Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

vi TO HIMSELF 77
steadily to these, without perturbation and with-
out retaliation of ill-will, pursuing methodically
the appointed end.
Cruel, is it not, to prevent men from pushing 27
for what looks like their own advantage ? Yet in
a sense you forbid them that, when you resent
their going wrong. They are doubtless bent
upon their own objects and advantage.
'
Not
so/ you say, 'in reality.' Teach them so then
and prove it, instead of resenting it.
Death is rest from impressions of sense, from 28
pulls of impulse, from searchings of thought, and
from service of the flesh.
Shame on it ! in this mortal life, the soul to 29
lose heart before the body !
See that you be not be-Caesared, steeped
that dye, as too often happens. Keep yourself
simple, good, sincere, grave, unaffected, a friend to
justice, god-fearing, considerate, affectionate, and
strenuous in duty. Struggle to remain such as
philosophy would have you. Respect the gods,
save men. Life is short ; and the earthly life
has but one fruit, inward holiness and social acts.
In all things the disciple of Antoninus. Re-
member his resolute championship of reason, his
in 30