Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

A person's life is like a single point in time. Everything flows away. Our senses are dim. The whole body moves toward decay. The soul never rests. Fortune changes without warning. Fame means nothing. In short, everything about the body flows like a stream. Everything about the soul is like a dream or smoke. Life is a battle and a journey through foreign land. Fame after death is just another form of being forgotten.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 15 Book 2 · 19 of 20
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

The time of a man's life is as a point; the substance of it ever flowing, the sense obscure; and the whole composition of the body tending to corruption. His soul is restless, fortune uncertain, and fame doubtful; to be brief, as a stream so are all things belonging to the body; as a dream, or as a smoke, so are all that belong unto the soul. Our life is a warfare, and a mere pilgrimage. Fame after life is no better than oblivion.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 15 Book 2 · 19 of 20
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Second, when the soul turns against someone or is driven by desires that harm others — like the souls of angry people. Third, when it's overcome by pleasure or pain. Fourth, when it pretends and secretly does or says false things. Fifth, when it acts or tries to do something without a clear purpose, rashly and without thinking about how it fits with the common good. Even the smallest actions should relate to our purpose. And the purpose of thinking beings is to follow the reason that governs this great city and ancient community.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 18 of 20
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Secondly, when she either is averse from any man, or led by contrary desires or affections, tending to his hurt and prejudice; such as are the souls of them that are angry. Thirdly, when she is overcome by any pleasure or pain. Fourthly, when she doth dissemble, and covertly and falsely either doth or saith anything. Fifthly, when she doth either affect or endeavour anything to no certain end, but rashly and without due ratiocination and consideration, how consequent or inconsequent it is to the common end. For even the least things ought not to be done, without relation unto the end; and the end of the reasonable creatures is, to follow and obey him, who is the reason as it were, and the law of this great city, and ancient commonwealth.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 18 of 20
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support