Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: Doth either the sun take upon him to do…
Doth either the sun take upon him to do that which belongs to the rain? or his son Aesculapius that, which unto the earth doth properly belong? How is it with every one of the stars in particular? Though they all differ one from another, and have their several charges and functions by themselves, do they not all nevertheless concur and co- operate to one end?
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
The sun does not try to do the rain’s job. A doctor does not try to be the soil. Different things have different functions, yet they can still contribute to one world. Marcus uses nature to challenge our urge to compete, meddle, and measure our worth by someone else’s role. Your colleague may be better at sales; you may be the person who makes the team stable. A friend may be public and charismatic; your contribution may be quieter but essential. Cooperation does not require sameness. In fact, it depends on difference being used well. The problem comes when we abandon our responsibilities to chase someone else’s spotlight or when we resent them for doing what they are suited to do. Today, ask what your actual role is in the group you belong to. Perform it well, and make room for others to perform theirs.
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