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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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vii TO HIMSELF 101<br />

that on which action is based is in itself in-<br />

different. 1<br />

Dig within. Within is the fountain <strong>of</strong> good ;<br />

ever dig, and it will ever well forth water.<br />

Keep the body as well as the face in control, 60<br />

and avoid con<strong>to</strong>rtions, either when in motion<br />

or at rest. Just as in the face understanding<br />

exhibits itself by preserving intelligence and<br />

comeliness, we must make the same demand <strong>of</strong><br />

the body as a whole. It needs no practised<br />

artifice <strong>to</strong> ensure this much.<br />

Life is more like wrestling than dancing ;<br />

must be ready <strong>to</strong> keep its feet against all onsets<br />

however unexpected.<br />

59<br />

it 61<br />

Always be clear whose approbation it is you 62<br />

wish <strong>to</strong> secure, and what their inner principles are.<br />

Then you<br />

will not find fault with unintended<br />

blunders ; neither will you<br />

need credentials from<br />

them, when you look in<strong>to</strong> the well-springs <strong>of</strong> their<br />

views and impulses.<br />

" No soul" says the philosopher, 2 " wilfully 63<br />

misses truth "<br />

nor charity, nor any<br />

; no nor justice either, nor wisdom,<br />

other excellence. It is<br />

1 The whole is doubtful interpretation, and in parts corrupt.<br />

2 Pla<strong>to</strong>, as twice quoted by Epictetus, Arr. I, 28, 2 and 22.

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