I came across this quote by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor, and couldn't help but wonder how different life must have been for him compared to the 21st-century wage slaves. The quote goes: “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”
Now, I'm all for finding the beauty in life and embracing the moment, but I can't help but question whether it was easier for an emperor like Marcus Aurelius to “enjoy” life compared to the struggles we face today.
Marcus Aurelius had access to the Roman treasury and didn't need to worry about rent, bills, or putting food on the table. Meanwhile, many are stuck in jobs that barely cover the basics. He had the luxury of leisure and slaves to handle the daily tasks. Most people work long hours and have limited time for leisure due to the demands of our jobs. Sure, being an emperor came with its own set of challenges, but I doubt they were fretting over deadlines, micromanaging bosses, or job security.