Book Eight
8:17
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: This reflection also tends to the removal of the desire of empty fame, that it is no longer in your power to have lived the whole of your life, or at least your life from your youth upwards, like a philosopher; but both to many others and to yourself it is plain that you art far from philosophy.
17. If a thing is in your own power, why do you do it?
But if it is in the power of another, whom do you blame?
The atoms (chance) or the gods?
Both are foolish.
You must blame nobody.
For if you can, correct that which is the cause; but if you can not do this, correct at least the thing itself; but if you can not do even this, of what use is it to you to find fault?
For nothing should be done without a purpose.
Book: Meditations
Subtitle: The classic from Marcus Aurelius.
Author: Marcus Aurelius
Chapter: Book Eight
Chapter Subtitle: This reflection also tends to the removal of the desire of empty fame, that it is no longer in your power to have lived the whole of your life, or at least your life from your youth upwards, like a philosopher; but both to many others and to yourself it is plain that you art far from philosophy.
Location: Chapter 8, Section 17
Content:
17. If a thing is in your own power, why do you do it?
But if it is in the power of another, whom do you blame?
The atoms (chance) or the gods?
Both are foolish.
You must blame nobody.
For if you can, correct that which is the cause; but if you can not do this, correct at least the thing itself; but if you can not do even this, of what use is it to you to find fault?
For nothing should be done without a purpose.