Anesthesiology | Interventional Pain Medicine
Assistant Professor — University of Toronto
Interventional Pain Physician — Afiya Spine & Pain Institute
Staff Anesthesiologist — Scarborough Health Network
“Be like a headland of rock on which the waves break incessantly.”
Marcus Aurelius wrote this in Meditations, a private notebook of short reflections. The image is simple: the waves still come, but the rock is not defined by every wave that hits it.
The quote does not mean that pain is imaginary, or that a person should simply ignore it. Pain is real. Illness, injury, fear, frustration, and uncertainty are real.
The point is that the mind can sometimes become a second source of suffering. We may not control every sensation, but we can practice how we meet it: with steadiness, patience, and less panic.
Stoicism is an ancient philosophy focused on character, perspective, and self-command. It asks a practical question: what is within my control, and what is not?
For a person living with pain, that question can be grounding. We may not be able to choose every symptom. We may still be able to choose the next reasonable action: seek care, pace activity, sleep as well as possible, move safely, ask for help, or return to what matters.
Stoicism is not a replacement for medical care. It is not a reason to minimize pain, delay assessment, or pretend that symptoms do not matter.
It is better understood as a way of protecting the rest of life from being swallowed by pain. Treatment may reduce pain. Perspective can help reduce the fear, tension, anger, and helplessness that often travel with it.
The goal is not to become emotionless. The goal is to remain more steady while doing the difficult work of recovery, rehabilitation, and living.
For a direct source, consider Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, translated by Gregory Hays. It is readable, direct, and less old-fashioned than many public-domain translations.
For a modern introduction, consider How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald J. Robertson. It connects Marcus Aurelius, Stoic practice, and modern psychology in a more guided way.
The quote on this site comes from Meditations, Book 4.
Afiya Spine & Pain Institute
301 - 15 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M4Y 1G1
Phone: 416-413-7999 | E-Fax: 416-641-4520
This website provides general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace assessment by a physician.