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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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70 MARCUS ANTONINUS BOOK<br />

5 The disposing reason knows its condition, its<br />

action, and the material on which it works.<br />

6 Not <strong>to</strong> do likewise is the best revenge.<br />

7 Be it your one delight and refreshment, <strong>to</strong> pass<br />

from social act <strong>to</strong> social act, remembering god.<br />

8 Our Inner governing Self is that which is self-<br />

excited and self- swayed, which makes itself just<br />

what it wills <strong>to</strong> be, and which makes all that<br />

befalls seem <strong>to</strong> itself what it wills.<br />

9 All things run their course in accordance with<br />

the nature <strong>of</strong> the universe ; there is no other com-<br />

peting nature, that either comprehends<br />

this from<br />

without, or is itself comprehended within, or that<br />

exists externally and unattached.<br />

10 The world is either a welter <strong>of</strong> alternate com-<br />

bination and dispersion, or a unity <strong>of</strong> order and<br />

providence.<br />

If the former, why crave <strong>to</strong> linger on<br />

in such a random medley and confusion? why<br />

take thought for anything except<br />

the eventual<br />

'dust <strong>to</strong> dust'? why vex myself? do what I will,<br />

dispersion<br />

will overtake me. But on the other<br />

alternative, I reverence, I stand stedfast,<br />

heart in the power that disposes all.<br />

I find<br />

11 When <strong>to</strong>rn in pieces as it were by press <strong>of</strong><br />

work, straightway fall back upon yourself,<br />

and do

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