Marcus Aurelius: 'Be content with what you are, and wish not change nor dread your last day, nor long for it.'

Be content with what you are, and wish not change nor dread your last day, nor long for it.

In his quote, Marcus Aurelius advises us to embrace contentment and eschew the desire for change or the fear of our mortality. This straightforward message serves as a reminder to appreciate who we are and be at peace with our current state of being. It urges us to resist the temptation to constantly chase after something better, and instead find contentment in the present moment. By accepting ourselves as we are and fostering gratitude for our circumstances, we can lead a more fulfilling and tranquil existence.However, let us now explore an unexpected philosophical concept that adds depth and intrigue to Aurelius' quote: the Stoic philosophy of Amor Fati. Amor Fati, Latin for "love of fate," is the idea that we should not only accept our present circumstances but actually love and embrace them, even if they may appear unfavorable. This concept can be viewed as an extension of Aurelius' message, as it encourages us not only to be content but to actively cherish and find meaning in each aspect of our lives.At first glance, the notion of loving our fate may seem paradoxical or even absurd. After all, how can one advocate for loving something that may cause suffering or disappointment? However, upon closer examination, we can see the liberating power that Amor Fati holds. By accepting and even embracing our fate, we free ourselves from the burdensome weight of regret, anxiety, and resistance. Instead of wasting energy longing for a different reality, we learn to find beauty and purpose in the present moment—regardless of its flaws or uncertainties.To further illuminate the contrast between Aurelius' call for contentment and the exploration of Amor Fati, let us consider the example of an artist. Imagine a painter who becomes absorbed in their work, entranced by the process of bringing a blank canvas to life. This artist is content with their present state of creation and feels no need to rush to the finish line. However, if we delve deeper, we may discover that this artist not only accepts their work but truly loves and appreciates each stroke of the brush, even if it takes them far from their original vision. They embrace the unexpected turns and imperfections that arise, turning each "mistake" into an opportunity for growth and discovery. This, in essence, is Amor Fati in practice.Applying the concept of Amor Fati to our own lives can be transformative. By cultivating an attitude of love and acceptance for our current circumstances, we open ourselves up to a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment. The challenges and hardships we encounter along the way lose their power to hold us back or bring us down. Instead, they become stepping stones on our journey, integral parts of our personal narratives that eventually lead to growth and self-realization.While Marcus Aurelius encourages contentment, the addition of Amor Fati takes this message to an even higher level. Embracing both concepts allows us to find peace in the present moment and forge a deep appreciation for the twists and turns life presents us. By mastering the art of being content with what we are while also loving our fate, we unlock a profound sense of purpose and inner harmony that can accompany us throughout our lives.In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius' quote serves as a reminder to embrace contentment and resist the urge to constantly seek change or fear our final days. By adding the Stoic philosophy of Amor Fati to the equation, we elevate this message to new heights of wisdom. Through the love of our fate, we not only find contentment but also discover the transformative power of embracing every aspect of our lives. In doing so, we find inner peace, purpose, and a lasting sense of fulfillment.