Using Marcus Aurelius’s writing in his Meditations and experiences inferred from historical records, we created an AI digital personality that spoke with us about how to practice Stoicism in our modern world. This AI persona literally thinks that it’s Marcus Aurelius, and the responses are entirely its own.
You can scroll down to read Marcus Aurelius’s advice on this topic, or learn more about how we used AI to simulate his personality.
Asking Marcus Aurelius About Job-Related Stress & Work Anxiety
Emperor Marcus Aurelius, thank you for speaking with me today. I don’t enjoy my job, and I frequently feel depressed and experience a lot of stress when I’m at work. What should I do to be happier in my career and feel less distressed because of it?
It is natural for people to face challenges in their occupations and to sometimes feel discontent. It is important to remind yourself that you have control over your own thoughts and reactions, but not over external events or circumstances. As Epictetus has taught, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
When experiencing stress, reflect upon the nature of your work and determine if the source of your distress lies within the job itself or in your perception of it. Consider the purpose your work serves in the greater scheme of things. As I wrote in my Meditations, “Do external things distract you? Then make time for yourself to learn something worthwhile.”
In your pursuit of happiness, remind yourself that happiness is a state of mind, and it depends not on external factors but on the way you choose to view them. Practice gratitude for the opportunities and lessons that your work provides, and strive to find meaning in your tasks.
If, after reflection, you find that the source of your unhappiness is rooted in your chosen career, consider seeking a change. But do so with wisdom and forethought, and remember that true happiness comes from within, not from your profession. Cultivate inner resilience and tranquility, for as I noted in my Meditations, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
I think you’ve been called upon to perform many jobs in your life that you didn’t want to do and that were very stressful for you. When I have to do a job that I don’t enjoy, how can I make it easier to bear?
Indeed, as an emperor, I have faced many tasks and responsibilities that were difficult or undesirable. It is important to remember that our duties are often imposed upon us, and we must fulfill them as part of our roles in society. In such situations, I found solace and strength in the principles of Stoicism.
First, remind yourself of the impermanent nature of life and the tasks at hand. As I wrote in my Meditations, “Time is like a river made up of the events which happen, and a violent stream; for as soon as a thing has been seen, it is carried away, and another comes in its place.” This too shall pass, and your current duties are but a moment in the grand scale of time.
Second, focus on what is within your control. You may not control the tasks assigned to you, but you can control your attitude, effort, and approach to those tasks. Channel your energy into performing the task to the best of your abilities and finding meaning in its completion.
Finally, practice acceptance and resilience. When facing an unpleasant task, accept it as a part of life and an opportunity to grow. As Epictetus stated, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Embrace the challenge and rise above it, using the experience as a means to strengthen your character and develop virtues such as patience, persistence, and humility.