32. Consider, for example, the times of Vespasian.
You will see all these things, people marrying, bringing up children, sick, dying, warring, feasting, trafficking, cultivating the ground, flattering, obstinately arrogant, suspecting, plotting, wishing for some to die, grumbling about the present, loving, heaping up treasure, desiring counsulship, kingly power.
Well then, that life of these people no longer exists at all.
Again, remove to the times of Trajan.
Again, all is the same.
Their life too is gone.
In like manner view also the other epochs of time and of whole nations, and see how many after great efforts soon fell and were resolved into the elements.
But chiefly you should think of those whom you have yourself known distracting themselves about idle things, neglecting to do what was in accordance with their proper constitution, and to hold firmly to this and to be content with it.
And herein it is necessary to remember that the attention given to everything has its proper value and proportion.
For thus you will not be dissatisfied, if you apply yourself to smaller matters no further than is fit.
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 32
Content:
32. Consider, for example, the times of Vespasian.
You will see all these things, people marrying, bringing up children, sick, dying, warring, feasting, trafficking, cultivating the ground, flattering, obstinately arrogant, suspecting, plotting, wishing for some to die, grumbling about the present, loving, heaping up treasure, desiring counsulship, kingly power.
Well then, that life of these people no longer exists at all.
Again, remove to the times of Trajan.
Again, all is the same.
Their life too is gone.
In like manner view also the other epochs of time and of whole nations, and see how many after great efforts soon fell and were resolved into the elements.
But chiefly you should think of those whom you have yourself known distracting themselves about idle things, neglecting to do what was in accordance with their proper constitution, and to hold firmly to this and to be content with it.
And herein it is necessary to remember that the attention given to everything has its proper value and proportion.
For thus you will not be dissatisfied, if you apply yourself to smaller matters no further than is fit.