Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If you are quick to see things clearly, use that gift for good judgment and wise decisions.

In the whole makeup of human nature, I don't see any virtue that opposes justice. But I do see one virtue that can resist pleasure and self-indulgence: self-control.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 36 Book 8 · 42 of 67
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If thou beest quick-sighted, be so in matter of judgment, and best discretion, saith he.

In the whole constitution of man, I see not any virtue contrary to justice, whereby it may be resisted and opposed. But one whereby pleasure and voluptuousness may be resisted and opposed, I see: continence.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 36 Book 8 · 42 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What? Are Panthea or Pergamus still sitting by their masters' tombs today? Are Chabrias or Diotimus still by Hadrian's tomb? How foolish! Even if they were, would their dead masters know it? And if they knew, would they care? And if they cared, would that make these servants live forever? Weren't they also meant to grow old and die? And once they're dead, what happens to all that devotion? In the end, what is this all for? Just a bag of blood and rot.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 35 Book 8 · 41 of 67
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What? are either Panthea or Pergamus abiding to this day by their masters' tombs? or either Chabrias or Diotimus by that of Adrianus? O foolery! For what if they did, would their masters be sensible of It? or if sensible, would they be glad of it? or if glad, were these immortal? Was not it appointed unto them also (both men and women,) to become old in time, and then to die? And these once dead, what would become of these former? And when all is done, what is all this for, but for a mere bag of blood and corruption?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 35 Book 8 · 41 of 67
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support