05.04.2013 Views

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

no % MARCUS ANTONINUS BOOK<br />

and in matter ? what in respect <strong>of</strong> cause ? what is it<br />

doing in the world ? and how long does it subsist ?<br />

12 When you are drowsy and waking comes<br />

13<br />

14<br />

hard, remind yourself that social action belongs<br />

<strong>to</strong> your constitution and <strong>to</strong> human nature, while<br />

sleep is a function shared by unreasoning animals.<br />

And that which belongs <strong>to</strong> the individual nature,<br />

is more proper and organic <strong>to</strong> it, and likewise<br />

more congenial.<br />

To every impression apply, if possible, the tests<br />

<strong>of</strong> objective character, <strong>of</strong> subjective effect, and <strong>of</strong><br />

logical relation.<br />

Whomsoever you meet, say straightway <strong>to</strong> your-<br />

self What are the man's principles <strong>of</strong> good and<br />

bad ? for if he holds such and such principles<br />

regarding pleasure and pain and their respective<br />

causes, about fame and shame, or life and death,<br />

I shall not be surprised or shocked at his doing<br />

such and such things ; I shall remember that he<br />

cannot do otherwise.<br />

15 Think <strong>of</strong> being shocked at the fig-tree bearing<br />

figs ! you have just as little right, remember,<br />

<strong>to</strong> be<br />

shocked at the world bearing the produce proper<br />

<strong>to</strong> it. Shame on the physician or the pilot who<br />

is shocked at a case <strong>of</strong> fever, or a contrary wind.

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!