Insights from ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius Flashcards
Who was Marcus Aurelius?
A stoic philosopher and Roman emperor from 161 to 190, known as the last of the five good emperors.
What is the meaning of Praemeditatio Malorum?
It is Latin for ‘Premeditation of Adversity,’ where one imagines and accepts a troubling event to prepare mentally for hardships.
Fill in the blank: Marcus Aurelius practiced _____ to simulate stressful encounters and reduce his actual stress.
Praemeditatio Malorum
True or False: Marcus Aurelius believed imagining the worst-case scenario helped reduce stress.
True
How does Praemeditatio Malorum help with stress management?
By accepting a worst-case scenario as if it already occurred, one rehearses coping, reducing the actual stress if it happens.
What technique does Marcus Aurelius suggest using before a stressful event, like a presentation?
Imagine the event has gone badly, then rehearse dealing with the feelings and aftermath, realizing it will pass.
What does Stoic Reframing encourage when facing hardship?
To reframe hardship as an opportunity to practice a virtue, enhancing one’s character and resilience.
Fill in the blank: Virtue in Stoic philosophy is derived from the Greek word _____, meaning ‘excellence of character.’
Arete
What is an example of using Stoic Reframing to manage stress?
When stressed, one could ask, ‘How would someone I admire handle this?’ and aim to practice that admired trait.
True or False: Marcus Aurelius advised seeing hardship as a misfortune and feeling bitter.
False
According to Stoic Reframing, what should you remember when tempted to feel bitter?
Think ‘To bear this worthily is good fortune,’ instead of viewing it as misfortune.
What is the Stoic Explaining approach?
It’s a technique to manage stress by avoiding emotional language and describing events factually, like a scientist, to reduce drama.
How does Stoic Explaining help manage stress?
By stripping away emotional language, focusing only on facts, and avoiding untested assumptions, one minimizes stress amplification.
Application question: After a poor presentation, how would Stoic Explaining guide your response?
Instead of thinking ‘I’m doomed,’ say ‘That wasn’t my best performance,’ focusing on facts without emotional weight.
Complete the quote: ‘Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within _____.’
yourself in your way of thinking
