Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Do you feel bad that you weigh only so many pounds instead of three hundred? Then you have just as much reason to feel bad that you live only so many years instead of longer. You accept the body size that was given to you. You should accept your lifespan the same way.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 44 Book 6 · 54 of 64
Death & Mortality Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Dost thou grieve that thou dost weigh but so many pounds, and not three hundred rather? Just as much reason hast thou to grieve that thou must live but so many years, and not longer. For as for bulk and substance thou dost content thyself with that proportion of it that is allotted unto thee, so shouldst thou for time.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 44 Book 6 · 54 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you need to lift your spirits, think about the good qualities of the people you spend time with each day. One person's hard work. Another's humility. Someone else's generosity. Different strengths in different people. Nothing will cheer you up more than seeing these virtues clearly in the people around you. Especially when you can see them all at once, like a collection of good examples. Keep these thoughts ready when you need them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 43 Book 6 · 53 of 64
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou wilt comfort and cheer thyself, call to mind the several gifts and virtues of them, whom thou dost daily converse with; as for example, the industry of the one; the modesty of another; the liberality of a third; of another some other thing. For nothing can so much rejoice thee, as the resemblances and parallels of several virtues, visible and eminent in the dispositions of those who live with thee; especially when, all at once, as near as may be, they represent themselves unto thee. And therefore thou must have them always in a readiness.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 43 Book 6 · 53 of 64
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support