Marcus Aurelius: Again, consider now the times of…

Every era feels uniquely urgent while it is happening. Marcus looks back at the age of Trajan—once full of powerful people, scandals, ambitions, and supposedly lasting achievements—and sees that it has already closed. The same will happen to ours. This perspective does not make current problems unreal. It makes our self-importance smaller and our judgment steadier. The headlines that consume you, the workplace drama, the cultural argument that seems to define everything: all will eventually become history. Ask what deserves your energy at that scale. Today, step back from one event that is dominating your mind. It may need action, but it does not need your entire identity. Do what is useful, then return to the enduring work of being a decent person.