The Stoics had a word, sympatheia, for the way all things are woven together. Marcus wrote that we're made for cooperation, like hands or eyes, and that to work against each other is unnatural for us. When you feel isolated, this is a quiet reminder that you're part of something, tied to the people around you whether you feel it or not. It also softens how you treat others. The person who annoyed you today is, like you, doing their flawed best inside the same web of life. Acting like you belong, helping where you can, being patient, isn't a chore. It's living the way you're built to live.

Inspired by the old idea of sympatheia. Written by Ugo Charles.