A Reflection on Time: Marcus Aurelius’ Guide to a Meaningful Life

A perspective from the revered Stoic Philosopher

Michael Lawrence
The Stoic Cornerstone

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Marcus Aurelius outside the Pantheon
Marcus Aurelius outside the Pantheon generated by Midjourney

In the grand tapestry of human existence, there exists a singular entity that does not bow to anyone’s command, nor does it offer any respite — Time. This ephemeral and elusive concept is our most precious resource, far more valuable than gold or jewels, for it flows in only one direction — forward. Once it slips through our fingers, we can never reclaim it. As mere mortals on this vast planet, we are granted a finite amount of time, and it is not just a luxury but an imperative that we employ it wisely. In this journey of life, we find ourselves in the guiding shadow of Stoic philosophy, and in particular, the wise words of the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius.

In his timeless work, ‘Meditations,’ Marcus Aurelius expounds upon the profound significance of time, particularly in Book Two, verses four and five. It is within these verses that we unearth gems of wisdom that resonate through the ages, urging us to understand the essence of time and to harness it for our betterment.

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Michael Lawrence
The Stoic Cornerstone

25-year code veteran | Debugging life's challenges with Stoic wisdom | Building robust web solutions and inner peace | Marcus Aurelius with a laptop