Meditations

by Marcus Aurelius

His book records the innermost thoughts of his heart, set down to ease it, with such moral maxims and reflections as may help him to bear the burden of duty and the countless annoyances of a busy life.

In the morning purpose, in the evening discuss the manner, what thou hast been this day, in word, work, and thought.'

At best suffer patiently, if thou canst not suffer joyously.'

In their intimacy and frankness lies their great charm.

he may not be profound, he is always sincere.

'The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.'

Truly a rare opportunity was given to Marcus Aurelius of showing what the mind can do in despite of circumstances.

that he knew how to want,

for such therefore to be in opposition, is against nature;

Now death, it is not only a work of nature, but also conducing to nature.

This also thou must observe, that whatsoever it is that naturally doth happen to things natural, hath somewhat in itself that is pleasing and delightful:

of which all other cities in the world are as it were but houses and families?

Doth the emerald become worse in itself, or more vile if it be not commended?

There is then to be seen in the things of the world, not a bare succession, but an admirable correspondence and affinity.

even as if a ripe olive falling should praise the ground that bare her, and give thanks to the tree that begat her.

that I may have within myself an overflowing fountain, and not a well?

Now what a sunbeam is, thou mayest know if thou observe the light of the sun, when through some narrow hole it pierceth into some room that is dark.

He that feareth death, either feareth that he shall have no sense at all, or that his senses will not be the same.

and by way of diligent circumspection turneth herself many ways,

For a far greater plague is the corruption of the mind,

All things that are in the world, are always in the estate of alteration.

How clearly doth it appear unto thee, that no other course of thy life could fit a true philosopher's practice better, than this very course, that thou art now already in?