"Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them"

Marcus Aurelius addresses the inevitability and constancy of change as a fundamental principle pervading the universe. Rather than resisting or fearing transformation, he urges a thoughtful attentiveness: to observe, to witness firsthand, how all things are in flux. Nothing remains static. Life, matter, emotions, and even our own thoughts are continuously evolving, decaying, and renewing. By training oneself to see this process everywhere, change becomes less a disruptive force and more a natural rhythm, one that underpins reality itself.

The reference to the “nature of the Universe” having an affection for change adds a poetic layer. Change is not an anomaly; it is the essential creative force. The universe, in Aurelius’s philosophy, does not simply accept variation, but actively “loves” it, seeking opportunity to transform what exists and generate new forms. Old things are altered into new things which still bear a resemblance to their sources, demonstrating both continuity and novelty in every process. Whether a leaf falling and nourishing the earth, or an empire rising and falling, all events manifest this eventual replacement, this seamless cycle of recreation.

Cultivating a habit of seeing the world through the lens of change can foster acceptance and resilience. Much suffering stems from our attachment to people, possessions, and even our own unchanging sense of identity. By embracing the ever-shifting nature of existence, one can find tranquility. Setbacks, loss, success, and growth are not final destinations, but waypoints along a transforming journey. Aurelius’s meditation invites a relinquishment of futile resistance in favor of harmony with the universe’s greater workings.

Through habituated observation and mindful reflection, acceptance becomes possible. Change is not the enemy; it is life's very essence. To flourish, a person must mirror this cosmic love of transformation, greeting the redesigned order of things not just with resignation, but with curiosity and gratitude.