Written in his personal diary during periods of war and plague, this quote reflects Marcus Aurelius's stoic approach to dealing with circumstances beyond one's control. As an emperor facing constant challenges - from Germanic invasions to the Antonine Plague - Aurelius developed this philosophy of acceptance not as passive resignation, but as a practical approach to handling adversity. The quote comes from his reflections on maintaining equilibrium while governing an empire in crisis, emphasizing the importance of adapting to rather than fighting against inevitable circumstances.