“Whatever the universal nature assigns to any man at any time is for the good of that man at that time.”
- April 26, 121 – March 17, 180
- Roman Empire
- Roman Emperor
- Influenced by Stoic philosophy, he wrote “Meditations” and practiced ideal governance as a philosophical leader, and was later praised as one of the Five Good Emperors.
Quote
“Whatever the universal nature assigns to any man at any time is for the good of that man at that time.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the Stoic belief that everything that happens in life is part of a greater universal plan and is ultimately for our benefit, even if it may not seem that way in the moment. According to Stoic philosophy, we are not always able to understand the reason behind the events that occur, but we are encouraged to trust that nature or the universe assigns each person what is best for their growth and development at any given time. This includes both pleasant and difficult experiences, as each has something to teach us or help us evolve into better versions of ourselves.
Aurelius, who faced many challenges during his reign as emperor, embraced the idea that adversity and suffering are part of life’s natural course and serve to shape our character and virtue. His view was that rather than resisting or resenting life’s circumstances, we should accept them with equanimity and trust in the greater order of the universe. In today’s world, where people often seek to avoid discomfort or failure, Aurelius’ message encourages us to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
In practical terms, this quote teaches us to approach all experiences, good or bad, with a mindset of acceptance and trust in the process of life. For example, when facing a setback at work or in a personal relationship, instead of viewing it as purely negative, we can ask ourselves, “What can I learn from this? How can this situation help me grow?” By trusting that what happens is for our good, we can maintain a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that everything is part of the journey of personal development.
