Timeless Wisdom: What Artists Can Learn from Marcus Aurelius (Part 1)
Powerful Insights to Transform Your Creativity in the New Year!
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As we head into the holiday season, it feels natural to seek inspiration that will guide us forward into the new year.
In thinking about and searching for fresh inspiration for the final editions of The Intentional Artist for this year, I was reminded of someone larger than life in his time — a figure who seems particularly appropriate for reflection as we approach the new year — Marcus Aurelius.
This Roman emperor’s stoic philosophy and writings, most notably in his book Meditations, have transcended the ages, offering timeless insights.
Meditations is more a collection of personal reflections and philosophical musings than a conventional book. Never intended for publication, it served as Aurelius’ way of pondering his thoughts and guiding himself through his responsibilities and life.
At first glance, the connection between a Roman emperor and modern-day artists might seem strange. Yet, the essence of Aurelius’ teachings — resilience, purpose, and self-reflection — deeply resonates with the creative journey. These themes align closely with the principles we’ve explored in different issues of The Intentional Artist throughout this year with contemporary thinkers like Steven Pressfield, Seth Godin and Elizabeth Gilbert.
As we journey through the challenges of our creative endeavors, let’s dive into the stoic wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. His insights stand as a compass, guiding us through uncertainty and empowering us to forge an intentional and fulfilling creative year ahead.
Let’s get started...
Embracing Change and Resilience
Change is the only constant, and Marcus Aurelius knew this well. He wrote, “The universe is transformation: life is what our thoughts make it.” For artists, this could be a mantra.
The creative landscape is never static, and our art, just like us, is always in flux. This change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace. When a canvas doesn’t turn out how we planned or a project takes an unexpected turn, it’s not a setback. It’s a step forward in disguise, a chance to evolve.
Marcus Aurelius saw change as an ally, an opportunity to grow stronger. He wasn’t just talking about adapting to the world around him but also transforming his inner world.
As creators, we too can adopt this mindset. When faced with shifts in trends, tastes, and our own artistic voice, we can remain resilient. Resilience is about more than bouncing back — it’s about bouncing forward, taking each experience as a lesson that shapes our next creation.
Consider Picasso whose style changed over time or David Bowie, whose music evolved with each album. Their journey is a testament to resilience, and they stand as modern-day examples of Aurelius’ teachings. They show us that when we treat change not as a barrier but as a pathway, we can reach new heights in our creative expression.
Aurelius’ stance for battling internal conflicts is echoed in our daily creative practices. Pressfield teaches us to push through resistance and Gilbert inspires us to court inspiration with a brave heart. Combining their contemporary wisdom with Aurelius’ ancient insights gives us a well-rounded approach to tackling the changes and challenges we face as artists.
As we enter this holiday season and prepare for a new year of creating, let us hold onto the idea that our art is never finished, just as we are never finished growing.
Each stroke, word, or note is a step in an ongoing journey. Marcus Aurelius walked this path before us, and now we follow — not as followers, but as fellow travelers, resilient and ready for whatever comes next.
The Power of Self-Reflection
Marcus Aurelius was a firm believer in the power of introspection. He saw the act of looking inward not as a luxury, but as a necessity — a way to align one’s actions with true purpose. “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength,” he wrote. This strength comes from knowing ourselves, our motives, and our goals, which is essential for any artist.
Reflection is the mirror in which we see our true selves. For creators, this self-examination is important. It allows us to ask the hard questions:
Why do I create?
What am I trying to communicate with my art?
Is my work true to my vision?
By regularly taking the time to reflect, we cultivate a deeper understanding of our work and ensure that each piece we create or produce is infused with ‘intention.’
In today’s fast-paced world, where the pressure to produce can overshadow the process of creation, taking a page out of Aurelius’ Meditations can be revolutionary.
Like Seth Godin reminds us in The Practice, it’s about committing to the process, not just the product. Regular reflection can serve as a checkpoint, ensuring we’re aligned with that process.
Reflection also allows for growth. It’s a process that Elizabeth Gilbert touches on in Big Magic, where she encourages a dialog with our creativity. This dialog can lead to powerful insights and breakthroughs, evolving our work in ways we might not achieve through action alone.
As we reflect, we gain clarity. This clarity can be transformative, not just for our art, but for our journey as artists. Aurelius understood that growth is incremental and often invisible in the moment. Reflection gives us the perspective to see how far we’ve come and where we wish to go. It’s a practice that can turn ordinary art into extraordinary expressions of the human experience.
So let’s take the time to pause and ponder, to look inward and converse with our creative selves. Let’s use self-reflection as a tool, not just for self-improvement but for deepening the impact of our art.
In this season of reflection, let’s embrace the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, who shows us that the most profound journeys often begin within.
Pursuing Purpose Over Popularity
Marcus Aurelius championed a life lived with virtue and purpose, one that holds personal integrity above the fleeting approval of the masses. “Do not waste your time on what cannot hear or feel you,” he advised. True fulfillment, he believed, comes from acting in accordance with one’s own principles, not from the accolades that might follow.
For artists, this philosophy is a call to authenticity. In a world where likes, follows, and trends can dictate creative choices, Aurelius invites us to refocus on the art itself. Are we painting to please a particular audience, or are we staying true to our vision? Are we writing words that resonate with our deepest truths, or are we echoing what we believe will sell?
The Stoic emperor reminds us that the value of our work is not determined by its popularity, but by the authenticity and purpose behind it.
Steven Pressfield addresses this in The War of Art when he speaks of Resistance as not only the force that stops us from doing our work but also the force that urges us to compromise our work for external validation. In combating Resistance, we’re also preserving the purity of our purpose.
As artists, when we prioritize purpose over popularity, we create works that are not only truer to ourselves but also more likely to resonate on a deeper level with our audience. Authenticity speaks louder than trendiness, and genuine expression outlasts the temporary spotlight.
As we move forward, inspired by the coming new year, let’s embrace Aurelius’ wisdom. Let our creations be reflections of our true selves, crafted with virtue and purpose. When we look back at what we’ve created, let it be a collection that shows the true spirit of our art.
The Art of Discipline and Consistency
Discipline was not just a concept for Marcus Aurelius — it was a way of life. He wrote, “Through discipline comes freedom,” a powerful statement that rings especially true for artists. Discipline in the artistic process is not about rigid structures or stifling creativity, it’s about setting yourself free to create more and with greater depth.
For artists, discipline is the bridge between inspiration and actual creation. It’s about showing up for your art, even on days when the muse seems silent. This disciplined approach can transform sporadic bursts of creativity into a rich, steady flow of work. And just as Aurelius disciplined his mind to rise above the chaos of ruling an empire, so must we train ourselves to focus amidst the distractions that vie for our attention.
Here are some suggestions for incorporating discipline and consistency into your creative practice:
Establish a Routine: Carve out dedicated time for your craft. Whether it’s early mornings or late nights, find a rhythm that works for you and stick to it.
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Rather than being daunted by the end result, focus on attainable objectives. Completing a sketch, writing a paragraph, or composing a few bars of music each day can add up to significant progress.
Embrace Rituals: Create a pre-work ritual to signal to your brain that it’s time to enter a creative state. This could be as simple as tidying your workspace, brewing a cup of tea, or a few minutes of meditation.
Minimize Distractions: Identify what commonly pulls you away from your work and find ways to eliminate or reduce these interruptions. This might mean turning off your phone or using apps to block distracting websites.
Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend, join a creative group, or find a mentor. Accountability can significantly increase your commitment to your practice.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess what’s working and what’s not. Be willing to tweak your routine and goals as needed to stay aligned with your artistic vision.
Forgive and Move Forward: On days when discipline goes by the wayside, be kind to yourself. Acknowledge the slip, learn from it, and return to your routine without self-criticism.
A disciplined approach to art does not confine creativity — it cultivates it. As we move through the holiday season and into the new year, let’s adopt the stoic discipline that Marcus Aurelius practiced. Let’s make it our foundation, upon which we can build a consistent and fulfilling creative practice.
As we reach the end of this edition, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the lessons we’ve covered today. The wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, though ancient, has the power to resonate deeply with our modern creative spirits.
The themes of embracing change and resilience, harnessing the power of self-reflection, and pursuing purpose over popularity are more than just concepts, they are guiding lights for our creative journeys.
I hope these insights have sparked new thoughts, ideas, or even a renewed perspective on your own creative journey.
Next week, we will continue and explore more of Marcus Aurelius’ timeless wisdom and how it can be applied to our lives as creators, delving into cultivating mindfulness and presence, overcoming fear and doubt, and the concept of building a legacy as an artist.
That’s it for this issue of The Intentional Artist.
As always, if this resonated or was of help, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Artfully yours,
Chris
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