LET that of Heraclitus never be out of thy
mind, that the death of earth, is water, and
the death of water, is air; and the death of air, is
fire; and so on the contrary. Remember him also
who was ignorant whither the way did lead, and
how that Reason being the thing, by which all
things in the world are administered, and which
men are continually and most inwardly conversant
with: yet is the thing, which ordinarily they
are most in opposition with, and how those things
which daily happen among them, cease not daily
to be strange unto them, and that we should not
either speak, or do anything as men in their sleep,
by opinion and bare imagination: for then we think
we speak and do, and that we must not be as
children, who follow their father's example; for
best reason alleging barely this: As by tradition
from our forefathers we have received it.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book xi. 3.
In all things we must try to use reason and choose the best most virtuous action. If we can but learn to count to three at all times we will give ourselves the time needed to cease harsh and unreasoned action.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely something to continue to strive for in the New Year coming!
It does point out a kind of odd perversity to humankind, that we both desire reason and run from it. I guess that is where the power of askesis lies; if we can habituate reason it will become easier. Or so I hope!
ReplyDelete"What did you learn today? Did you learn to believe or did you learn to think?"
ReplyDelete