How beautifully Plato put it. Whenever you want to talk about people, it's best to take a bird's-eye view and see everything all at once-of gatherings, armies, farms, weddings and divorces, births and deaths, noisy courtrooms or silent spaces, every foreign people, holidays, memorials, markets-all blended together and arranged in a pairing of opposites. -MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 7.48
In the quoted passage, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the value of viewing human experiences from a broader perspective. He suggests that to truly understand people and their actions, one should take an overarching view of life's events, encompassing both joyful and sorrowful moments. This idea resonates with the chaos and harmony found in life, from celebrations to tragedies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of these experiences.
By blending the various aspects of life—weddings and divorces, births and deaths, and other contrasting events—Aurelius highlights how they contribute to a complete understanding of humanity. This stoic philosophy encourages individuals to embrace all facets of life, acknowledging that every experience, positive or negative, plays a crucial role in shaping our collective existence.
