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WATCHING THE WISE

“Take a good hard look at people’s ruling principle, especially of the wise, what they run away from and what they seek out.”

- MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS

Summary

Marcus Aurelius advises that we should observe the actions and priorities of wise individuals to understand their guiding principles. Pay close attention to what they avoid and what they actively pursue, as this reveals the values and mindset that drive their decisions.

Interpretation

For readers of The Daily Stoic, this passage suggests the importance of learning from those who embody wisdom. In real life, it encourages us to study the behaviour of wise people—whether mentors, philosophers, or role models—to understand how they prioritise what truly matters. By observing their choices, particularly what they avoid (such as distractions or unnecessary conflicts) and what they pursue (like virtue and tranquillity), we can align our own actions with those higher principles. This practice helps us model our behaviour on those who live thoughtfully and in harmony with Stoic ideals.

 

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