Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

But as before, see them, continue to be their friend, to wish them well. Carry yourself toward them meekly and gently. But don't let this make you more unwilling to die. Just as some people die an easy, quick death where the soul separates from the body smoothly, so must your separation from them be. Nature had joined and connected me to these people. Now she parts us. I am ready to depart, as from friends and family, but without reluctance or force. This too is according to Nature.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 55 of 57
Death & Mortality Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

but as before, see them, continue to be their friend, to wish them well, and meekly, and gently to carry thyself towards them, but yet so that on the other side, it make thee not the more unwilling to die. But as it fareth with them that die an easy quick death, whose soul is soon separated from their bodies, so must thy separation from them be. To these had Nature joined and annexed me: now she parts us; I am ready to depart, as from friends and kinsmen, but yet without either reluctancy or compulsion. For this also is according to Nature.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 55 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think about this when your time comes to die. You will die more willingly when you realize: I am leaving a world where even my closest friends — the people I have suffered for, prayed for, and cared for — secretly hope I will die. They think they will be happier once I am gone. Why would anyone want to stay longer in such a place? Still, when you die, do not let this make you bitter toward them.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 54 of 57
Death & Mortality Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

This therefore if thou shalt think of whensoever thou diest, thou shalt die the more willingly, when thou shalt think with thyself; I am now to depart from that world, wherein those that have been my nearest friends and acquaintances, they whom I have so much suffered for, so often prayed for, and for whom I have taken such care, even they would have me die, hoping that after my death they shall live happier, than they did before. What then should any man desire to continue here any longer? Nevertheless, whensoever thou diest, thou must not be less kind and loving unto them for it;

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 54 of 57
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support