Your treatise is based on flawed premises. You are missing a simple truth; no where in the guides and principles of a Stoic philosophy is it stated or implied that one ought be distant from or unaware of nor detached with nature and the universe that comprises it.

The Stoic is finely tuned to this reality hence, the self preparation [seeking reason…via wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage] for the inevitable knock on the door. The Stoic was deeply engaged in nature and its universal truths. What Marcus Aurelius was offering had little to do with avoiding association and more to do with engaging while sans emotion or visceral thinking. What he deemed outside of his control the Germanic tribes brought to bear. What he could control, his impression of this outcome no doubt disturbed him yet, in the end, like in nature, there are no voids. The Germanic tribes possessed what the Roman’s had long lost…their sacred belief in personal freedom over tyranny. That void in the Roman culture was soon to be filled. Death to the empire…like death to its ruler was simply to be as nature is nature will be. The Stoics accepted this reality while others were either in denial or running for their lives.

All said, continue on and enjoy your journey.

Eric