Gratitude and Duty
Perhaps inaccurately (as I’ve not yet completed Meditations), I get the sense that Marcus Aurelius is one who has cultivated a deep and sincere sense of duty.
It seems only fitting that the first book in Meditations opens with a full chapter acknowledging those who have influenced his life with a deep and sincere sense of gratitude.
Reverence of Philosophical Dualities
Stoic & Epicurean
Yin & Yang
Eastern (internal) Philosophy/Religion & Western (external) Philosophy/Religion
It would appear as though to have a belief that stands the test of time, a position must be held that rejects the opposing view.
What if there was a belief system that integrated both? What if you could make use of the virtues of both?
What would it look like to integrate the Stoic virtue of not needing external conditions for happiness, but to also allow yourself to enjoy external experiences?
What would it look like to cultivate both an evolved femininity (Yin) as well as an evolved masculinity (Yang)?
What would it look like if Eastern religions (ie: Buddhism/Hinduism) began to appreciate, practice and integrate a reverence for the external spiritual experience and Western religions (ie: Christianity, Judaism, Islam) began to appreciate, practice and integrate a reverence for the internal spiritual experience?
