Marcus Aurelius: 'Begin - to begin is half the work, let half still remain again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.'

Begin - to begin is half the work, let half still remain again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.

In this blog article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of the quote by Marcus Aurelius: 'Begin - to begin is half the work, let half still remain again begin this, and thou wilt have finished.' At its core, this quote emphasizes the power of taking the first step towards any endeavor. It highlights the importance of action, suggesting that simply initiating a task or goal already paves the way for its completion. This idea resonates with our everyday experiences, where starting something often seems like the most daunting part. However, once we overcome this initial hurdle, the rest somehow falls into place, making it easier to progress towards the desired outcome.But to delve deeper into the underlying message of this quote and spark your curiosity, let's explore a contrasting philosophical concept - the concept of fate or predetermination. While Marcus Aurelius encourages us to take charge and begin a task, the idea of fate suggests that the outcome of our efforts might be predetermined. This contrasting perspective raises interesting questions about the intersection of agency and destiny. If fate ultimately determines our results, does the act of beginning still hold the same importance?At first glance, these two concepts might seem contradictory. On one hand, we have Marcus Aurelius advocating for deliberate action, implying that our efforts have a direct impact on the outcome. On the other hand, the notion of fate suggests that everything is predetermined, and our actions merely follow a predestined path. So, which is it? Are we in control of our destinies, or are we merely cogs in a predetermined machine?To explore this further, let's consider a hypothetical scenario. Imagine a person aiming to become a successful writer. According to Marcus Aurelius' quote, this individual must take the first step by writing the opening sentence of their novel. By doing so, they have already completed half the work of becoming a writer. However, if we introduce the concept of fate into the equation, we might argue that the person's success as a writer was predetermined from the beginning. In this perspective, their action of starting to write was merely an inevitable step on the predetermined path to their destined success.While the concept of fate challenges the impact of our actions, it is crucial to remember that even if an outcome is predetermined, it does not negate the importance of starting. Regardless of the ultimate result, taking that first step not only sets things in motion but also allows for personal growth, learning, and self-discovery along the way. Even if we accept the notion of fate, the act of beginning still holds immense value in shaping us as individuals and influencing our experiences.In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius' quote reminds us that beginning is half the work, indicating the significance of taking the first step towards our goals. However, when exploring the concept of fate, we question the impact of our actions in the face of predetermined outcomes. Nevertheless, whether our efforts steer our destiny or align with a predetermined path, the act of beginning remains a crucial catalyst for personal growth, learning, and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. So, let us embrace the power of initiation, for it is in our ability to start that we find the potential to finish.