And with that, the 2024 season comes to an End
Over 2000 years ago, some of the greatest minds laid down principles and virtues that still resonate today. In 2024, I found myself returning to these timeless teachings, using them as a guide to navigate life’s challenges and aspirations. This year, I lived by the wisdom of a lot of philosophers and here are my top drives, four philosophers, four stories:
Marcus Aurelius
Born on April 6th, 121 AD, Marcus Aurelius was the 16th Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher. Known for his writings in Meditations, he offered profound reflections on resilience, control, and the pursuit of virtue. Regarded as the last of the Five Good Roman Emperors, his reign was marked by wisdom, justice, and a deep commitment to self-discipline.
A compelling story about Marcus Aurelius involves a slave who followed him throughout the day. The slave’s task was simple but profound: he would whisper in Marcus’ ear, “Remember, you are only a man.”
Memento mori: You could leave life right now, let that determine how you think and live for the rest of your life
This reminder of human mortality and impermanence helped Marcus stay grounded. Despite being an emperor with immense power, he was constantly reminded of his role in the larger universe - one that is fleeting and beyond his control.
This story teaches me the importance of humility and staying connected to reality. It also reminds me that no matter how successful or powerful one may become, it’s vital to remain aware of our limitations and the brief nature of life.
Whenever I’m caught up in the demands of life or my own ambitions, I try to recall this reminder. Like Marcus, I remind myself that in this moment, I can only do my best - and that’s enough.
Diogenes, the cynic
“He has the most who is most content with the least.”
Diogenes of Sinope, known as Diogenes the Cynic, was a philosopher who lived a life of radical simplicity, rejecting materialism and societal expectations. One of the most iconic stories of his life involves his encounter with Alexander the Great.
As the story goes, Alexander approached Diogenes, who was basking in the sun, and offered to grant him any wish. Diogenes, unfazed by the presence of the most powerful man in the world, simply replied, “Yes, stand out of my sunlight.”
This incident has always fascinated me. It’s a powerful reminder of how true contentment comes not from power, possessions, or status, but from freedom and self-sufficiency. Diogenes had no need for what Alexander could offer because he already had everything he wanted — peace in the moment and freedom from desires.
Whenever I’ve found myself tempted by ambition or weighed down by unnecessary wants, I’ve reflected on this story. It reminds me that the greatest riches lie in appreciating the simplicity of life and in maintaining the courage to live authentically, no matter the circumstances.
Epictetus
Epictetus was born around 55 AD in Hierapolis (modern-day Turkey) and spent much of his life as a slave in Rome. Despite his harsh circumstances, he became one of the most influential Stoic philosophers. His teachings focused on the idea that true freedom is found not in external circumstances, but in the way we choose to respond to them.
One of the most memorable stories about Epictetus involves his beautiful lamp, which became a powerful lesson in detachment and resilience.
“Something similar happened to me also the other day. I keep an iron lamp by the side of my household gods, and, on hearing a noise at the window, I ran down. I found that the lamp had been stolen. I reflected that the man who stole it was moved by no unreasonable motive. What then? To-morrow, I say, you will find one of earthenware. Indeed, a man loses only that which he already has. “I have lost my cloak.” Yes, for you had a cloak. “I have a pain in my head.” You don’t have a pain in your horns, do you? Why, then, are you indignant? For our losses and our pains have to do only with the things which we possess.”
Zeno of Citium
Zeno of Citium, born around 334 BC in Cyprus, was a merchant who turned philosopher after a transformative event. Legend has it that Zeno was shipwrecked and lost all his possessions. Stranded in Athens, he stumbled upon a bookshop where he read the works of Socrates and was inspired to pursue philosophy.
One of the most famous anecdotes about Zeno involves a cup. A servant had broken one of Zeno’s cups, and when the servant confessed, Zeno simply remarked, “Why are you so upset? The cup was always breakable. Its nature is to be broken someday.”
This story beautifully illustrates the Stoic mindset: understanding the impermanence of material things and accepting their eventual loss. For Zeno, this wasn’t a call to nihilism but rather an encouragement to live without undue attachment, appreciating things for what they are while they last.
curtains closing
These stories, passed down over millennia, remind us of the simplest yet most profound truths about life. We will lose things. We will lose people. The reality is, the moment we acquire something - whether a possession, a relationship, or a moment of joy - we know deep down that it is not permanent. It has happened before; it will happen again.
And yet, the wisdom of these philosophers teaches us how to live amidst this impermanence:
Like Diogenes, we can hunger for the sun and find contentment in life’s simplest blessings.
Like Marcus Aurelius, we can remember that we are only human, living in this brief instant, and that is all we have.
Like Epictetus, we can accept that we can only lose what we already possess and let go of attachment to the material.
And like Zeno of Citium, we can remind ourselves that the cup was always breakable — it was going to break someday.
Each story calls us to live fully in the present, appreciating what we have while it’s here and finding strength to move forward when it’s gone.
ciao 2024 👋