MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book vi. 28.
Saturday
January 26
DO all things as becometh the Disciple of
Antoninus Pius. Remember his resolute
constancy in things that were done by him according
to reason, his equability in all things, his
sanctity; the cheerfulness of his countenance,
his sweetness, and how free he was from all
vainglory; how careful to come to the true and
exact knowledge of matters in hand, and how he
would by no means give over till he did fully
and plainly understand the whole state of the
business; and how patiently, and without any
contestation he would bear with them, that did
unjustly condemn him: how he would never be
overhasty in anything, nor give ear to slanders
and false accusations, but examine and observe
with best diligence the several actions and dispositions
of men. Again, how he was no backbiter,
nor easily frighted, nor suspicious, and in
his language free from all affectation and curiosity:
and how easily he would content himself with
few things, as lodging, bedding, clothing, and
ordinary nourishment, and attendance. How
able to endure labour, how patient: his uniformity
and constancy in matter of friendship. How he
would bear with them that with all boldness and
liberty opposed his opinions; and even rejoice
if any man could better advise him: and lastly,
how religious he was without superstition. All
these things of him remember, that whensoever
thy last hour shall come upon thee, it may find
thee, as it did him, ready for it in the possession
of a good conscience.
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IF you can keep your head when all about you
ReplyDeleteAre losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
...
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
I like the way the Emperor pays tribute to those who came before him, who gave him gifts of knowledge, example and experience. I think if we moderns would do this more we would feel less alienated from our families, each other, and our cultures.
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