Context is Everything (Meditations 3.15)

In today’s episode, I take a close look at Meditations 3.15, which reads: “They have not learnt to know the manifold significance of theft, of sowing, of buying, resting, seeing what ought to be done. This depends not on the bodily eye but on another kind of vision.” Marcus is pointing us toward a crucial insight: context matters deeply. Nothing, not even theft or sowing, is always straightforwardly good or bad. I explore how Stoicism teaches us to see beyond the surface of actions and recognize that judgment requires more than a quick glance — it requires deeper vision. Through everyday examples like stealing food in desperate circumstances, or working late to avoid home responsibilities, I show how the same action can shift moral weight depending on the context. I also reflect personally, sharing my own journey as a new father and how my choices about health and fitness must now serve not just me, but my son and my role as a parent. Stoic practice calls for this kind of honest evaluation of our choices, moment by moment. Finally, I encourage you to examine your own judgments of yourself and others — are they fair, are they just, or are they lazy? Each day offers a new chance to try harder, to see more clearly, and to act more justly. MEDITATION “They have not learnt to know the manifold significance of theft, of sowing, of buying, resting, seeing what ought to be done. This depends not on the bodily eye but on another kind of vision.” — Meditations 3.15 THREE TAKEAWAYS — Context shapes moral judgment far more than surface appearances. — Actions like theft or work can be preferred, dispreferred, or neutral depending on the situation. — Daily, honest self-reflection helps us stay aligned with the Stoic pursuit of Virtue. LINKS Go ad-free: https://stoicismpod.com/members Order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Source Text: https://stoicismpod.com/far Follow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tannerocampbell.bsky.social Follow me on YouTube: https://stoicismpod.com/youtube Stoicism QOTD App: https://qotd.tannercampbell.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices