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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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iv TO HIMSELF 41<br />

Do not be dazed by the whirl. Whatever the 22<br />

impulse, satisfy justice ; whatever the impression,<br />

make sure <strong>of</strong> certitude.<br />

I am in harmony with all, that is a part <strong>of</strong> thy 23<br />

harmony, great Universe. For me nothing is early<br />

and nothing late, that is in season for thee. All<br />

is fruit for me, which thy seasons bear, O Nature !<br />

from thee, in thee, and un<strong>to</strong> thee are all things.<br />

" Dear City <strong>of</strong> Cecrops ! " saith the poet : and wilt<br />

not thou say, '<br />

Dear City <strong>of</strong> God<br />

" Do few things\ if you<br />

'<br />

?<br />

would have cheer" A 24<br />

better rule methinks is <strong>to</strong> do only things necessary,<br />

things which in a social being reason dictates, and<br />

as it dictates. For this brings the cheer that<br />

comes <strong>of</strong> doing a few things, and doing them well.<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the things we say or do are not necessary ;<br />

get rid <strong>of</strong> them, and you will gain<br />

time and tran-<br />

quillity. Thus in every case a man should ask<br />

himself, Is this one <strong>of</strong> the things not necessary?<br />

and we ought <strong>to</strong> get rid not only <strong>of</strong> actions, that<br />

are not necessary, but likewise <strong>of</strong> impressions ;<br />

then superfluous actions will not follow in their<br />

train.<br />

Make trial <strong>of</strong> the good man's life and see how 25<br />

in your case it succeeds <strong>of</strong> the man satisfied with

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