headspace or a similar app. It can be dedicating time to be grateful for something in your life.

What matters here is your intention and consistency.

The key to serenity

The essence of Stoicism is well encapsulated by a mantra often preached by Alcholics Anonymous. While in religious language, its message transcends any specific faith and whether you are religious or not, you can take wisdom from it.

God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
the strength to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Stoicism is not an esoteric debate confined to tweed blazers and dead languages. It is far more simple, far more tangible. It is choosing to accept what is done, changing what is not, and knowing the difference.

It is serenity, and it is within your grasp.