consigliere on Nostr: "What do you fear losing, if nothing in the world belongs to you?" ā Marcus ...
"What do you fear losing, if nothing in the world belongs to you?"
ā Marcus Aurelius
š¬ļø
Reflect, my dear friend, on the transient nature of all things. What you fear losing is, in essence, already lost ā for time, that tireless thief, takes everything. Fate lends, but never gives. And those who desperately cling to their loans are the ones who suffer most when it reclaims them.
What you call 'yours' is merely a temporary arrangement in the order of things. Your body? Made of the same matter as the stars, and it will return to it. Your possessions? Just objects that, for a brief moment, are under your care. Your titles and honors? Mere social opinions, as fleeting as the morning mist.
But understand this: Iām not suggesting you neglect your duties or abandon your responsibilities. On the contrary. Fulfill your role with excellence. The wisdom here lies in living fully in the present, honoring each moment precisely because it is fleeting. Use your possessions without letting them use you, always keeping in mind that you are only a temporary guardian of everything you consider yours.
Remember, each moment is an opportunity to practice your virtues. It is not what you possess that matters, but how you act in the face of the circumstances fate presents you with. The only possession is your character, and this, indeed, is under your control to refine.
Accept the transient nature of all things with serenity so that this awareness of impermanence inspires you to live with less anxiety. Do what is right, act with justice, stay true to your principles. For the wise man is not the one who possesses nothing, but the one who possesses without ever being possessed.
And you, my dear friend, what do you fear losing?
ā Marcus Aurelius
š¬ļø
Reflect, my dear friend, on the transient nature of all things. What you fear losing is, in essence, already lost ā for time, that tireless thief, takes everything. Fate lends, but never gives. And those who desperately cling to their loans are the ones who suffer most when it reclaims them.
What you call 'yours' is merely a temporary arrangement in the order of things. Your body? Made of the same matter as the stars, and it will return to it. Your possessions? Just objects that, for a brief moment, are under your care. Your titles and honors? Mere social opinions, as fleeting as the morning mist.
But understand this: Iām not suggesting you neglect your duties or abandon your responsibilities. On the contrary. Fulfill your role with excellence. The wisdom here lies in living fully in the present, honoring each moment precisely because it is fleeting. Use your possessions without letting them use you, always keeping in mind that you are only a temporary guardian of everything you consider yours.
Remember, each moment is an opportunity to practice your virtues. It is not what you possess that matters, but how you act in the face of the circumstances fate presents you with. The only possession is your character, and this, indeed, is under your control to refine.
Accept the transient nature of all things with serenity so that this awareness of impermanence inspires you to live with less anxiety. Do what is right, act with justice, stay true to your principles. For the wise man is not the one who possesses nothing, but the one who possesses without ever being possessed.
And you, my dear friend, what do you fear losing?