Five Tips From Marcus Aurelius To Have A Good Life

Marcus Aurelius’ advice to have a good life comes from his well-known and immortal work, To Myself. In fact, it does not matter that several centuries have passed since this famous emperor of Rome wrote it – in Greek – back in the years 170 and 180. Because today his words remain a reference as a guide to a good life, sensible ethics and inner peace.

It is fascinating to learn that the set of teachings Aurelius recorded in the book was only meant to be an exercise in self-examination for itself. He expressed his thoughts in short passages that contain the essence of stoicism. In fact, he ended up integrating this philosophy into his own life. Furthermore, almost without realizing it, Marcus Aurelius was considered an expert in psychology.

Known as the last of the five good emperors, people described Marcus Aurelius as a kind man. In addition, he was a faithful servant in Rome, as well as a great philosopher.

“If it’s not right, do not do it. If that’s not true, do not say so. ”

– Marcus Aurelius –

Marcus Aurelius about having a good life

Aurelius believed that philosophy should not just be a theory. It should practice. For this reason, he gave In To Myself some basic guidelines for action and behavior that are mildly inspiring. In fact, his inspirational advice goes far beyond stoicism.

On the pages we find influences from Eastern Buddhism together with the thoughts of Heraclitus and the cynics. Aurelius was a wise man and above all curious. Consequently, this makes his knowledge and approach to learning timeless. His thoughts do not sound strange to us, and they do not provoke us because he used a sense of logic and inspiration that was able to guide every soul and every mind, no matter what time they may live in.

At the same time, he captivates us with his philosophy of tranquility. In fact, this state of harmonious calm, known as ataraxia, which was identified by the Democrats, the Stoics and the Epicureans, is also present in To Myself . It refers to a calm state of mind where no fears, desires or worries are perceived. Just balance.

Marcus Aurelius’ tips for a good life are still relevant today. Let’s look at five of them

Deal with criticism to live better

One of Marcus Aurelius’ tips for a good life is about learning to deal with criticism. In his public position he no doubt had to deal with much of it. Furthermore, many of the sections in To Myself were written during breaks during matches.

In many ways, Aurelius was a true guru in the art of dealing with conflicts, whether they involved war or everyday life. When it comes to criticism, he often repeated one particular mantra. It was the idea that what happens outside only gains power when you give it presence in your mind. What is out there is actually only perspectives, but not truths. You choose what you want to value.

2. Things you should not be afraid of

Aurelius was guided by stoicism. This philosophical school founded by Zeno of Kition praised the mind, behavior and passions that disturb inner peace. They believed that fear is the element that disturbs everything. It weakens us and makes us vulnerable.

Thus, one of Marcus Aurelius’ tips for a good life was to learn to deal with this invalid feeling. To do this, he recommended a number of steps:

• Do not be afraid to ask for help. “Do not be ashamed to seek help. As a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish. And if you’ve been hurt and you need a friend to pull you up? So what?”
• There is no need to fear death. What should cause the most anxiety is not to dare to live life to the fullest.

Make a quiet life for yourself

As we mentioned earlier, a satisfying life for the Stoics meant a peaceful and harmonious life. The psychologist, conducted research that reminds us of a topic that is repeated in the advice of Marcus Aurelius.

In fact, Alexander claims that his teachings promoted the idea of ​​the self-sufficient self. This concept means that it is only when you attain the virtue of being a master of your own thoughts and develop this kind of mental comfort, that peace and tranquility come. No matter what surrounds you, if your mind is balanced, you will find the best refuge there.

4. Simplify your existence

Worry as little as you can, focus your eyes on basic existence in order to survive and be happy… Marcus Aurelius’ advice is an ode to minimalism. An escape from material attachments and focus on your inner well-being.

5. Authentic happiness and the good life

The good life of the emperor of philosophers began with simplicity and inner peace.

Happiness is being virtuous, finding self-control and shaping an existence as simple as possible. That’s the key.