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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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x TO HIMSELF 149<br />

men, commits himself without reserve <strong>to</strong> justice in<br />

all his actions, <strong>to</strong> Nature in all that befalls. To<br />

what will be said or thought <strong>of</strong> him, <strong>to</strong> what will<br />

be done against him, he does not give a thought ;<br />

but is content with two things only <strong>to</strong> be just in<br />

his dealings and glad at his apportioned lot. Free<br />

<strong>of</strong> all hurry and distractions, he has but one wish<br />

<strong>to</strong> run the straight course <strong>of</strong> law, following on<br />

in the straight course <strong>of</strong> god.<br />

What need for misgivings, when you can see 12<br />

what ought <strong>to</strong> be done ? If all is clear, go forward<br />

considerately, but without swerving ; if not,<br />

pause and take the best advice ; if new resistance<br />

meets you, follow the lights <strong>of</strong> reason and its<br />

faculties, holding last <strong>to</strong> what is plainly just ;<br />

success is vic<strong>to</strong>ry indeed, where in good truth<br />

'default is no defeat.' Alacrity without hurry, a<br />

bright mien and a steady<br />

follower <strong>of</strong> reason.<br />

mind this is the faithful<br />

Ask yourself as your waking thought, Can it 13<br />

make any<br />

difference <strong>to</strong> me whether another does<br />

what is just and right ? None whatever. When<br />

you hear men blustering praise or blame <strong>of</strong> others,<br />

do not forget that they themselves are in bed and<br />

in board, the things they do, the things they shun,

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