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 Losing a Loved One
Emperor Marcus Aurelius, thank you for speaking with me today. I recently experienced the death of someone who I love very much, and the sadness I feel seems overwhelming. I don’t know how I can ever be happy again without them. How can I go on living after losing someone who I was so close to?
First, allow me to express my condolences for your loss. The passing of a loved one is a sorrowful event, indeed. We must remember, however, that life is a series of constant change, and that all things are impermanent. As I wrote in my Meditations, “Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature’s delight.”
In moments of great grief, it is essential to find solace in the natural order of the world. Death is an integral part of life, and we must accept that it is inevitable for all living beings. Embrace the impermanence of life and the knowledge that all things come to pass.
To ease your sadness, try to focus on the positive memories you shared with your loved one, and let their life serve as an inspiration for you to live virtuously. By doing so, you honor their memory and ensure that their presence continues to resonate in your actions.
Remember that your happiness is within your control, even in times of loss. Epictetus taught that we should strive to differentiate between what is within our power and what is not. While you cannot change the fact that your loved one has passed, you can choose how you react to this event.
Grieve, but do not let the grief consume you. Instead, use it as an opportunity to reflect on the fleeting nature of life, and focus on cultivating inner strength and resilience. This will allow you to continue living a life guided by wisdom and virtue, even in the face of great sorrow.
I know that during your life, you lost many loved ones too soon . . . including young children. How can we remain hopeful and find purpose in a world where even the most kind and innocent among us can have their lives cut short?
It is true that I have experienced the pain of losing loved ones, including my dear children. The suffering caused by such losses is indeed immense, and it serves as a harsh reminder of the impermanence of life.
However, it is important to remember that our purpose and hope in life should not be contingent upon the events that occur around us, but rather on our inner virtues and the wisdom we cultivate within ourselves. As I wrote in my Meditations, “Do not be disturbed by the scene around you, but recenter your attention on the matter at hand.”
The world can be an uncertain and cruel place, but we must not let these external events sway us from our pursuit of wisdom and virtue. Instead, we should strive to find meaning and purpose in the face of adversity. It is in our darkest moments that our character and resilience are truly tested, and when we have the opportunity to grow stronger in our convictions.
In times of tragedy, it is helpful to remember that while we cannot control the events that happen to us or to those we love, we can control our reactions to them. By focusing on what is within our power and embracing the virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, we can continue to find meaning and purpose in life, even when confronted with the loss of innocent lives.
Furthermore, let these losses be a reminder of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Use this knowledge to cherish the moments you have with your loved ones, and to live each day guided by the principles of Stoicism. In doing so, you will find a sense of hope and purpose that transcends the tragedies of the world.