I

July 23rd

RECEIVE HONORS AND SLIGHTS

EXACTLY THE SAME WAY

“Receive without pride, let go without attachment.”

—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 8.33

n the midst of the breakdown of the Roman Republic, during the civil
war between Pompey and Caesar, Pompey made the decision to give
control of the military fleet to Cato. It was a massive honor and hugely
powerful position. But then a few days later, responding to the protests of
his jealous inner circle, Pompey reversed his decision and took the
command away.
It could have been seen as an enormous public humiliation—to be given
a promotion and then have it taken away. The record shows that Cato’s
reaction was basically nothing. He responded to the honor and the dishonor
the same way: with indifference and acceptance. He certainly didn’t let it
affect his support for the cause. In fact, after the snub, he worked to rally
the soldiers before battle with inspirational speeches—the very men who
should have been under his command.
That’s what Marcus is saying. Do not take the slights of the day
personally—or the exciting rewards and recognitions either, especially
when duty has assigned you an important cause. Trivial details like the rise
and fall of your position say nothing about you as a person. Only your
behavior—as Cato’s did—will.