“Does the light of a lamp shine and keep its glow until its fuel is spent? Why shouldn’t your truth, justice, and self-control shine until you are extinguished?” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 12.15 “Whether the wick[…]
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Tag: Marcus Aurelius
Go to Work as a Human Being
A classic Marcus quote: “At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if[…]
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You Must Tame Your Temper
“Keep this thought handy when you feel a fit of rage coming on—it isn’t manly to be enraged. Rather, gentleness and civility are more human, and therefore manlier. A real man doesn’t give way to[…]
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It Could Happen to You
“Being unexpected adds to the weight of a disaster, and being a surprise has never failed to increase a person’s pain. For that reason, nothing should ever be unexpected by us. Our minds should be[…]
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Maintain Control
When forced, as it seems, by circumstances into utter confusion, get a hold of yourself quickly. Don’t be locked out of the rhythm any longer than necessary. You’ll be able to keep the beat if[…]
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Self-Kindness is Difficult
The Good (What have I done right?) … Doesn’t feel like much today. The Bad (What I have I done wrong?) Indulgence. Again. Distractions. Again. The Left Undone (What should I do next time?) Distractions[…]
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Don’t Worry About Them, Worry About Yourself
“The tranquility that comes when you stop caring what they say. Or think, or do. Only what you do.” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.18 This is very hard sometimes. It’s very easy to try to please[…]
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Flexibility of the Will
“Remember that to change your mind and to follow someone’s correction are consistent with a free will. For the action is yours alone—to fulfill its purpose in keeping with your impulse and judgment, and yes,[…]
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First Post
Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.16 I’ve never done this before. Documenting my thoughts, that is. Reviewing in detail my journey through life. Yeah…[…]
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