I HAVE often wondered, how it should come to
pass, that every man loving himself best,
should more regard other men's opinions concerning
himself, than his own.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book xii. 3.
WHAT are their minds and understanding; and
what the things that they apply themselves
unto ; what do they love, and what do they work
for? Fancy to thyself the estate of their souls
openly to be seen. When they think they hurt
them shrewdly, whom they speak ill of; and when
they think they do them a very good turn, whom
they commend and extol : O how full are they
then of conceit and opinion !
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book ix. 32.
Marcus Aurelius once asked: "Why is it if every person loves themselves best, they care more about other people's opinion of them, that their own." I reply: "But they no longer love themselves best. From infancy we are taught that we are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough." My question is "Enough for what? for who?"
ReplyDeleteI like this. It is so easy to see oneselfs personality as a reflection of other peoples opinion when one is young and inexperienced. What I find fascinating that it is so difficult to cultivate a true love and appreciation for who one is. I suppose that in todays society, other peoples opinions, and being "popular" is all over the media and marketing, that this seeps in to the minds of beautiful and wise peoples souls.
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