Book Eight
8:47
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.
47. If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you but your own judgement about it.
And it is in your power to wipe out this judgement now.
But if anything in your own disposition gives you pain, who hinders you from correcting your opinion?
And even if you are pained because you are not doing some particular thing which seems to you to be right, why do you not rather act than complain?
- But some insuperable obstacle is in the way?
- Do not be grieved then, for the cause of its not being done depends not on you.
- But it is not worth while to live if this cannot be done.
- Take your departure then from life contentedly, just as he dies who is in full activity, and well pleased too with the things which are obstacles.
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 47
Content:
47. If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you but your own judgement about it.
And it is in your power to wipe out this judgement now.
But if anything in your own disposition gives you pain, who hinders you from correcting your opinion?
And even if you are pained because you are not doing some particular thing which seems to you to be right, why do you not rather act than complain?
- But some insuperable obstacle is in the way?
- Do not be grieved then, for the cause of its not being done depends not on you.
- But it is not worth while to live if this cannot be done.
- Take your departure then from life contentedly, just as he dies who is in full activity, and well pleased too with the things which are obstacles.