Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.
PendingIn today’s episode of Practical Stoicism, I explore Meditations 4.3, a passage that, while often celebrated, carries the potential for self-abuse if misunderstood. Marcus Aurelius reflects on the desire to escape daily life by retreating into nature—something he admits he feels compelled to do himself. But rather than criticize that impulse, I suggest we reframe it: needing a retreat isn’t weakness, it’s part of the process of becoming better. While a sage might retreat into their mind, we Prokoptôns might genuinely need to retreat physically from time to time—and that’s not failure, it’s reality. Growth doesn’t happen on command. It takes time, rest, and humility.
Meditations 4.3
Men look for retreats for themselves, the country, the sea-shore, the hills; and you yourself, too, are peculiarly accustomed to feel the same want. Yet all this is very unlike a philosopher, when you may at any hour you please retreat into yourself... The Universe is change, life is opinion.
THREE TAKEAWAYS
— The urge to escape isn’t a weakness, it’s a sign of being human—and sometimes necessary for moral progress.
— Perfection isn’t the goal; striving for better while accepting your limitations is.
— If seashore retreats help you grow, they’re not indulgences—they’re tools for becoming a better person.
Join the Practical Stoicism community, the Society of Stoics, at https://community.stoicismpod.com. Members enjoy ad-free episodes, weekly journaling prompts, a membership medallion, and access to regular live calls and discussions. Join today at https://community.stoicismpod.com.
Buy my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book
Read source material: https://stoicismpod.com/far
Subscribe on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube
Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky
Grab the app: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net/
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tannercampbell
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Practical Stoicism 