Practical Stoicism

Are You Ready to Act Justly? (Meditations 3.13)

Apr 1, 2025

Delve into the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius as he encourages keeping Stoic principles close, much like a doctor's tools. Discover how our rational faculties empower us to act justly, even in challenging times. The podcast highlights our interconnection, urging compassion for others who may simply be ignorant. Learn the importance of setting boundaries to foster mental health and relationships while exploring the dynamic nature of justice. Embrace the call to act rationally as a way to honor our roles in the universe.

13:38

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Keeping Stoic principles ready allows us to act justly and fulfill our duty as rational beings in a connected universe.

Recognizing our shared nature calls for understanding and compassion towards others, as their ignorance could have been ours.

Deep dives

The Advantages of Shopify for E-Commerce

Shopify is presented as the most robust e-commerce platform that caters to businesses of any size and complexity. It has proven its capability by supporting well-known brands such as Rothy's and Glossier. Migrating from another platform to Shopify is described as an easy process, facilitated by its user-friendly apps and tools that simplify data transition. The customization options available for storefront design give users greater control, potentially leading to increased sales and a better overall shopping experience.

Intro

2min

The Importance of Boundaries and Philosophical Preparedness

9min

Embracing Justice and Adapting to Change

3min

In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.13, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us to keep the principles of Stoicism as close at hand as a doctor keeps their instruments. Our “scalpel” is our rational faculty—our ability to discern what is right and act justly, even when it's hard. When we stay ready in this way, we fulfill our role as rational agents within the whole of Nature.

We also dig into what it means to be part of a rational and interconnected universe. Marcus urges us to treat others justly not because they always deserve it, but because we’re bound to one another by a shared nature. Their ignorance could have been ours. Their path could have been ours. Recognizing this calls us to act with understanding and compassion, grounded always in reason.

MEDITATIONS 3.13

"As doctors have their instruments and scalpels always at hand to meet sudden demands for treatment, so do you have your doctrines ready in order to recognize the divine and human... you will not do any act well which concerns man without referring it to the divine; and the same is true of your conduct to God."

THREE TAKEAWAYS

— Keep your principles close: Stoic doctrines should be ready to apply, not left to theory.

— We are all connected: Wrongdoing stems from ignorance, and that demands compassion.

— Acting rationally is our duty: It’s how we honor our place within the whole of Nature.

Join 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.

Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members

Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book

Read Meditations source text: https://stoicismpod.com/far

Follow me on Bluesky: https://stoicismpod.com/bluesky

Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube

Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices