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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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32 MARCUS ANTONINUS BOOK in<br />

16 Body, soul, mind, these three : <strong>to</strong> the body<br />

belong sensations, <strong>to</strong> the soul impulses, <strong>to</strong> the<br />

mind principles. The impressions <strong>of</strong> sense we<br />

share with cattle <strong>of</strong> the field : the pulls <strong>of</strong> impulse<br />

with brute beasts, with catamites, with Phalaris,<br />

or Nero ; and mind is still the guide <strong>to</strong> obvious<br />

duties, even for the atheist, the trai<strong>to</strong>r, and for<br />

those who lock the door for sin. Well then,<br />

else is shared, the good<br />

if all<br />

man's one distinction is <strong>to</strong><br />

welcome gladly all that in the web <strong>of</strong> destiny<br />

befalls ; <strong>to</strong> keep the god implanted in his breast<br />

unsoiled, not perturbed by any tumult <strong>of</strong> impres-<br />

sions, keeping his watch serene, a seemly follower<br />

<strong>of</strong> god, not false <strong>to</strong> truth in utterance, or <strong>to</strong> justice<br />

in act. Though<br />

the whole world misdoubt him<br />

because his life is simple, self-respecting, and<br />

cheerful, he is angered with no man, and does<br />

not turn aside from the path that leads <strong>to</strong> his<br />

life's goal, un<strong>to</strong> which he must come pure and<br />

peaceful and ready <strong>to</strong> depart,<br />

harmony with his appointed portion.<br />

in unrebellious

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