Meditations, Book 10, Section 31

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you see Satyro, think of Socraticus and Eutyches, or Hymen. When you see Euphrates, think of Eutychio and Sylvanus. When you see Alciphron, think of Tropaeophorus. When you see Xenophon, think of Crito or Severus. And when you look at yourself, imagine one of the Caesars. For every person, think of someone who had the same rank and role as them. Then ask yourself: where are they all now? Nowhere, or anywhere — it doesn't matter. This way you can always see how all worldly things are just smoke that disappears. Or really, they are nothing at all. Remember this too: whatever changes once will never be the same again as long as the world lasts. And you — how long will you last? Why isn't it enough to spend your small portion of time well and virtuously, however short it may be?

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou seest Satyro, think of Socraticus and Eutyches, or Hymen, and when Euphrates, think of Eutychio, and Sylvanus, when Alciphron, of Tropaeophorus, when Xenophon, of Crito, or Severus. And when thou doest look upon thyself, fancy unto thyself some one or other of the Cæsars; and so for every one, some one or other that hath been for estate and profession answerable unto him. Then let this come to thy mind at the same time; and where now are they all? Nowhere or anywhere? For so shalt thou at all time be able to perceive how all worldly things are but as the smoke, that vanisheth away: or, indeed, mere nothing. Especially when thou shalt call to mind this also, that whatsoever is once changed, shall never be again as long as the world endureth. And thou then, how long shalt thou endure? And why doth it not suffice thee, if virtuously, and as becometh thee, thou mayest pass that portion of time, how little soever it be, that is allotted unto thee?