by Sasank K Bavuluru
“Be like a headland: the Waves beat against it continuously, but it stands fast and around it the boiling water dies down.” Written by Marcus Aurelius in a series of notes to himself, compiled altogether as the works “Meditations”, there are many themes that this quote can link in our daily lives.
As an emperor, Marcus Aurelius played a paramount role in the tactical decision making of the Roman Empire, especially when it came to territorial advances and military engagements. Stretching as far away as the East, at the Roman-Barbarian border in present day Germany, Aurelius had to undertake lengthy warfare campaigns and while many may have seen victories, defeats were inevitable.
Disease, hunger, rats, chills and injuries would constantly act like an anchor to the Roman Cavalry’s advances, but this quote reflects how despite all these drawbacks, Aurelius still managed to walk with his chin up and make decisions in the calmest of mind. Most importantly, it shows us how important it was to him that he focused on the circle of control. Centuries later, humans too face daily drawbacks - failed classes, due bills, eviction notices - but as said in the Dark Knight, the dusk is darkest before the dawn, and we too, like the Roman Emperor, should strive to be resilient in the face of defeat, for one day, discipline and hard work will finally pay off, as long as we keep doing what is right, like the headland in the waves.
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