29. The universal cause is like a winter torrent: it carries everything along with it.
But how worthless are all these poor people who are engaged in matters political, and, as they suppose, are playing the philosopher!
All drivellers.
Well then, man: do what nature now requires.
Set yourself in motion, if it is in your power, and do not look about you to see if any one will observe it; nor yet expect Plato's Republic: but be content if the smallest thing goes on well, and consider such an event to be no small matter.
For who can change men's opinions?
And without a change of opinions what else is there than the slavery of men who groan while they pretend to obey?
Come now and tell me of Alexander and Philip and Demetrius of Phalerum.
They themselves shall judge whether they discovered what the common nature required, and trained themselves accordingly.
But if they acted like tragedy heroes, no one has condemned me to imitate them.
Simple and modest is the work of philosophy.
Draw me not aside to indolence and pride.
Book: Meditations
Subtitle: The classic from Marcus Aurelius.
Author: Marcus Aurelius
Chapter: Book Nine
Chapter Subtitle: He who acts unjustly acts impiously.
Location: Chapter 9, Section 29
Content:
29. The universal cause is like a winter torrent: it carries everything along with it.
But how worthless are all these poor people who are engaged in matters political, and, as they suppose, are playing the philosopher!
All drivellers.
Well then, man: do what nature now requires.
Set yourself in motion, if it is in your power, and do not look about you to see if any one will observe it; nor yet expect Plato's Republic: but be content if the smallest thing goes on well, and consider such an event to be no small matter.
For who can change men's opinions?
And without a change of opinions what else is there than the slavery of men who groan while they pretend to obey?
Come now and tell me of Alexander and Philip and Demetrius of Phalerum.
They themselves shall judge whether they discovered what the common nature required, and trained themselves accordingly.
But if they acted like tragedy heroes, no one has condemned me to imitate them.
Simple and modest is the work of philosophy.
Draw me not aside to indolence and pride.