“Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.”
- 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.
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Quote
“Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.”
Explanation
In this quote, Marcus Aurelius stresses the importance of acceptance and adaptation to the circumstances of our lives, emphasizing that we should embrace our current situation and the people around us, as they are part of the design of the universe. Instead of resisting the challenges or environment we find ourselves in, Aurelius suggests that we should adjust ourselves to our surroundings and live harmoniously with those we encounter. This aligns with Stoic beliefs that we should focus on what is within our control—our thoughts and actions—and accept the rest as part of the natural flow of life.
Aurelius, who ruled the vast Roman Empire amidst constant war and political unrest, would have understood the necessity of accepting the inevitability of circumstances and focusing on how we choose to respond to them. This perspective is incredibly relevant today, where many people face stress, uncertainty, or conflict in their personal or professional lives. By learning to accept and adapt to our environment, rather than struggling against it, we can cultivate a sense of peace and purpose.
In practical terms, this quote encourages us to embrace the people and situations in our lives, rather than wishing things were different. For example, when faced with a difficult colleague or a challenging life circumstance, we can choose to adapt by focusing on how we can positively engage with the situation, rather than becoming frustrated or resentful. By sincerely loving and respecting those around us, even in challenging times, we create a life of greater peace, acceptance, and meaning, regardless of the external challenges we face.
