Embracing Vulnerability Isn't a Sign of Weakness
In a surprising turn, stories about Marcus Aurelius, the revered Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, reveal a man who was not immune to tears. This emotional display challenges the traditional view of Stoics as emotionless, as Marcus Aurelius demonstrated that being a Stoic did not mean suppressing emotions, but rather managing them through reason.
Marcus Aurelius, like Ireland's great hero, Michael Collins, was not above tears. He wept without self-consciousness, much like a child, showing that he was human and not overly concerned about his public image. The frequency of his tears does not imply weakness, patheticness, or lack of self-control. Instead, it demonstrates his humanity and Stoic strength by embracing vulnerability while maintaining rational control and resilience.
The Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, were known for their courage and discipline, but they were not made of stone. They were human, and as such, they could feel overwhelmed. However, this did not prevent them from taking future action. Marcus Aurelius could feel overwhelmed, but he never lost control of what was important and what he had to do.
Stoicism, especially as practiced by Marcus Aurelius, emphasized managing emotions through reason—not suppressing them completely. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius often acknowledged his feelings, struggles, and human imperfections, which highlights his self-awareness and commitment to continual personal growth rather than stoic detachment or emotional repression. This approach aligns with later Roman Stoicism, which focused pragmatically on moral philosophy and guiding oneself in adversity, showing that emotional expression can coexist with inner strength and rational virtue.
The tears of grief for Marcus Aurelius do not mean he would never leave his house again. His ability to manage his emotions did not negate his status as a strong and capable leader. In fact, his emotional displays show his strength as a Stoic by demonstrating his ability to confront human challenges honestly and wisely, rather than denying or being overwhelmed by them. His writings continue to inspire as a model of disciplined yet humane leadership and resilience.
In conclusion, Marcus Aurelius's emotional expressions show his strength as a Stoic by demonstrating his ability to confront human challenges honestly and wisely, rather than denying or being overwhelmed by them. His tears do not indicate weakness; rather, they demonstrate his humanity and Stoic strength by embracing vulnerability while maintaining rational control and resilience. As a Stoic philosopher-emperor, Marcus Aurelius embodied Stoicism’s ideal of facing life’s challenges with virtue, reason, and acceptance, using his reflections on emotion to deepen his self-mastery and leadership.
Marcus Aurelius's practice of Stoicism, as shown in his tears, emphasized the acceptance of human emotions and the management of them through reason, which aligns with the philosophies of self-awareness and personal growth in education-and-self-development.
The growth displayed by Marcus Aurelius through his emotional expression and self-awareness can serve as a guide for contemporary leaders, demonstrating that emotion-management skills are not detrimental to but rather essential for effective leadership in the field of business.
Similarly, one can apply the Stoic principles practiced by Marcus Aurelius to their health-and-wellness routine, such as managing stress through rational thinking and embracing vulnerability, thus contributing to overall mental-health.
In addition, Stoicism's focus on the practical application of moral philosophy in times of adversity can also be valuable in the realm of finance, where individuals might be better equipped to make rational decisions during economic instability, showing resilience and protecting their financial well-being.
