Previous Stoicism

DEALING WITH PAIN

“Whenever you suffer pain, keep in mind that it’s nothing to be ashamed of and that it can’t degrade your guiding inteligence, nor keep it from acting rationally and for the common good. And in most cases you should be helped by the saying of Epicurus, that pain is never unbearable or unending, so you can remember these limits and not add to them in your imagination. Remember too that many common annoyances are pain in disguise, such as sleepiness, fever and loss of appetite. When they start to get you down, tell yourself you are giving in to pain.”

- MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS

Summary
Marcus Aurelius advises that pain, while uncomfortable, does not have the power to degrade our inner rationality or guiding intelligence. Pain is a physical sensation that should not influence our ability to think clearly or act in line with our values. By recalling Epicurus’s insight that pain is never unbearable or eternal, Marcus encourages us to maintain perspective and avoid amplifying pain with our imagination. Pain is a temporary experience, and it should not be given more power than it deserves.

Interpretation
In practical terms, this teaching suggests that we can face both physical and emotional discomfort without allowing it to overwhelm us. Pain, whether it comes in the form of illness, fatigue, or irritation, is often a part of life, but how we respond to it is within our control. For someone familiar with Stoic teachings, this lesson reinforces the idea that by keeping our focus on rational thinking and maintaining a calm mindset, we can endure pain with resilience and dignity, without letting it distort our perspective or behavior.

visit our website
Instagram Tiktok

All Stoicisms

DOING THE RIGHT THING IS ENOUGH

Marcus Aurelius reminds us that doing good should be its own reward. Once your action has helped someone, there’s no need....

A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS DANGEROUS

Epictetus cautions that powerful abilities—whether intellectual, emotional, or social—can be risky when used without wisdom. Like any force, they must be....

A LEADER LEADS

Marcus Aurelius describes three kinds of people who do good: one who expects gratitude, one who silently keeps score, and the....
Scroll to Top