Part 9/14:
Stoicism advocates that the only true freedom resides in mastery over oneself. Marcus Aurelius, in his reflections, underscores that the unexamined life is unworthy, urging constant self-discipline and reflection. The true virtue is achieved when one’s character and actions are in direct accord with rationality and moral virtue, regardless of external chaos.
The Stoic ideal confronts human fragility and mortality head-on, teaching that death is a natural event and that anxiety over it stems from misplaced attachments. Instead, embracing mortality as part of nature allows one to live fully and ethically.