A story about Marcus –

Marcus was born into a wealthy aristocratic family. His father and grandfather both held political offices. By age 7, Marcus was fluent in 2 languages. At age 12, he was studying advanced math, social studies, and had already developed a keen interest in philosophy. His father died when Marcus was young, so his grandfather became his father figure.

Early on, it became apparent that Marcus was different. The privileges of wealth were not important to him, except that he was able to receive all the education he desired. He became especially interested in the mind (brain) and how it affects the way a person lives their lives. He became interested in how the more common person lived, to such an extent that he took up their lifestyle. He found that conversations with the average person allowed him to see a different perspective concerning how people lived and thought.

But while Marcus was doing what he felt important, the power of his people had different plans for Marcus.  They knew he was special and that he could advance their political ambitions. Thus Marcus was groomed to lead his country. And when the time was right, Marcus became ruler. Even though Marcus had the power in his country to say who would live and who would die, he chose to rule differently.

Marcus chose not to live in the “white house”, not to participate in fancy dinners and rub shoulders with the wealthy and powerful. Instead he lived with the military, the working class, and other average citizens of his country. It was during this almost 20 years of rule that Marcus wrote some of the most inspiring and thoughtful words known to scholars about living and what life is about. What makes these writing so unique is that Marcus was writing to himself. He was simply recording what he observed while living with the common people of his country. When these writings were discovered at his death, little did his family realize the impact they would have.

Marcus had learned to live a life that was void of many of the irritations and frustrations that so many of us encounter.

This remarkable individual was an Italian named Marcus Aurelius, Co-Emperor of Rome 161 AD to 180 AD. These writing are called the Meditations.

Out of the Meditations, comes one of his more profound observations which paraphrased states:

‘When someone’s words or actions irritate you, it is not that person
who is irritating you, but rather your judgment of that person.’

Think about this – Do you ever become irritated by that other team’s fan, another religion, that other political party, a family member, or that lady who pulled out in front of you? Marcus would ask, why get irritated over something we can’t control or change?

Controlling the judgmental thoughts that often control our minds and lives can be difficult. I know, I always thought these inconsiderate people were the cause of my irritations.

Marcus has had an impact on me – a powerful impact. Yes, judging others can be a curse unto our own being.

Doug
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