In the ancient world, an oracle was a sacred source of divine guidance, often delivered by priests or priestesses at temples, and believed to convey the will of the gods through cryptic messages, visions, or signs. For Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, the following message was imparted by the Oracle in Caieta, a place of cultural and religious significance:
“Just as you use yourself.”
A Little About Marcus Aurelius and His Time
This short, obscure phrase found in his private journal, Meditations, expresses the abiding truth that our lives are fashioned less by external forces and more by our internal choices. In other words, our life is not determined by Fate but reflects our inner work and how we use our abilities.
Marcus Aurelius, who reigned from 161 to 180 AD, faced immense instability. The Roman Empire was besieged by barbarian invasions, devastated by the Antonine Plague, and ravaged by internal political strife. Amidst this chaos, he sought inner peace and turned to the Oracle in Caieta for clarity.
As a devoted practitioner of Stoicism, Marcus Aurelius recognized in “Just as you use yourself” the underlying Stoic principle of applying wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance to daily life. This meant controlling one’s reactions, cultivating inner strength, and discerning between what we can affect and what we cannot (and focusing on the former).
Today, we might receive sudden understanding in moments of profound introspection, epiphanies, the counsel of trusted mentors, the symbolic language of our dreams, or the lucidity that arises from periods of solitude, to name a few.
For mor on Stoicism, read Stoicism: A Timeless Philosophy for a Balanced Life
Modern Relevance
“Just as you use yourself” holds powerful lessons for women today, particularly when harmonizing family, personal growth, and self-reliance. It emphasizes that our thoughts, habits, and choices merge in forming our character and in shaping our lives, and that we are not inherently ships without a rudder or leaves in the wind.
Consider the Role of a Mother
Within a family, the mother’s actions and attitudes set a powerful example. A mother who internalizes the message of the Oracle understands that her demeanor, habits, and decisions influence not only her own life but also her children’s.
A single mother facing hardship and heeding the Oracle, for instance, would refrain from fixating on difficulties and choose resilience, patience, and a love of learning. Knowing that when she conducts herself with maturity, kindness, and balance, her exemplary behavior will have beneficial effects on the lives of those around her.
The Grandmother Role
Beyond the immediate family, “Just as you use yourself” extends to those who take on familial roles in later life. A grandmother raising her grandchildren would concentrate on building stability and providing empathy and understanding. Instead of dwelling on what she doesn’t have, she would devote her attention to what she is able to build.
Beyond the Family
The Oracle applies equally to women in later life. A retired teacher, to illustrate, would choose to remain engaged by mentoring young educators in community programs or volunteering at local libraries, rather than resigning herself to passivity. A widow would rediscover her independence and find new purpose through travel, writing, or deepening friendships. By “using” herself wisely, she would reclaim her agency.
A woman in her 60s or 70s may feel that much of her identity was once tied to roles she no longer holds – whether as a mother with grown children, a retired professional, or a widow. However, if she applies the Oracle’s wisdom, she would understand that her life remains shaped by how she chooses to “use” herself. If she “uses” herself well, she will remain vital and engaged, contributing not just to her own well-being but also to others whose lives she touches.
Conclusion
Just as Marcus Aurelius took the words of the Oracle as a guide for his own life, so, too, can women today heed it in finding a pathway to strength, renewal, and meaning.
Let us remember that the power to direct our lives lies within, and that by “using” ourselves wisely, we can navigate both challenge and opportunity.
Let’s Reflect:
Which recent choice affects your life today? Do you carefully analyze your options to make balanced decisions? Are you in a role/position where your choices can affect others around you?
