Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.9.2

. . . But in the things that are still superior, even though they are separated from one another, unity in a manner exists, as in the stars. Thus the ascent to the higher degree is able to produce a sympathy even in things that are separated.

See, then, what now takes place: for only intelligent animals have now forgotten this mutual desire and inclination, and in them alone the property of flowing together is not seen.

But still, though men strive to avoid this union, they are caught and held by it, for their nature is too strong for them; and you will see what I say, if you only observe.

Sooner, then, will one find anything earthy that comes in contact with no earthy thing, than a man altogether separated from other men.

—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 9.9 (tr Long)

All things are made for one another, and within this, things that are made according to the same nature share in the same particular purpose within the whole. Beings that are like one another are drawn together, as water gathers in a pool, as birds travel in flocks, as people build relationships of cooperation.

And as the nature of the creature is more complete and self-sufficient, the nature of this unity is more perfect. The water flows without awareness, the bird flies with instinct, but the man chooses by deliberate reason. The bonds between elements are great, the bonds between beasts even greater, but the bonds between men greater still.

The richer the nature, the deeper the union is between the things that share in that nature. The deeper the union between them, the harder it will be to separate them. Force them apart, and they are still tied to the same end.

Then why is it that everything else in Nature seems to work in harmony, but men so often seem to be in conflict? They cast aside, they fight, and they destroy. Where there should be friendship, we find hatred, deceit, and violence. The unity that should be most present of all seems to be most lacking.

Marcus Aurelius offer two insights about this puzzling fact.

First, this happens with rational animals precisely because they are rational, because they act not by determination, but by judgments and choices. If they are free to act according to the good, they are also free to act contrary to the good. In this sense, man’s greatest strength, the power to move himself of his own accord, is also his greatest weakness.

The water does not forget that it is water, and the bird does not forget that it is a bird, but a man can certainly forget that he is a man, since he alone is able to turn his attention where he wills, both for his benefit and his harm.

Second, do not be deceived by the outward appearance that a man has somehow “lost” his nature. He has not lost it, but has overlooked or ignored it. He may turn from it, curse himself and others, confuse what is right with what is wrong, and deny his place within the order of things. Yet as much as he does so, he still remains himself, and he is still drawn to the good, however confused he may become. Notice that when people pursue what is false, they still do so under the illusion that it is truth.

Whether I know it or not, and whether I choose to cooperate with it or struggle against it, I am going to play my part within the whole. Let me work to embrace it so I may be happy, instead of running away and being miserable. Let me help others to see what they are, so that we can find contentment together.

We are made to love one another. Underneath the hatred you will still find the desperate need to love. Denying it does not make it go away. 

Written in 8/2008

IMAGE: Pompeo Girolamo Batoni, Allegory of Peace and War (1776)