Character And Action In The Face Of Wrongdoing

Today's episode takes a deep dive into a particularly challenging meditation from Marcus Aurelius – Meditation 25 from Book 5. This meditation, often misinterpreted, addresses how we should respond to the wrongdoings of others. It reads: "Another does wrong. What is that to me? Let him look to it; he has his own disposition, his own activity. I have now what Universal Nature wills me to have, and I do what my own nature wills me to do."

At first glance, this might seem like Marcus is suggesting we ignore the misdeeds of others as they are none of our business. However, this interpretation misses the point. Instead, Marcus is guiding us to focus on our own character and actions, especially when confronted with wrongdoing.

The real question is not about the character of the wrongdoer, but about our own. As witnesses to an act of wrongdoing, our reaction speaks volumes about our character. For instance, if you're a police officer and witness domestic violence, your response is a direct reflection of your character. But what if you're just a bystander on public transit? Is it still your concern? Yes, because how you respond – whether you choose to intervene or not – reveals your own virtue or vice.

The key takeaway from Marcus' meditation is the importance of discerning our role in each situation. Whether we're a bartender, a priest, an off-duty cop, or a student, our roles and attributes should guide our actions. It's not always about physical strength or confrontation; sometimes, it's about offering help in a way that aligns with our unique strengths and roles.

In sum, Marcus Aurelius isn't telling us to ignore evil; he's reminding us to focus on what we can control – our own character and actions – and to act virtuously when faced with wrongdoing, not for others' sake, but for our own.

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Online copy of Enchiridion (Elizabeth Carter) : https://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epicench.html

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