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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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x TO HIMSELF 155<br />

then ? Why not be content decently<br />

<strong>to</strong> weather<br />

out your little span ? What have you <strong>to</strong> fear,<br />

what form <strong>of</strong> matter or condition ? What are they<br />

all, but exercises for reason, scientifically and<br />

philosophically facing<br />

the facts <strong>of</strong> life ? Persevere<br />

then, till you make them part <strong>of</strong> your own being,<br />

just as the healthy s<strong>to</strong>mach assimilates its food,<br />

or a quick fire turns everything you throw on in<strong>to</strong><br />

flame and light.<br />

Let no man have it in his power <strong>to</strong> say <strong>of</strong> 32<br />

you with truth, that you lack simplicity or good-<br />

ness ; make it a lie, for any<br />

one <strong>to</strong> think thus<br />

<strong>of</strong> you. It is within your power : for who can<br />

hinder you from being good and simple<br />

? You<br />

have but <strong>to</strong> decide <strong>to</strong> live no longer, if you can-<br />

not be such ; for in that case reason itself does<br />

not dictate it.<br />

Given the material, what can produce the 33<br />

soundest result in action or in speech ? that,<br />

whatever it be, is in your power <strong>to</strong> do or say :<br />

and no excuses, please, about being hindered.<br />

You will never cease growling, till it comes as<br />

natural <strong>to</strong> you<br />

<strong>to</strong> use all the available materials<br />

for fulfilling the law <strong>of</strong> your being, as it is for<br />

pleasure-seekers <strong>to</strong> choose luxury : every opening

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