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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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v TO HIMSELF 57<br />

ing the perfection <strong>of</strong> the whole. In every<br />

act <strong>of</strong><br />

discontent, you inflict, so far as in you lies, such<br />

severance and so <strong>to</strong> say undoing.<br />

Do not give way <strong>to</strong> disgust, do not lose heart, 9<br />

do not be discouraged at flaws in strict consistency<br />

<strong>of</strong> conduct : after each check, return <strong>to</strong> the charge,<br />

thankful if in most things you acquit yourself like<br />

a man ; and returning, love that <strong>to</strong> which you<br />

return ; turn once and again <strong>to</strong> philosophy, not<br />

as the urchin <strong>to</strong> his master, but as the sore-eyed<br />

<strong>to</strong> the sponge and egg, or others <strong>to</strong> salves or<br />

fomentation. Obedience <strong>to</strong> reason will thus<br />

become not a question <strong>of</strong> outward show, but <strong>of</strong><br />

inward refreshment. Philosophy, remember, wills<br />

only that which nature within you wills ; while<br />

you willed something not in accord with nature.<br />

'<br />

Why what is more '<br />

agreeable ? says pleasure,<br />

with beguiling voice. Nay but consider,<br />

is it<br />

more truly agreeable than l<strong>of</strong>tiness <strong>of</strong> soul, free,<br />

simple, gracious and holy<br />

? What can be more<br />

agreeable than wisdom itself, when you consider<br />

the smooth unhalting flow <strong>of</strong> its intelligence and<br />

apprehension ?<br />

Things are so wrapped in veils, that <strong>to</strong> gifted 10<br />

philosophers<br />

not a few all certitude seems un-

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