Another Stoic gem from Marcus on the dichotomy of control:
“Our actions may be impeded by them, but there can be no impeding our intentions or dispositions. Because we can accommodate and adapt. The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 5.20)
From the dichotomy of control, we have important psychological/spiritual consequences when adversity comes knocking. As Massimo Pigliucci labels “turn difficulties into opportunities” in his book A Handbook for New Stoics and in line with Ryan Holiday’s central message in The Obstacle is the Way, the challenge or obstacle becomes an opportunity for developing one’s character and to live one’s life authentically – through adversity.
“Disturbance comes from within” says Marcus. It’s not adversity that defines us; it’s the choice we make in how we respond.
Image: Marcus Aurelius. De seipso, seu vita sua (Xylander, 1558)
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