"You can gain an idea of the nature of the things that pass for good amongst the mass of people from the following observations. If a person were to conceive the existence of genuine goods, like wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage, he would not be able, with the idea of these in his mind, to listen any longer to the old verses about the man who is ‘so well endowed with good things’; for it would be quite inappropriate. But if, on the contrary, he first pictures in his mind the things that appear good to the mass of people, he will lend a willing ear to the saying from the comic poets and readily accept it as a fitting remark. In this way we see that even the average person feels the difference, otherwise the joke would not cause offence and be repudiated in the first case, and yet, when applied to wealth and the blessings associated with luxury and fame, be accepted as a telling and witty observation. Go on, then, and ask whether we should prize and accept as good those things with regard to which, when we have formed an idea of them in our mind, we could fittingly remark of their possessor that because he is so richly endowed with them, ‘he has nowhere left to him where he can shit.'"
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book V
Marcus Aurelius, in his poignant observations, confronts us with a stark critique of our societal norms. He calls into question our constant pursuit of what is conventionally perceived as 'good', such as wealth and fame, highlighting their potential to crowd and complicate our lives to the point of absurdity, as depicted by his provocative metaphor.
This insightful commentary from one of the most revered Stoic philosophers implores us to recalibrate our value systems. When we accumulate wealth and status, we often realize that these so-called 'goods' don't necessarily bring us the fulfillment or happiness we initially anticipated. It's a sobering realization that what we've strived for might not be what we truly need or even want.
Instead, Aurelius urges us to value virtues like wisdom, temperance, justice, and courage. These are the true goods that don't crowd our lives but enrich them, offering no space for regret, only growth.
In essence, we are called to reorient our focus. We should not strive for wealth and the illusory 'goods' that could leave us metaphorically with "nowhere left to...shit", but instead seek to cultivate and embody virtues. Keep your lives simple, your hearts rich, and your values intact. This is a gentle reminder to embrace a less materialistic existence and to seek true wealth in wisdom and virtue.
For centuries, people have assumed that wealth would be a wonderful cure-all for their unhappiness or problems. Why else would they have worked so hard for it? But when people actually acquired the money and status they craved, they discovered it wasn’t quite what they had hoped. The same is true of so many things we covet without really thinking.
On the other hand, the “good” that the Stoics advocate is simpler and more straightforward: wisdom, self-control, justice, courage. No one who achieves these quiet virtues experiences buyer’s remorse.
Fill your life not with ill-conceived goods like wealth that won't leave you with a place to shit, but with the virtues. Stay poor, friends. This has been your daily reminder to embrace poverty.
