Whenever someone has done wrong by you, immediately consider what notion of good or evil they had in doing it. For when you see that, you'll feel compassion, instead of astonishment or rage. For you may yourself have the same notions of good and evil, or similar ones, in which case you'll make an allowance for what they've done. But if you no longer hold the same notions, you'll be more readily gracious for their error. -MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 7.26
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.
