Why we need to be selfless

All that is from the gods is full of Providence. That which is from fortune is not separated from nature or without an interweaving and involution with the things which are ordered by Providence. From thence all things flow; and there is besides necessity, and that which is for the advantage of the whole universe, of which thou art a part. But that is good for every part of nature which the nature of the whole brings, and what serves to maintain this nature. Now the universe is preserved, as by the changes of the elements so by the changes of things compounded of the elements. Let these principles be enough for thee, let them always be fixed opinions. But cast away the thirst after books, that thou mayest not die murmuring, but cheerfully, truly, and from thy heart thankful to the gods. — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 2, Meditation 3

The entire universe is made of two things: matter and energy. This is the common thread connecting us all. We need to act in the interest of others and in the interest of our environment. These are all forms of matter and energy. We only perceive these things as separate from us due to their form.

Our natural inclination is to put our own benefit ahead of others. Over billions of years of evolution, our mind has evolved to act in our own self-interest. Marcus is reminding us to step out of this and act in the benefit of others, and of the environment. Doing this means that we are acting in the interest of the largest fraction of the universe that we can influence.

Source

The content in this article is based on the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius. The full text of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations is available here.