Simple Stoic Advice
How to treat others
How to treat others
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 Hierocles from his remaining fragments:
Quote
“Act by everyone, in the same manner as if you supposed yourself to be him, and him to be you.”
Advice
The above may be considered the “Golden Rule” of Stoicism. It is very reminiscent the Bible verse found in Matthew 7:12:
“So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you…”
Hierocles left behind what’s referred to today as the Hieroclean Circle which shows how the Stoics viewed there place within a much larger role.
The Stoics viewed themselves as part of society and knew that they, like others, needed each other. They understood and believed that societies were not built by individual dictators, but rather, the collective force of all individuals fulfilling their role within society.
Marcus Aurelius spends much of his time in the Meditations reflecting upon the roles we have in serving society. At one point he writes:
“What injures the hive injures the bee.”
In other words, we’re all connected, and if something injures society, it also injures the individuals working to build that society.
Elsewhere he modestly states:
“Have I done something for the common good? Then I share in the benefits. To stay centered on that. Not to give up.”
It is said that during times of war, rather than raise taxes, he sold off possessions from within the royal palace so as to help the citizens of Rome.
None of us are without need of others in life.
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