Book Four
4:50
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.
50. It is a vulgar, but still a useful help towards contempt of death, to pass in review those who have tenaciously stuck to life.
What more then have they gained than those who have died early?
Certainly they lie in their tombs somewhere at last, Cadicianus, Fabius, Julianus, Lepidus, or any one else like them, who have carried out many to be buried, and then were carried out themselves.
Altogether the interval is small between birth and death; and consider with how much trouble, and in company with what sort of people and in what a feeble body this interval is laboriously passed.
Do not then consider life a thing of any value.
For look to the immensity of time behind you and to the time which is before you another boundless space.
In this infinity then what is the difference between him who lives three days and him who lives three generations?
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 50
Content:
50. It is a vulgar, but still a useful help towards contempt of death, to pass in review those who have tenaciously stuck to life.
What more then have they gained than those who have died early?
Certainly they lie in their tombs somewhere at last, Cadicianus, Fabius, Julianus, Lepidus, or any one else like them, who have carried out many to be buried, and then were carried out themselves.
Altogether the interval is small between birth and death; and consider with how much trouble, and in company with what sort of people and in what a feeble body this interval is laboriously passed.
Do not then consider life a thing of any value.
For look to the immensity of time behind you and to the time which is before you another boundless space.
In this infinity then what is the difference between him who lives three days and him who lives three generations?