The metaphor of existence as a river in Marcus Aurelius’s meditations

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study Marcus Aurelius’s considerations concerning man’s attitude to the fact of the transience of existence and realization of his or her life intentions and aspirations in the context of Stoics’ ethical paradigm.Research methodology. The author uses historical, socio-cultural and system approaches to analyze the philosophical and ethical views of Marcus Aurelius, who is considered to be one of the famous representatives of Roman Stoicism. Analytical, comparative and terminological methods of cognition are also used in this study.Results. Marcus Aurelius’s reflections on the world, nature, man and his spirit contain the issues of concern that have thousands of years of philosophical discourse. Special attention is paid to the conjunction of dynamic nature and stability of existence. Central to the composition of Marcus Aurelius’s philosophy is the metaphor of existence as a river, a flux of forces of nature, namely water, fire and air. Marcus Aurelius, as other Stoics, was highly influenced by the Pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, who believed that the only thing permanent was change. Drawing on Heraclitus’ legendary aphorism ‘you cannot step into the same river twice,’ Marcus considers that since man cannot change the natural state of things, he must obey the existing order, put up with wisdom of nature, taking it for the gift of life, though it is not eternal. But the reconciliation of man with the laws of nature must not be an emotionally-spontaneous act based on fear and horror, but rather a clear awareness that there is a natural need. If a person is aware of this need, he or she acquires the status of a free being and is able to reasonably control his or her abilities, to make a certain choice in the course of life situations. The reason, according to Marcus Aurelius, is the rescuer from the uncertainty in understanding of man’s place in nature, in search of the meaning of life, in overcoming despair, fear and powerlessness against inevitable events, in particular, before the future of his own death and the death of those around him. In the context of the variability of existence, transience of time one should live life to the full, realize one’s intentions and aspirations without violating ethical norms. In dealing with issues beyond the control of human will, man should rely upon the will of the higher forces.Novelty. It is proved that Marcus Aurelius reasonably and convincingly substantiates the idea that overcoming the fear of the perception of the facts of constant variability of existence is possible only through the logic of the dialectical reason.The practical significance. Information contained in this paper is of theoretical importance for further studies of the philosophy of Stoics, their ethical paradigm. It can be used in the practice of teaching philosophical disciplines, history of the world philosophical thought and while developing textbooks for students.