Marcus Aurelius: 'Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.'

Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

The quote by Marcus Aurelius, "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one," carries a straightforward meaning and profound importance. In essence, it urges us to stop indulging in endless debates and discussions about what qualities should define a virtuous person. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of embodying those qualities ourselves and living as exemplary individuals. This advice resonates with the idea that actions speak louder than words.However, to add an unexpected twist to this article, let's explore the concept of existentialism and its relation to Marcus Aurelius' quote. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that is concerned with individual existence and focuses on questions about purpose, freedom, and the nature of human existence. While the quote from Marcus Aurelius encourages us to be good individuals, existentialism poses an intriguing question – what does it truly mean to be good?Existentialists argue that there is no fixed definition of what it means to be good because it ultimately depends on our individual choices and subjective experiences. They believe that there is no external moral authority dictating what is right or wrong, and that each person is responsible for defining their own ethical standards.In light of this, the quote by Marcus Aurelius takes on deeper complexity. It suggests that instead of engaging in fruitless debates about the definition of goodness, we should focus on actively embodying our own personal values and virtues. This aligns with the existentialist idea that the only way to find meaning and purpose in life is through the choices we make and the actions we take.By being proactive in our pursuit of goodness, we transcend the limitations of theoretical discussions and philosophy. We understand that being good is not about adhering to a predefined set of qualities, but rather about living authentically and aligning our values with our actions. In doing so, we not only become the best versions of ourselves but also inspire others through our example.Furthermore, this quote challenges us to reflect on the power of our actions. It reminds us that the impact we have on the world is not determined by our words or arguments, but by how we live our lives. We can spend countless hours engaging in debates about morality, ethics, and goodness, but those discussions are meaningless if they are not reflected in our own behavior.In essence, Marcus Aurelius urges us to be agents of change and take responsibility for the world we inhabit. We should cease arguing about what a good person should be and instead dedicate ourselves to becoming that person. Through our choices and actions, we can contribute positively to society, inspire others, and create a ripple effect of goodness.In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius' quote serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embodying the qualities we admire in others rather than simply debating them. By focusing on self-improvement and living virtuously, we align with existentialist thought and find true meaning in our own existence. Let us heed this advice and waste no more time in debates but rather dedicate ourselves to being good individuals.