In this excerpt from Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," the philosopher emphasizes the importance of understanding the motivations behind others' actions, especially when they wrong you. By examining their beliefs about right and wrong, you can cultivate compassion instead of feeling anger or disbelief. This perspective encourages a deeper reflection on human behavior and helps foster empathy.

Aurelius suggests that if you recognize that you might share similar notions of good and evil, it becomes easier to forgive those who have erred. Even if your viewpoints differ, you can still respond with grace to their mistakes. This thoughtful approach encourages self-reflection and promotes a more harmonious way of interacting with others, aligning with the principles of Stoic philosophy.