Idea
How can Meditations help with events that go against our wishes?
Short answer
Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to examine judgments about events and choose rational action. We may not determine what just happened, but can pause, check our interpretation and fulfill our responsibilities.
In Book VIII of Meditations, Marcus Aurelius returns to the relationship between external events and the mind’s judgments. When something goes against our wishes, we often move quickly from what happened to conclusions about ourselves or others. A canceled appointment can immediately become the thought that we are not respected. Begin with three questions: what actually happened, what interpretation am I adding and what fair, useful action can I take now? We still need to address consequences, speak directly or set boundaries when necessary. Reviewing judgments helps choose a response suited to the event. This applies a theme in the book to modern life. While reading, compare it with the reflections on judgment in Book VIII and the reminders about action in Book II.
