Book Four
4:20
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: That which rules within, when it is according to nature, is so affected with respect to the events which happen, that it always easily adapts itself to that which is and is presented to it.
20. Everything which is in any way beautiful is beautiful in itself, and terminates in itself, not having praise as part of itself.
Neither worse then nor better is a thing made by being praised.
I affirm this also of the things which are called beautiful by the vulgar, for example, material things and works of art.
That which is really beautiful has no need of anything; not more than law, not more than truth, not more than benevolence or modesty.
Which of these things is beautiful because it is praised, or spoiled by being blamed?
Is such a thing as an emerald made worse than it was, if it is not praised?
Or gold, ivory, purple, a lyre, a little knife, a flower, a shrub?
Book: Meditations
Subtitle: The classic from Marcus Aurelius.
Author: Marcus Aurelius
Chapter: Book Four
Chapter Subtitle: That which rules within, when it is according to nature, is so affected with respect to the events which happen, that it always easily adapts itself to that which is and is presented to it.
Location: Chapter 4, Section 20
Content:
20. Everything which is in any way beautiful is beautiful in itself, and terminates in itself, not having praise as part of itself.
Neither worse then nor better is a thing made by being praised.
I affirm this also of the things which are called beautiful by the vulgar, for example, material things and works of art.
That which is really beautiful has no need of anything; not more than law, not more than truth, not more than benevolence or modesty.
Which of these things is beautiful because it is praised, or spoiled by being blamed?
Is such a thing as an emerald made worse than it was, if it is not praised?
Or gold, ivory, purple, a lyre, a little knife, a flower, a shrub?