Don't Resent The Wretched
“When you run up against someone else’s shamelessness, ask yourself this: Is a world without shamelessness possible? No. Then don’t ask the impossible. There have to be shameless people in the world. This is one of them. The same for someone vicious or untrustworthy, or with any other defect. Remembering that the whole class has to exist will make you more tolerant of its members.”
—Marcus Aurelius
Meditations
Have you ever encountered someone so unabashedly rude or dishonest that it left you in disbelief? Marcus reminds us that such people are a natural part of the world we live in.
It's not within our power to create a utopian society where everyone acts with integrity and respect. When you come across someone who's flaunting their lack of shame, recognize it as a manifestation of human flaw that's always been and will always be among us. This doesn't mean you endorse or condone their behavior, but understanding that these characters are part of the human tapestry can help you navigate life with less frustration and greater equanimity.
Think about the last time you felt your blood boil due to someone else's offensive behavior or blatant lie. Instead of asking life to remove these experiences—which is impossible—ask yourself how you can accept that these individuals are part of our world.
By accepting that there will always be people who act shamelessly, you can shift your focus from expecting the impossible to working on your own response.
This stoic approach isn't about passive acceptance but about proactive tolerance. It enables you to deal with life's negative encounters with a more serene and composed mindset, which in turn can transform your day-to-day interactions into opportunities for personal growth and peace of mind.