Marcus reminded himself: Don't await the perfection of Plato's Republic. He wasn't expecting the world to be exactly the way he wanted it to be, but Marcus knew instinctively, as the Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper would later write, that he alone can do good who knows what things are like and what their situation is.
Marcus Aurelius understood that waiting for a perfect world, akin to Plato's Republic, was unrealistic. Instead of striving for an ideal situation that may never arrive, he recognized the importance of accepting reality as it is. This perspective aligns with the thought of philosopher Josef Pieper, who emphasizes that true goodness can only emerge when one fully comprehends the state of the world around them.
By focusing on what is practical and attainable, Marcus cultivated a mindset centered on individual responsibility. He acknowledged that personal action and awareness are crucial in navigating life's challenges, encouraging a proactive approach rather than passively yearning for perfection.
