9781945186240

happens. With what leaves us dyed indelibly by justice, welcoming
wholeheartedly whatever comes—whatever we’re assigned—not worrying
too often, or with any selfish motive, about what other people say. Or do, or
think.
He does only what is his to do, and considers constantly what the world
has in store for him—doing his best, and trusting that all is for the best. For
we carry our fate with us—and it carries us.
He keeps in mind that all rational things are related, and that to care for
all human beings is part of being human. Which doesn’t mean we have to
share their opinions. We should listen only to those whose lives conform to
nature. And the others? He bears in mind what sort of people they are—
both at home and abroad, by night as well as day—and who they spend
their time with. And he cares nothing for their praise—men who can’t even
meet their own standards.
5. How to act:
Never under compulsion, out of selfishness, without forethought,
with misgivings.
Don’t gussy up your thoughts.
No surplus words or unnecessary actions.
Let the spirit in you represent a man, an adult, a citizen, a Roman, a
ruler. Taking up his post like a soldier and patiently awaiting his recall
from life. Needing no oath or witness.
Cheerfulness. Without requiring other people’s help. Or serenity
supplied by others.
To stand up straight—not straightened.
6. If, at some point in your life, you should come across anything better
than justice, honesty, self-control, courage—than a mind satisfied that it has
succeeded in enabling you to act rationally, and satisfied to accept what’s
beyond its control—if you find anything better than that, embrace it without
reservations—it must be an extraordinary thing indeed—and enjoy it to the
full.
But if nothing presents itself that’s superior to the spirit that lives within
—the one that has subordinated individual desires to itself, that
discriminates among impressions, that has broken free of physical