IF in this kind of life thy body be able to hold out, it is a shame that thy soul should faint first, and give over. Take heed lest of a philosopher thou become a mere Caesar in time, and receive a new tincture from the Court. For it may happen if thou dost not take heed. Keep thyself, therefore, truly simple, good, sincere, grave, free from all ostentation, a lover of that which is just, religious, kind, tender-hearted, strong and vigorous to undergo anything that becomes thee.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book iv. 27.
DEATH is a cessation from the impressions of the senses, the tyranny of the passions, the errors of the mind, and the servitude of the body.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book vi. 26.
a "mere Caesar"... gives us an idea of how much Marcus Aurelius valued the position and pomp of being Emperor of the known world. He takes the duty and responsibility seriously but not the worldly trappings. The moral responsibiity is paramount.
ReplyDeleteSeems that Marcus Aurelius believed in some kind of after life? Sees death as a cessation of negatives but does not mention it as a cessation of virtue etc.
No matter what the Title, the reponsibility is yours to fulfill its duties well. Father, employee, husband etc. Keep myself, therefore, truly simple, good, sincere, grave, free from all ostentation, a lover of that which is just, religious, kind, tender-hearted, strong and vigorous to undergo anything that becomes me.
ReplyDeleteTake care to not only care for the body but care for the mind so that it is able to continue for as long as the body endures. We need to exercise our mind with the virtues, good books and learning as much as we need to exercise our body.
ReplyDeleteMy challenge this year is to watch for Ostentation. I have the potential to be ostentacious and have to make sure that while I choose beauty I need to focus on my simplicity goals also. It is a careful balance between simple beauty and ostentation that I need to emphasize in my life.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad thing if we allow our souls to die before our bodies do. Our bodies will lose their strength, our eyes their vision, our mind their sharpness. Nevertheless, we must not give up being just, courageous, moderate, wise and compassionate. Even when we grow weary of the day, let us reserve our last strength for these things. - Inspired by Marcus Aurelius
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