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Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

§ Section 19

Book Ten

10:19

Book Subtitle: The classic from Marcus Aurelius.

Book Description: The personal notes of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. This book has influenced many throughout history from students to statesmen. It's an inside look at a brilliant and thoughtful man working on living well. The emperor and philosopher's thoughts are crucial to understand for any Stoic seeking to do their best in a complex world.

Chapter Subtitle: Will you then, my soul, never be good and simple and one and naked, more manifest than the body which surrounds thee? Will you never enjoy an affectionate and contented disposition?

19. Consider what men are when they are eating, sleeping, generating, easing themselves and so forth.

Then what kind of men they are when they are imperious and arrogant, or angry and scolding from their elevated place.

But a short time ago to how many they were slaves and for what things; and after a little time consider in what a condition they will be.