Book Seven
7:16
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: What is badness? It is that which you have often seen.
16. The ruling faculty does not disturb itself; I mean, does not frighten itself or cause itself pain.
But if any one else can frighten or pain it, let him do so.
For the faculty itself will not by its own opinion turn itself into such ways.
Let the body itself take care, if it can, that is suffer nothing, and let it speak, if it suffers.
But the soul itself, that which is subject to fear, to pain, which has completely the power of forming an opinion about these things, will suffer nothing, for it will never deviate into such a judgement.
The leading principle in itself wants nothing, unless it makes a want for itself; and therefore it is both free from perturbation and unimpeded, if it does not disturb and impede itself.
Book: Meditations
Subtitle: The classic from Marcus Aurelius.
Author: Marcus Aurelius
Chapter: Book Seven
Chapter Subtitle: What is badness? It is that which you have often seen.
Location: Chapter 7, Section 16
Content:
16. The ruling faculty does not disturb itself; I mean, does not frighten itself or cause itself pain.
But if any one else can frighten or pain it, let him do so.
For the faculty itself will not by its own opinion turn itself into such ways.
Let the body itself take care, if it can, that is suffer nothing, and let it speak, if it suffers.
But the soul itself, that which is subject to fear, to pain, which has completely the power of forming an opinion about these things, will suffer nothing, for it will never deviate into such a judgement.
The leading principle in itself wants nothing, unless it makes a want for itself; and therefore it is both free from perturbation and unimpeded, if it does not disturb and impede itself.