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If you dive into the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, you can’t help but notice his emphasis on the four cardinal virtues: courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. He gathered wisdom from a long line of Stoic philosophers, and he made it clear that should you encounter anything that surpasses these virtues, it must be pretty extraordinary. But here’s a thought that lingers: what if that extraordinary thing is love?

You might be thinking, “Wait a minute, how does love fit into the stoic philosophy?” I mean, Stoicism is about emotional resilience and facing life with a calm and rational mind, right? But if we look closer, we find that the Stoics had a lot to say about love. In fact, they recognised it as a transformative force, a guiding light if you will. Hecato, a Stoic philosopher, once said, “I can teach you a love potion made without any drugs, herbs, or special spell, if you would be loved, love.” It’s a beautiful and straightforward reminder that love starts with action. So, let’s unpack this idea that love could indeed be something extraordinary and how it connects with those timeless Stoic virtues.

Love as a Transformative Force

Let’s think about love for a second. It’s not merely an emotion; it’s a powerful, transformative force. As Seneca famously stated, “Pure love, careless of all other things, kindles the soul.” You know those moments when love swoops in and suddenly makes everything seem more vibrant? That’s love working its magic. It pushes us to be our best selves, to be selfless, and to strive for excellence.

When you’re in love, romantic love, love for a friend, or familial love there’s this overwhelming urge to elevate yourself and those around you. It’s like you want to rise to the occasion just because of that connection. It’s a unique kind of motivation that can transform even the simplest actions into something remarkable. Whether it’s the courage to stand up for someone you love or the discipline to work hard for a shared dream, love can put an entirely new spin on life.

Love and Courage

Let’s dig a little deeper into how love emboldens courage. Picture this: you’re faced with a daunting challenge, something you would normally shy away from. But then, perhaps it’s the thought of a loved one that pushes you to go forward. Love gives you that little nudge to tackle life’s challenges head on. Sometimes, it takes the thought of someone else’s needs or happiness to spark that inner courage.

Think about it, the great lengths parents go to for their children, the risks friends take for each other, or even the sacrifices partners make in relationships. Love has a way of making the seemingly impossible not just possible, but compelling. It helps us forge ahead when fear might otherwise hold us back.

Love and Discipline

Just like love can bring out courage, it can also instill discipline. Anyone who’s been in a deep relationship can attest to the late nights spent planning for a future together, the savings, the chores, the way you balance each other’s dreams. The discipline to pursue goals together takes heart. You’re not just doing it for you; you’re doing it for them, too.

In a world filled with distractions, having someone to share your aspirations with can ground you. You might find that you’re willing to spend extra hours working hard just so your partner can achieve their dreams. That shared sense of purpose can feed your own sense of discipline and help you navigate life’s unpredictable twists and turns.

Love and Justice

Now, let’s consider justice. Love, in its purest form, fuels our sense of fairness and empathy towards others. By fostering a mindset of love, we’re more likely to act justly. It nudges us to consider other people’s feelings and circumstances, encouraging a sense of community and shared responsibility.

When we act out of love, we’re motivated to improve our surroundings, advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves, and create a more equitable world. Love drives us to support charitable acts, volunteer, and stand up against injustice, not just for the sake of being moral but because we genuinely care. Love enhances our sense of justice and impels us toward action.

Love and Wisdom

Finally, let’s not forget wisdom. Love has this incredible ability to broaden our perspective. It allows us to experience life through another’s eyes, step into their shoes, and appreciate their feelings and viewpoints. This shared understanding fosters wisdom as we learn to navigate complex relational dynamics and the beauty of human interactions.

When we love deeply, we realise the significance of emotional intelligence and the importance of communication. By understanding how our actions affect those we love, we develop a keen sense of empathy and insight, a critical component of wisdom. This wisdom isn’t just about knowing what’s right and wrong or making logical choices; it’s also about nurturing relationships and understanding the intricate tapestry of human emotions.

The Beatles Were Right

Remember that famous line from The Beatles: “In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” It speaks to the idea that love is a dynamic, reciprocal process. When you give love, you’re not just sending it out into the universe; you’re also allowing it to come back to you tenfold. This resonates with the Stoic idea of interconnectedness. Our actions, especially those driven by love create a ripple effect.

By loving authentically and selflessly, we not only enrich our own lives but also brighten the lives of those around us. This cycle of giving and receiving love enriches our experience and fosters a greater sense of community, making life more meaningful in the process.

Conclusion: An Extraordinary Thing

So, is there anything better than courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom? Love might just be that extraordinary thing that weaves through all of them. It transforms us, motivates us, and elevates our lives in ways we might not immediately perceive. It’s the force that enhances our courage, instills discipline, urges us toward justice, and deepens our wisdom.

In navigating the complexities of life, let’s remember to embrace love. It is truly an extraordinary gift, one that can turn the ordinary into the exceptional. As we appreciate these virtues, let love be the guiding force that enhances our experience of them, driving us toward becoming the best versions of ourselves.

After all, love is not just an emotion, it’s a way of living, an extraordinary journey worth embarking on. So go out there and love with all your heart, for it is indeed a profound and extraordinary thing 🥰