“Robbers, perverts, killers, and tyrants—gather for your inspection their so-called pleasures!” —Marcus Aurelius, MEDITATIONS, 6.34 dailyStoic
- If we assume that nobody is born evil, there must be gateways to a vicious, nefarious state of mind. It can be seen as continuous indulgence to pleasures and cravings. Robbers crave for riches, perverts for sexual pleasures, killers violence, and tyrants for power. Marcus Aurelius’s point here is that if you examine their “so-called pleasures” you’ll most likely realize that they are not so different from yours.
- When indulging to any form of pleasure, it is wise reminding ourselves that these indulgences can bring us to a bad place. Pleasure is not to be avoided at all cost. It’s part of the beauty of being alive, and can fill us with joy. Moderation is key. It separates the enjoying of exceptional pleasure to full-blown pleasure addiction.