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Marcus Aurelius Antoninus to Himself - College of Stoic Philosophers

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vi TO HIMSELF 85<br />

characters <strong>of</strong> those about us, suggesting them-<br />

selves as copiously as possible. We should keep<br />

them always ready <strong>to</strong> hand.<br />

only,<br />

Does it annoy you <strong>to</strong> weigh so many pounds 49<br />

instead <strong>of</strong> three hundred ? It is the same<br />

with living so many years only,<br />

You are content with the quantum<br />

allowed you ;<br />

be so <strong>to</strong>o with the time.<br />

Try <strong>to</strong> persuade men :<br />

and not more.<br />

<strong>of</strong> matter<br />

but act, whether it is 50<br />

liked or not, when principles <strong>of</strong> justice so demand.<br />

If some one obstructs you by force, welcome the<br />

rebuff and own no pang, utilising the hindrance for<br />

exercise <strong>of</strong> virtue in another form. Endeavour,<br />

remember, was subject <strong>to</strong> reservation, and you<br />

did not aspire <strong>to</strong> impossibilities. To what then<br />

did you aspire? To the endeavour just such as<br />

it was. Gain that, and the object, for which we<br />

were sent in<strong>to</strong> the world, is realised.<br />

The ambitious man rests personal good upon 51<br />

action that depends on others ;<br />

upon personal affections <strong>of</strong> the body ;<br />

mind upon personal action.<br />

the man <strong>of</strong> pleasure<br />

the man <strong>of</strong><br />

You can decline this or that view <strong>of</strong> the matter, 52<br />

and so escape all tumult <strong>of</strong> soul ; things in them-<br />

selves have no power <strong>to</strong> force our judgments.

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