3d (edited) • General discussion
Day 1 - Meditations Week
Good day to all you amazing writers, editors, and content creators! This week I’ll be reflecting on the seminal works of Marcus Aurelius from Meditations.
There’s a wealth of information in the masterpiece and I urge you to give the book a read when you have the chance. It’s been life-changing for me to say the least.
So here’s how I’ll be doing this week-long series. I’ll share a quote from the legendary book and attempt to interpret the message and relate it to my life. I’ll conclude by inviting you to chime in with your thoughts.
Just like the holy Bible, there’s no one true way to interpret Meditations. So it’s always great to hear varying perspectives.
Today’s reflection comes from Book 1 of Meditations (Marcus wrote 12 in all).
“From Catulus, not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault, even if he should find fault without reason, but to try to restore him to his usual disposition; and to be ready to speak well of teachers, as it is reported of Domitius and Athenodotus: and to love my children truly.”
My thoughts: The beautiful thing about Meditations is that there’s no need to Google the people who Marcus Aurelius alludes to in his writings.
Each of us probably know a “Domitius” or “Catulus” in our lives.
And that’s why the book has remained practical for centuries.
The quote felt fitting since I had been reflecting about my professional relationship with editors over the last week.
To me, an editor is like a teacher (the good ones at least).
They’re meant to help you create the most powerful impact with your writing. They guide you through syntax, style, and delivery. They’re not the enemy.
Yet, I’m guilty of losing my cool with editors more times than I’m proud to admit.
You see, when I slow down to mull over my editors’ feedback, they actually make sense! I just need to accept that criticism, let it boil for a bit, and it starts to fall into place.
I guess it’s just so easy to become defensive over your writing when you take full ownership of it. And more so when it’s your pride and joy; your bread and butter.
Marcus Aurelius reminds us about the importance of accepting criticism nobly and openly. We shouldn’t ignore criticism too (I.e., being indifferent) because there’s something we could learn.
This is most keenly felt when our friends criticise or find fault with us.
It makes us wonder: “Are they turning on us, are they facing mental hardship, or perhaps they simply care so much that they’re willing to be the bad guy and voice out to help us change for the better?”
Of course, when a friend “finds fault” they might not always mean well. They could be the problem in some scenarios. But the bottom line is to never discount such situations, they could reveal a lot about ourselves and our relationships.
And as for the children part, I love my work. My writing, each one of them, I own, I love them like my actual children. I feel that the line reminds us to love with an open heart. Be passionate whether it’s your kids or something you’re proud of that’s an extension of you (just like children).
TL;DR
- Pay attention to every criticism, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense.
- Appreciate your teachers (editors in my case), for they are a blessing.
- Love generously what’s an extension of your spirit, be it your children, work, or any form of contribution.
Let me know your thoughts!
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Day 1 - Meditations Week
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