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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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xi TO HIMSELF 169<br />

popularity, or some other low motive keeps you<br />

from wrong <strong>of</strong> that kind.<br />

Fifth. You cannot even be sure if they are<br />

doing wrong ;<br />

for many actions depend upon some<br />

secondary end. In short one has much <strong>to</strong> learn,<br />

before one can make sure and certain about<br />

another's action.<br />

Sixth. When sorely provoked and out <strong>of</strong><br />

patience, remember that man's life is but for a<br />

moment ; a little while, and we all lie stretched in<br />

death.<br />

Seventh. Men's actions resting<br />

with them<br />

and their Inner Selves cannot agitate us, but<br />

our own views regarding them. Get rid <strong>of</strong> these,<br />

let judgment forego its indignation, and there-<br />

with anger departs. How achieve this ? by<br />

reflecting that they cannot demean you. For if<br />

anything except what morally demeans is bad,<br />

you <strong>to</strong>o must plead guilty <strong>to</strong> all sorts <strong>of</strong> wrong-<br />

doing, from brigandage l onwards.<br />

Eighth. How much more unconscionable are<br />

our anger and vexation at the acts, than the acts<br />

which make us angry and vexed !<br />

Ninth. Kindness is invincible if only it is<br />

1 x. 10 explains the reference.

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