For thou must consider the things of the world, not as a loose independent number, consisting merely of necessary events; but as a discreet connection of things orderly and harmoniously disposed.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
I find great comfort in reading the Stoic Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations.
I didn’t realize how much I have been bothered by the realization that there were more than 100 billion galaxies in the universe.
I think the the angst came from a position of trying to comprehend our vast universe separate from my faith and love of God.
Marcus Aurelius writes repeatedly about the thought of our death in his Meditations. I knew this was so after reading Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way, but I’ve been impressed by his approach to memento mori, the meditation upon our death.
When you consider that the universe is not in chaos, but a part of a natural order of things then you start to accept your own purpose and nature in the world as governed by God.
If you know and believe in a loving God like I do, then meditating upon your death can be a motivational, even peaceful experience.
“And as for death, if there be any gods, it is no grievous thing to leave the society of men. The gods will do thee no hurt, thou mayest be sure. But if it be so that there be no gods, or that they take no care of the world, why should I desire to live in a world void of gods, and of all divine providence? But gods there be certainly, and they take care for the world . . .”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
