Repel It Forcefully
Marcus Aurelius, the ancient Roman emperor, is known for his philosophical work, Meditations, which offers insights into his approach towards personal tragedies. Rooted in Stoicism, Aurelius emphasised radical acceptance and understanding the nature of human flaws with compassion. He believed that difficulties and unpleasant people were inevitable parts of life, arising from ignorance, not malice.
In the face of a series of misfortunes and setbacks, Aurelius focused on what he could be grateful for, accepting that he did not have a choice regarding the hardships he experienced. He reminded himself that he was not in control of the circumstances he faced and chose to maintain virtue and focus on what was within his control, rather than external events.
A remarkable parallel can be drawn between Aurelius's philosophical stance and the thematic essence of the song "There are moments" from the musical "Hamilton". This song reflects on significant experiences—both painful and joyful—that shape a person’s life journey. Like Aurelius, the character Hamilton pushes away what he cannot understand and the unimaginable, finding grace and gratitude in difficult times.
The actions Aurelius took—putting one foot in front of the other, focusing on gratitude, and giving grace—can be applied by anyone facing hardships. These actions can help individuals work through their unimaginable hardships, transforming personal suffering into an opportunity for growth and peace, much like Aurelius did.
Aurelius's writings, known as Meditations, were a source of self-reflection. They serve as a testament to his resilience in the face of personal tragedy and offer timeless wisdom that resonates even today. Similarly, "Hamilton" demonstrates resilience in the face of personal tragedy through its powerful lyrics and compelling narrative.
In summary, Marcus Aurelius advocates a Stoic acceptance of tragedy, focusing on internal virtue amid external chaos, and this philosophical stance resonates with the thematic essence of "There are moments". Both Aurelius's actions and the song suggest that acknowledging and enduring life's trials with a kind of resolve or acceptance leads to deeper understanding or meaning, although expressed through different mediums—philosophy and musical theatre.
[1] Stoicism: A Practical Introduction (2004) by John Sellars [3] Hamilton: The Revolution (2016) by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter
In the realm of science and personal-growth, Stoicism, as analyzed by John Sellars in 'Stoicism: A Practical Introduction' (2004), shares striking similarities with contemporary health-and-wellness and mental-health practices that advocate resilience and understanding in the face of adversity. Likewise, Marcus Aurelius's approach towards tragedy, as demonstrated in both his life and 'Meditations', aligns with education-and-self-development principles emphasizing growth and peace despite hardships, as reflected in the musical "Hamilton".
