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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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xii TO HIMSELF 181<br />

fault with gods who do no wrong, witting or<br />

unwitting ; nor yet with men, whose wrong is<br />

done unwittingly. Therefore find fault with<br />

none.<br />

How silly .and how strange, <strong>to</strong> be amazed at 13<br />

anything<br />

in life !<br />

Either fixed necessity and an inviolable order, 14<br />

or a merciful providence, or a random and un-<br />

governed medley. If an inviolable necessity, why<br />

resist? If a providence, waiting <strong>to</strong> be merciful,<br />

make yourself worthy <strong>of</strong> the divine aid. If a<br />

chaos uncontrolled, be thankful that amid the<br />

wild waters you have within yourself an Inner<br />

governing mind. If the waves sweep you away,<br />

let them sweep flesh, breath and poor mortality ;<br />

the mind they shall never sweep.<br />

Shall the flame <strong>of</strong> a lamp give light till it is 15<br />

extinguished, and not lose its radiance ; and shall<br />

the truth within you and justice and wisdom con-<br />

sent <strong>to</strong> premature extinction ?<br />

He gives me the impression <strong>of</strong> wrongdoing, 16<br />

but after all how do I know, whether it is wrong ?<br />

or supposing it was, that he did not upbraid him-<br />

self for it like the mourner defacing<br />

visage<br />

his own<br />

? He who would not have the vile do

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