Teach or Tolerate

“Men exist for the sake of one another. Teach them then or bear with them.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Marcus Aurelius captures the Stoic ideal of coexistence in just a few words. We are social creatures, he says—not by accident, but by design. Our purpose is not isolation or competition, but connection. And once you accept that, you’re left with only two paths when others fall short: educate them, or endure them.

What’s radical here is the absence of resentment. Marcus doesn't say, “Fix them.” He offers a choice: guide them if you can; if not, practice patience. No complaining. No vilifying. Just responsibility or resilience.

It’s a call to engaged compassion—where we help others grow, but also let go of the need to control them.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, people can often feel like obstacles—investors who don’t get it, teammates who underdeliver, partners who disappoint. But Marcus reframes this: people are the point, not the problem.

Your team? Teach them. Lead with clarity, not frustration. Your customers? Understand them. Educate through product, content, or care. And when someone simply won’t learn, can’t adapt, or doesn't align? Bear with them. Let go without bitterness.

This quote is also powerful during internal conflict. When expectations are unmet, pause and ask: Is this a teachable moment? Or one to endure with grace? Either way, keep your purpose intact.

Startups thrive on collaboration. Founders thrive on perspective. Marcus gives you both.