From my brother Severus I learned to be kind and loving to everyone in my household and family. He introduced me to the great thinkers: Thrasea, Helvidius, Cato, Dio, and Brutus. He first gave me the idea of a fair government run by justice and equality. He showed me a kingdom where nothing matters more than the good of the people. From him I also learned to keep a steady focus on philosophy, without letting other worries distract me. To be generous in the fullest way. To always hope for the best. To trust that my friends love me. I also saw in him how openly he dealt with people he had to correct. His friends never had to guess what he wanted or didn't want. He was that clear and direct.
From my brother Severus, to be kind and loving to all them of my house and family; by whom also I came to the knowledge of Thrasea and Helvidius, and Cato, and Dio, and Brutus. He it was also that did put me in the first conceit and desire of an equal commonwealth, administered by justice and equality; and of a kingdom wherein should be regarded nothing more than the good and welfare of the subjects. Of him also, to observe a constant tenor, (not interrupted, with any other cares and distractions,) in the study and esteem of philosophy: to be bountiful and liberal in the largest measure; always to hope the best; and to be confident that my friends love me. In whom I moreover observed open dealing towards those whom he reproved at any time, and that his friends might without all doubt or much observation know what he would, or would not, so open and plain was he.