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