Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: What are their minds and…
What are their minds and understandings; and what the things that they apply themselves unto: what do they love, and what do they hate for? Fancy to thyself the estate of their souls openly to be seen. When they think they hurt them shrewdly, whom they speak ill of; and when they think they do them a very good turn, whom they commend and extol: O how full are they then of conceit, and opinion!
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
Other people’s praise and blame can feel powerful because we imagine they come from clear, stable minds. Marcus urges us to look behind the words. What do these people love? What do they fear? What are they trying to gain? Often their judgments are driven by habit, insecurity, fashion, or loyalty to a group. They believe their compliments elevate you and their insults diminish you, but both are largely movements in their own minds. This does not mean becoming suspicious of everyone or refusing encouragement. It means keeping your center of gravity within yourself. The approval of a person with confused values should not intoxicate you, and their disapproval should not crush you. Today, notice whose opinion has unusual power over your mood. Then ask whether that person’s life and values make them a wise judge of yours. Give feedback its proper weight—no more, no less.
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