The Bard's Hearth: Veritas, Animus, Salus, et Gaudium
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Laudo: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (VII, 55.)

5/5/2015

3 Comments

 
Picture
Statue of Marcus Aurelius, modified by The Author
I find that as I'm reading, I will find great passages that I would wish to write down and share with others or keep for my own reference. I've decided to add this aspect here - adding quotations under the classification of "Luado", which is defined as: to praise, extoll, commend / name, mention, cite, quote.

Here is a section from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations which I found very
judicious and profound - qualities which seemed to be forever present in the intelligent and rational character of Marcus Aurelius. Thusly, I was inspired to add this dimension to the site. I sincerely hope you enjoy it!
From Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (VII, 55):

55.  Look not around to discover other men's motives, but look straight to what nature leads you, both universal nature, through the things that befall you, and your own nature, through the acts you are compelled to do. Every being must do what its constitution requires, and all other things have been constituted to serve rational beings, just as among irrational things the inferior exists for the sake of the superior, and things with reason exist for the sake of one another.
     The primary principle then in man's constitution is the social. The second is not to yield to the temptations of the body; for it is the peculiar mark of the rational and intelligent agent to set its own bounds and never to be overpowered by the activity either of the senses or the appetites, for both are animal. But the intelligent agent claims superiority and does not permit itself to be overpowered by the others. With good reason, for it is formed by nature to make use of all the rest. The third mark of a rational constitution is freedom from error and deception. Let your mind hold fast to these things and go straight on, and it has what is its own.




Author's Note:
It's worth mentioning, that when Marcus is referring to 'nature', that, in most cases, it is within the context of the definition: "the basic or inherent features of something, especially when seen as characteristic of it". Synonyms being: essence, character, disposition, complexion, and the like. However, in the second paragraph, it would seem it's within the connotation of natural law or the "physical force regarded as causing and regulating these [natural] phenomena" (i.e., the laws of nature).

Today, it sadly seems, whenever people speak the word "nature", they seem to be very limited in its usage - only referring to it either as earth or creation - or link it to animism (e.g., Mother Nature or Gaea).

3 Comments
Saph Dartis link
3/13/2017 07:32:54 pm

These means a lot more too me now when rereading it. After seeing the elegant way Marcus seemed to approach the temptations of the body have hit me in a way I never understood before. At one point I could group my desires as being on one side of a scale that represented weakness while anything that made me love myself could be grouped on the opposite side. I am starting to see that taking note of and understanding a pride, strength in oneself can be very important when equipped with a certain sense of discipline. I get a bit jumbled sometimes in reading Marcus Aurelius and have had to spend a lot of time going back over content I've read from him. So what would you say is the perfect balance or discipline put forth on the topics of desire, pride, self love, humility, and Selflessness? Marcus seems to talk about this topic a lot.

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The Author
3/18/2017 10:03:05 pm

I'm glad to hear that Marcus Aurelius' words have helped edify your personal convictions, Saph Dartis. As you may already be aware, the writings of Marcus Aurelius were written for himself, and not for his contemporaries. They were written to comfort and edify himself whilst he was a general in a difficult and discouraging war. I believe, that by transferring his thoughts and his values to something external, that it gave Marcus a clearer vision of himself and the world. Surely, anyone who has tried to transcribe their thoughts and ideas has realized how it can often be a challenge to conduct the ordering of the mind to put those thoughts into writing - and thus they can appreciate this sentiment.

It's fantastic that you're also ordering your wants, desires, and habits into what's good and what's harmful. Before I answer your question, if there is a direct answer, allow me to ruminate on and share with you my thoughts on Stoicism.

Stoicism teaches us detachment as well as social participation. The detachment is from distraction, from the illusions and beclouding nature of pleasures, pains, and evils. Pleasures are fleeting and lead men astray from fulfilling their duty as a rational being and carrying out their part for the greater order of the universe. As Marcus wrote, "In the constitution of a rational animal I see no virtue which is opposed to justice; but I see a virtue which is opposed to love of pleasure, and that it is temperance." Men who seek refuge, escape, or pleasure (whether it be indulging in intoxicants, sex, or an escape to some cottage hidden away from other men) are denying themselves an opportunity to learn - whether it be from the knowledge in a book or a hardship in life, as well as shirking the responsibility placed upon their shoulders from the Creator.

Social participation, because it is our duty as rational beings to show and teach our kin, to persuade them to behave reasonably. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "If you are able, correct by teaching those who do wrong; but if cannot, remember that charity is given you for this purpose. And the gods extend charity to such persons, helping them attain health, wealth, reputation - so kind they are. And it is in your power also. Who hinders you?". "Men exist for the sake of one another. Teach them then or bear with them." The inferior exists to serve the superior, and conversely it is the superior's duty to serve the inferior; just as parents to a child, the child serves the parents' purpose by extending their family, bringing them joy and pride, and ensures their blood-line will flow into the future. Conversely, the parents serve the child, teaching it and caring for it, instilling good virtues and morals. If the either party fails in their duties, or acts in intolerable, it is to the detriment of all involved. So it is with the hierarchy of social order.

Now, what, in my opinion, is the balance of desire, pride, self-love, humility, and selflessness? I don't believe there is a balance, at least with the umbrella under which some of these words can be applied to. You can, however, define yourself by what each word will apply to in your life.

Desire: Is it a craving for pleasure of senses - food, drink, or a substance which seduces the mind? Or is it a wanting for reason, betterment of your nation and people, justice, and to be happy? Lower animals also experience pleasure, but by their nature cannot reason. Is what you desire fit and useful for a rational being or that of an animal?

Pride: National and racial pride, pride in being a component in something larger than yourself, and sharing the proud heart in your people's accomplishment is natural and healthy. Pride of self can be distracting. Live always striving to be a better person, and make others proud of you.

Self-love: Having regarding for one's well-being and happiness is fine, but both are constantly in flux. Will you hate yourself for being ill or depressed? In my own opinion, I would choose self-respect or contentment over self-love. You able to act in accordance with your morals - self-respect only falters if we act outside of our virtues, and it is always within our power to be content with our lot in life (however, this shouldn't stop us from reaching higher).

Humility & Selflessness: Both should always be present; however, neither should be allowed to increase beyond a certain magnitude, nor should they be allowed to diminish. Humility in the presence of elders, wise men, and the experienced is commendable, but meekness in the presence of fools or wicked men is reprehensible. Likewise, selflessness towards your kin, aiding a person in danger, or sacrificing your time to help those in need is honourable. Sacrificing your family, nation, or yourself to aid others who do not deserve it is foolish - and altruism towards those who take advantage or seek your displacement is lamentable.

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The Author
3/18/2017 10:03:53 pm

Personally, I imagine an image of the ideal man - a man I wish to become. He's a vessel which contains the qualities and virtues of great men such as Geoffroi de Charny, Marcus Aurelius, Richard the Lionheart, Godfrey de Bouillon, Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel, and T.E. Lawrence - or men of myth such as Hector of Troy, King Arthur, or Gurney Halleck. I attempt to keep this representation in my mind, and act accordingly - and would anything I do shame them if they were observing my character? Above all, I would like to be a man that makes his Saviour and Creator proud.

This is perhaps more of an answer than I intended to give, but I do hope it helps, Saph Dartis. May Yahweh bless and protect you in all things, and may your path be guided by His light.

- The Author

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    The Author

    Hello and welcome to The Bard's Hearth.

    It is here I hope to share my thoughts on a variety of
    matters; some scholarly, and others numinous.

    I also enjoy some hobbies,
    of which I may share here.

    Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay!

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