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PREPARE YOURSELF FOR NEGATIVITY

“When you first rise in the morning tell yourself: I will encounter busybodies, ingrates, egomaniacs, liars, the jealous and cranks. They are all stricken with these afflictions because they don’t know the difference between good and evil. Because I have understood the beauty of good and the ugliness of evil, I know that these wrong-doers are still akin to me . . . and that none can do me harm, or implicate me in ugliness—nor can I be angry at my relatives or hate them. For we are made for cooperation.”

- MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS

Summary:
Marcus Aurelius reminds us that we will inevitably encounter difficult and unpleasant people, but their behaviour is a result of ignorance rather than inherent malice. By recognising this, we can maintain our composure, avoid resentment, and uphold our own moral standards, understanding that we are all part of the same human family.

Interpretation:
In daily life, this means preparing mentally for negativity instead of being caught off guard. If a colleague is rude or a stranger is impatient, we can choose not to take it personally. Instead of reacting with frustration, we can respond with patience and empathy, knowing that others’ flaws are beyond our control. This mindset helps us remain calm, protect our inner peace, and focus on cooperation rather than conflict.

 

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