Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

This is what I think: in everything you do, let your true nature guide and limit you. Even ordinary crafts and jobs teach us this. Every art aims for the same thing — that whatever it creates should fit its purpose. This is the goal of someone who tends vines, or trains horses, or teaches dogs. What else does educating children and all learned work aim for? This, then, is what should matter to us too.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 15 Book 6 · 17 of 64
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

This I think: that in all thy motions and actions thou be moved, and restrained according to thine own true natural constitution and Construction only. And to this even ordinary arts and professions do lead us. For it is that which every art doth aim at, that whatsoever it is, that is by art effected and prepared, may be fit for that work that it is prepared for. This is the end that he that dresseth the vine, and he that takes upon him either to tame colts, or to train up dogs, doth aim at. What else doth the education of children, and all learned professions tend unto? Certainly then it is that, which should be dear unto us also.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 15 Book 6 · 17 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

It's not plant-like breathing that should matter to us in this life. It's not the breathing of animals, both tame and wild. It's not our ability to imagine things. It's not being pushed around by our desires. It's not that we can gather together and live in groups. It's not that we can eat — because that's no better than being able to get rid of waste. What then should matter to us? Hearing loud noise? If not that, then not being praised by people either. The praise of many voices is really no better than meaningless chatter. If not applause, then what is left that should matter to you?

Meditations, Book 6, Section 15 Book 6 · 16 of 64
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Not vegetative spiration, it is not surely (which plants have) that in this life should be so dear unto us; nor sensitive respiration, the proper life of beasts, both tame and wild; nor this our imaginative faculty; nor that we are subject to be led and carried up and down by the strength of our sensual appetites; or that we can gather, and live together; or that we can feed: for that in effect is no better, than that we can void the excrements of our food. What is it then that should be dear unto us? to hear a clattering noise? if not that, then neither to be applauded by the tongues of men. For the praises of many tongues, is in effect no better than the clattering of so many tongues. If then neither applause, what is there remaining that should be dear unto thee?

Meditations, Book 6, Section 15 Book 6 · 16 of 64
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support