5 Stoic Ways to Stop Worrying - Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism)

TL;DR

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, faced a severe pandemic and maintained calm rationalism, providing valuable lessons on staying calm during times of crisis.

Transcript

Marcus Aurelius was the emperor of Rome during the 2nd century A.D., the last in a line of five emperors known to have ruled Rome with authority, humanity, and competence. During his tenure, the Roman Empire suffered from a severe pandemic in the form of the Antonine Plague that broke out in 165 and devastated the population of the Roman Empire, ca... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 History repeats itself, and many of our worries have happened before in different forms.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Excessive worrying is harmful to our health, but a certain level of worry is normal.
• 🙈 Ignoring the opinions of others and focusing on our own actions and decisions can reduce worry.
• 🎁 Mindfulness helps us stay present and manage stress and anxiety.
• 🍉 Shifting our worries towards present actions can reduce long-term uncertainty.
• 🪡 Kindness towards others and helping those in need can bring a sense of purpose and reduce worry.
• ❓ Supporting organizations that provide relief during crises can make a positive impact.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Marcus Aurelius maintain calm during the Antonine Plague?

Marcus Aurelius implemented legislation to subsidize funeral costs, conscripted gladiators for the army, and sold off his possessions to finance the army. He approached problems rationally without panicking.

Q: Why do we worry so much about uncertain outcomes?

Worrying is a natural response to uncertain or unpleasant situations. It calms our brain down, helps problem-solving, and keeps us safe. However, excessive worrying that is persistent and uncontrollable can negatively impact our health.

Q: How can we ignore the noise of others' opinions?

Marcus Aurelius advised ignoring the opinions of others as they are beyond our control. People-pleasing and seeking approval can sabotage our self-confidence. Knowing that we can never please everyone can help us focus on our own decisions and wellbeing.

Q: How can mindfulness help us manage worry?

Mindfulness involves focusing on the present and doing tasks with kindness towards others. It helps ground us, reduces stress, and increases efficiency. By practicing mindfulness, we can shift our focus from worrying about the future to making the most of the present.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor, faced the Antonine Plague and advocated for calm rationalism, implementing measures to help the population during the crisis.

• Aurelius' Meditations are regarded as a great work of philosophy and provide wisdom on dealing with worry and stress in modern life.

• Worrying is a normal part of life, but excessive worrying can take a toll on our emotional and physical health, so it's important to understand that many of our worries have happened before.