I WOULD be the purple, that small and shining thing, which gives a lustre and beauty to the rest.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book i. 2, 3.
FOR as for him who is the Administrator of all, he will make good use of thee whether thou wilt or no, and make thee (as a part and member of the whole) so to co-operate with him, that whatsoever thou doest, shall turn to the furtherance of his own counsels, and resolutions. But be not thou for shame such a part of the whole, as that vile and ridiculous verse (which Chrysippus in a place doth mention) is a part of the Comedy.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book vi. 37.
PAY in, before you are called upon, what is due to the public, and you will never be asked for what is not due.
EPICTETUS. FRAGMENTS. 72.
P: The Purple was an ornamentation on the white fabric. It stood out, noble. We need to do the same, stand out among the crowd.
ReplyDeleteM: Marcus' point that we are part of the design, yet at the smae can choose our part. Therefore, choose the better part.
P: Don't avoid your responsibilities as a citizen though, because avoidance always increases what is asked of you.
M: The Purple in our lives should be adding to, not replacing, to the things we should all be doing.
Quote: I would be the purple thread, that small and shining thing, which gives a lustre and beauty to the rest.
ReplyDeleteChoose to the express the best that is within you. Strive to live according to the most excellent qualities that Nature has granted you. Through exercising your best where you can, you actually shine a bright light on all your abilities.
The noble purple thread that stands out on the white weave of the patrician clothing. We must be the purple threads of the world. I will strive to do my best to be a shining light to others.
ReplyDeleteLike the purple thread in plain white cloak, we are part of the design woven by time, nature and the choices of those around us. Yet at the same time, we can choose our part. Therefore, choose the better part. Choose to the express the best that is within you. Strive to live according to the most excellent qualities that Nature has granted you. Fulfill the promise of your nature.
ReplyDeleteI must hold onto this thought... to strive to be more of my true self every day. To be the purple thread through the fabric of this world.
ReplyDelete