Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

Lessons from Marcus Aurelius

These days, it feels like the world is constantly teetering on the edge of disaster. Political upheaval, economic swings, wars, and technological leaps (hello, AI) dominate the headlines. Every time you check your phone, there’s another breaking news alert—another crisis to absorb.

It’s exhausting.

And it’s no wonder that so many of us feel stressed, distracted, and even helpless. We scroll endlessly, watching world events unfold from thousands of miles away, unable to change a thing. The result? Anxiety, frustration, and a creeping sense that we’re losing control over our own peace of mind.

But what if we’re looking at this the wrong way?

Enter Stoicism, a 2,000-year-old philosophy that guides my thinking and feels tailor-made for our modern era. Its central promise? You can’t control the world, but you can control how you respond to it. And no one embodied this better than the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Facing plagues, wars, and political betrayal, he managed to remain steady and clear-headed. How? By applying the timeless principles of Stoic thought.

If Marcus Aurelius could handle the chaos of the Roman Empire, we can use his wisdom to navigate our own turbulent times.

I keep busts of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Winston Churchill in my office to remind me how I should approach challenges, uncertainty, and chaos. Each of these figures faced immense adversity and left behind lessons on resilience, clarity, and leadership that are as relevant today as they were in their own times. Churchill, in particular, exemplified unshakable resolve in the face of uncertainty, famously stating during World War II: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” This mindset—persisting despite overwhelming odds—is at the core of Stoic endurance. Churchill knew that dwelling on difficulties or succumbing to fear would accomplish nothing. Instead, he focused on action, on pressing forward even when the path was unclear. His ability to remain resolute in the face of existential threats is a lesson we can all apply.

Control What You Can, Let Go of the Rest

A core idea in Stoicism is the distinction between what’s within our control and what isn’t. The philosopher Epictetus, a former slave turned teacher, put it simply: “Some things are up to us, and some are not.”

Marcus Aurelius took this lesson to heart. He couldn’t dictate the outcomes of wars. He couldn’t stop the Antonine Plague, which ravaged the empire. But what he could do was govern his mind and actions.

He wrote in Meditations:
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

That wasn’t just a comforting idea. It was a survival tool.

During his reign (161–180 AD), Marcus dealt with unrelenting crises:

• A devastating plague that killed millions across the empire.

• Invasions by barbarian tribes on multiple fronts.

• Betrayal by his own general, who declared himself emperor.

• Political infighting and economic instability.

He could have raged at fate. Instead, he focused on what he could actually control: his decisions, his discipline, his duty.

This approach is just as relevant today. The news cycle will never slow down. Global events will always be out of your hands. But your reaction, your daily choices, and your mental habits? Those are within your control. And that’s where your focus should be.

How Marcus Stayed Calm in the Chaos

1. He Refused to Let Fear Take Over

When the Antonine Plague swept through Rome, panic was everywhere. But Marcus didn’t let fear dictate his actions. Instead of despairing, he responded with rational leadership—organizing aid, maintaining stability, and keeping a clear mind.

He reminded himself (and his people) that while disease could harm the body, fear and moral weakness did far worse damage to the soul.

We face modern plagues of our own: anxiety, uncertainty, digital overwhelm. The lesson from Marcus? Fear is a choice.When faced with uncertainty, ask: Am I reacting with panic, or with clarity and reason?

2. He Journaled to Maintain Perspective

Every night, Marcus took time to write in his journal. These writings—meant only for himself—became Meditations, one of history’s greatest works of philosophy.

Journaling helped him process his emotions and reinforce Stoic principles. It was a form of mental self-discipline—a nightly practice of clearing his mind and setting his focus.

Try it yourself: Before bed, write down one worry that’s been consuming you. Then, ask yourself: Is this something I can control? If not, let it go. If yes, what’s one small action I can take?

3. He Focused on Virtue Over Circumstances

Marcus knew that external chaos was inevitable. But he also knew that virtue—acting with justice, courage, and self-control—was the ultimate anchor.

One of his most famous passages reads: “Be like the promontory against which the waves continually break, but it stands firm and tames the fury of the water around it.”

No matter what was happening in the empire, Marcus stayed grounded in his principles. The world could rage around him, but he would not let it dictate his character.

Churchill took a similar approach. In his darkest moments, as bombs fell on London and the fate of Europe hung in the balance, he remained firm. He didn’t sugarcoat reality—he acknowledged the severity of the situation—but he refused to let external chaos shake his resolve. His leadership during those times is a testament to the power of maintaining inner stability in the face of external crisis.

That’s a powerful mindset shift. Instead of reacting emotionally to the chaos around you, focus on the one thing you can control: your own integrity.

The Challenge: Take Back Control

The world will always be chaotic. The news will never slow down. But your mind? That’s yours to govern.

For the next week, try this experiment:

• Limit your news intake – Check once in the morning, once in the evening. No mindless scrolling.

• Journal nightly – Write down one thing that frustrated you and how you responded. Could you have reacted differently?

• Reframe one challenge each day – When something goes wrong, ask: “How can I use this?”

At the end of the week, notice how you feel. Are you calmer? More focused? More in control?

Because in the end, that’s the only control that matters.

The world will always be chaotic. Your mind doesn’t have to be.