Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: Why then should that rather be an…
Why then should that rather be an unhappiness, than this a happiness? But however, canst thou, O man! term that unhappiness, which is no mischance to the nature of man I Canst thou think that a mischance to the nature of man, which is not contrary to the end and will of his nature?
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
Before calling something a disaster, test it against what human beings are actually made for. If it does not prevent you from being honest, brave, fair, or self-controlled, it has not damaged the best part of you. It may be painful, inconvenient, or costly. That is different from being a true evil.
Losing a promotion can hurt. Being injured can change your plans. A public embarrassment can sting for months. Yet each still leaves room for courage, patience, and useful action. In some cases, adversity even gives those qualities a chance to appear.
We often confuse not getting what we wanted with something being wrong with our life. Marcus asks us to make a sharper distinction. The real misfortune is acting badly because of what happened: lying, becoming cruel, giving up, or abandoning your responsibilities. Protect your character first. Much else can be repaired, replaced, or endured.
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