Summary:
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that the feeling of being harmed often stems from our own perception rather than the event itself. If we choose not to see ourselves as victims, the sense of injury loses its power over us.

Interpretation:
In real life, this means that when someone insults or criticises us, it only truly harms us if we allow it to. For instance, if a colleague makes a rude comment, we can either dwell on it and feel offended, or recognise that their words don’t define our worth. By mentally detaching from the idea of being wronged, we free ourselves from emotional turmoil. It’s a powerful practice of reclaiming control over our reactions—choosing peace over resentment.