Life's purpose isn't about following the crowd.

It can be comforting to flow with the tide of popular opinion or the latest trend, but ask yourself: are you doing it for the right reasons? Often, the majority is guided by impulses, desires, or pressures rather than thoughtful reflection.

These are the 'ranks of the insane' Marcus warns us about—those acting without reason.

Take a moment today to consider an area where you've been going with the flow. Are your actions aligned with your values, or are you simply getting swept along by what's "normal"?

To steer clear of this 'insanity,' it's crucial to cultivate a habit of questioning the status quo. Just because something is widely accepted doesn't make it wise or beneficial.

Think about the last time you made a decision because it's what everyone else was doing. Was it buying a popular gadget everyone talked about or reacting to a news story the way others expected you to? Next time, pause. Reflect on whether your choice reflects who you are and leads you to the life you want to live.

This doesn't mean you should always go against the grain, but rather, make a conscious choice.

Sanity, according to the Stoics, lies in a reasoned, intentional life, not merely in a popular one.