Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Until now you have existed as a separate part. Soon you will disappear back into the common substance of the one who created you. Or rather, you will return to that original rational substance from which everything else came and continues to come. Many small pieces of incense are placed on the same altar. One burns first, another later. But it all comes to the same thing.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 12 Book 4 · 16 of 54
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As a part hitherto thou hast had a particular subsistence: and now shalt thou vanish away into the common substance of Him, who first begot thee, or rather thou shalt be resumed again into that original rational substance, out of which all others have issued, and are propagated. Many small pieces of frankincense are set upon the same altar, one drops first and is consumed, another after; and it comes all to one.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 12 Book 4 · 16 of 54
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Do you have reason? Yes, I do. Then why don't you use it? If your reason does its job, what more do you need?

Meditations, Book 4, Section 11 Book 4 · 15 of 54
Knowing Yourself Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Hast thou reason? I have. Why then makest thou not use of it? For if thy reason do her part, what more canst thou require?

Meditations, Book 4, Section 11 Book 4 · 15 of 54
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support