IN the morning when thou findest thyself unwilling to rise, consider with thyself presently, it is to go about a man's work that I am stirred up. Am I then yet unwilling to go about that, for which I myself was born and brought forth into this world? Or was I made for this, to lay me down, and make much of myself in a warm bed?
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book v. I.
WHEN thou art hard to be stirred up and awaked out of thy sleep, admonish thyself and call to mind, that to perform actions tending to the common good is that which is thine own proper constitution, and that which the nature of man doth require. But to sleep, is common to unreasonable creatures also.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book viii. II.
NOT to be slack and negligent; or loose, and wanton in thy actions, nor contentious, and troublesome in thy conversation, nor to rove and wander in thy fancies and imaginations. Not basely to contract thy soul; nor boisterously to sally out with it, or, furiously to launch out as it were, nor ever to want employment.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book viii. 19.
In the morning when you are unwilling to rise, remind yourself of what you are. What use are your arms, legs, and most of all mind, if not to bring more courage, wisdom, justice and compassion into this world? Or were you made only for this, to lay down, and to think only of yourself in your warm bed?
ReplyDeletetime to get motivated and back to work... Thanks for the incentive Marcus! :)
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