Simple Stoic Advice
Entrust it to Fate
Entrust it to Fate
The beautiful thing about Stoic philosophy is the advice contained within it is just as applicable today as it was when it was first written all those many years ago. We can learn a great deal from interpreting the advice provided and using it to our advantage as we go throughout our own lives.
Today’s quote comes to us courtesy of Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.31:
Quote
“Love the discipline you know, and let it support you. Entrust everything willingly to the gods, and then make your way through life — no one’s master and no one’s slave.”
Advice
Each of us lives by our own set of principles. Some of these principles are passed down to us during childhood by our parents, others are developed on our own as we live life and learn, forming our own opinions and perceptions of the world around us.
The Stoics held fast to their own principles, all of which revolved around the concept of living their best lives.
Here, Marcus describes the idea of leaning into the principles he was given or learned. But he follows this concept with the understanding that our fates do not always work out in ways that we anticipate. The Stoics were determinists, believing that one event led to another. But they also held a Reserve Clause, an exercise which freed them from the deterministic aspect of fate for things outside their control.
For example, you may look both ways before crossing the street and see no car, therefore you believe it is safe to cross the street unharmed. However, before embarking upon crossing the street, you remind yourself, “I will cross this street, fate permitting.” In other words, I will cross this street notwithstanding something unforeseen stopping me.
Hold fast to your principles in times of need and understand that we only have control over our own actions. Sometimes, however, fate intervenes and has other ideas in store. Keep your reserve clauses close, and learn to accept fate, and use it to your advantage by growing from life’s experiences.
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