Marcus Aurelius Stoic teachings
Marcus Aurelius: Reflect often on how swiftly all things…
Reflect often on how swiftly all things are carried past us: existence flows like a river, actions keep changing, causes never rest, and almost nothing stands firm.
A paraphrase of a teaching associated with Marcus Aurelius, written for modern readers. Not a transcription of a copyrighted edition.
Much of our distress assumes that the present arrangement will last. We hold a grudge as if the relationship can never change, postpone a decision as if time is unlimited, or cling to a success as if it will remain untouched. But life keeps moving. The body changes, circumstances shift, and even our own preferences are revised by experience. Seeing this clearly is not gloomy. It can make us more awake. There is little use in treating a temporary frustration as eternal, and little wisdom in delaying a kind word until some perfect future. Let change remind you to use the day well. Today, release one stale argument that has been taking up space in your mind. Then do one small thing you would regret leaving undone: make the call, begin the work, thank someone, or spend unhurried time with a person you love.
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