The Ensemble Of Life

“In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present,—I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed-clothes and keep myself warm?—But this is more pleasant.—Dost thou exist then to take thy pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion? Dost thou not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together to put in order their several parts of the universe? And art thou unwilling to do the work of a human being, and dost thou not make haste to do that which, is according to thy nature?…So thou lovest not thyself, for if thou didst, thou wouldst love thy nature and her will.”-Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“Constantly think of the universe as a single living being, comprised of a single substance and a single soul; and how all things issue into the single perception of this being, and how it accomplishes all things through a single impulse; and how all things work together to cause all that comes to be, and how intricate and densely woven is the fabric formed by their interweaving.” –Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“One cannot pursue one’s own highest good without at the same time necessarily promoting the good of others. A life based on narrow self-interest cannot be esteemed by any honorable measurement. Seeking the very best in ourselves means actively caring for the welfare of other human beings. Our human contract is not with the few people with whom our affairs are most immediately intertwined, nor to the prominent, rich, or well educated, but to all our human brethren.” –Epictetus, The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness

“We accept the reality of the world with which we’re presented. It’s as simple as that.” -Christof (played by Ed Harris) in the film, The Truman Show

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances -from Shakespeare’s As You Like It (spoken by Jacques)

You are not the hero of your own, solitary story.

You are but one part of a much larger, connected and infinite story.

Rest assured though, you play a meaningful role in the ensemble of life. Once you figure it out, don’t hesitate. Go forth with speed, boldness and confidence. Work diligently at it, and play the role with all your heart.

The joy you find from doing so will be much bigger and deeper than you could ever imagine.

P.S. – Click Here to watch the full speech delivered by Benedict Cumberbatch. Pretty awesome.