Who said \u201cWhat stands in the way becomes the way\u201d? Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not? What do you think it means?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The quote \u201cWhat stands in the way becomes the way\u201d is attributed to Roman Emperor and a die-hard Stoic Marcus Aurelius. It might sound paradoxical when you first hear it, but as you think about it more and more, the meaning will unfold before you; and it’s quite profound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the meaning and a little backstory of Marcus Aurelius’ timeless quote \u201cWhat stands in the way becomes the way.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat stands in the way becomes the way<\/strong>. The impediment to action advances action.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled the Roman Empire for 19 years, wrote these words over 1,800 years ago, communicating the idea that obstacles are a good thing because of the opportunities they create\u2014and because they make you stronger, wiser and, ultimately, the best you can be. Not only did the emperor write the words, but he also embodied the very wisdom contained in them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Near the end of his reign, when Marcus Aurelius was ill, he learned that an old friend and general, Avidius Cassius, planned to take advantage of his weakness and seize the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Marcus could have immediately crushed Cassius and the rebellion, but he saw opportunity in the obstacle. Marcus sent troops to defeat the rebels, but also ordered that Cassius be captured, rather than killed, so Marcus could forgive him and demonstrate to the world that civil wars could be settled without a bloodbath. The obstacle (Cassius) would become the way to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, events intervened\u2014an assassin killed Cassius, and Marcus lost the opportunity to forgive the man who betrayed him. But he saw still another opportunity: to forgive more broadly, including everyone else involved in the plot against him. Again, the obstacle became the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seeing Obstacles as the Way: Gandhi and Alexander the Great<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gandhi turned the military strength of the British rulers of India against them by using an opposite tactic: nonviolent resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By leading thousands on a march to the sea to collect salt (this wasn\u2019t allowed because the British taxed and sold all available salt for profit), Gandhi nonviolently defied British authority. While the British arrested Gandhi and thousands of others, millions all over the country began demonstrating, which sparked an international outcry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n