the thoughts of the emperor marcus aurelius
TRANSCRIPT
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 1/111
THE THOUGHTS OF THE EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS
LONG'S TRANSLATION EDITED BY EDWIN GINN
CONTENTS:
PREFACE
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
THE THOUGHTS
PHILOSOPHY OF MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS
GENERAL INDEX
PREFACE.
Perhap !"e "a# $%e&!( &he )*!" !+ p%&&(, !%& &he Th!%,h& !+
Mar-% A%re% A(&!((% &! /e %e* a a Rea*er /# -h*re( ( &he-h!!. I& "a# appear &! &he" /e&&er %&e* &! &he "a&%re "(*. The
pr(-pe0 h!)e1er0 &ha& ha ,!1er(e* % ( ee-&(, rea*(, +!r &he
#!%(, ha /ee( &! e-%re &he /e& &ha& )e -!%* +(* ( a a,e +!r
,r!)(2%p pe!pe. The "3 a(* )a&er *e& pr!1*e* +!r 4"# *ear -h*re(4
(!& epe-a# -!"p"e(&ar# &! &he". The# 3e &! /e &rea&e* 3e
&&e "e( a(* )!"e(0 -apa/e !+ appre-a&(, a ,!!* &h(,. O(e +(* (
&h r!#a ph!!pher a rare ,e(er!� )ee&(e a(* h%"�
$%a&e a3e %&e* &! a a,e.
A*!p&(, &he ph!!pher' r!/e a& &)e1e0 he re"a( a &%*e(& a h+e. The pre-ep& &ha& he )!%* ,1e +!r &he ,!1er("e(& !+ !&her0 he
ha pra-&e* %p!( h"e+. I( h &"e0 a ( !%r0 &here )ere ,!!*
ph#-a( +!r &he "(* a(* /!*#0 )h! -!%* "a3e )e pre-rp&!( +!r
&he ,!1er("e(& !+ &her (e,h/!r0 /%& )ere %(a/e &! app# &he" &!
&he"e1e. The +a%& !+ !%r +e!) are ! (%"er!% a(* ! ea# &! -%re
&ha& !(e rea*# &e"p&e* &! /e-!"e &he ph#-a(0 )he !%r !)( +a%&
are ! +e) a(* ! %("p!r&a(& &ha& & har*# )!r&h )he &! ,1e a(#
a&&e(&!( &! &he". He(-e )e ha1e a "%&&%*e !+ ph#-a( +!r h%"a(&#
( ,e(era0 a(* a -ar-&# !+ (*1*%a heaer.
I& )a &he *!-&r(e !+ Mar-% A%re% &ha& "!& !+ &he !+ +e -!"e&! % +r!" !%r !)( "a,(a&!(0 &ha& & )a (!& ( &he p!)er !+ !&her
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 2/111
er!%# &! (&er+ere )&h &he -a"0 &e"pera&e +e !+ a( (*1*%a0
a(* &ha& )he( a +e!) /e(, ** a(#&h(, &! % &ha& ee"e* %(5%& he )a
a-&(, ( ,(!ra(-e0 a(* &ha& (&ea* !+ &rr(, %p a(,er )&h( % &
h!%* &r !%r p&# +!r h". O+&e(&"e /# -are+% e+2e6a"(a&!( )e
h!%* +(* &ha& &he +a%& )a "!re !%r !)( &ha( &ha& !+ !%r +e!)0 a(*
!%r %++er(, )ere ra&her +r!" !%r !)( !p(!( &ha( +r!" a(#&h(, rea.The -r-e !+ "a(' 3(!)e*,e 1er# "&e*0 a(* &he ar,e& -r-e *!
(!& )h!# (-%*e &he "ae&. The# are (&ere-&(, a(* &he e,"e(&
-!""!( &! a(# &)! 1er# "a. Wha&e1er e !%&*e &h pa-e *!e
(!& e6& +!r /!&h. He(-e are ((%"era/e -!(&e&. The "a( ha1(, &he
ar,e& (&e,e(-e !%,h& &! /e 1er# ,e(er!% &! &he !&her. Be(,
&ha(3+% &ha& he ha /ee( /ee* ( ! "a(# )a#0 he h!%* *! a (
h p!)er &! e(,h&e( h e +a1!re* +e!)0 ra&her &ha( /e a(,r# )&h
h" !( a--!%(& !+ h "+!r&%(e. I he (!& %++-e(&# p%(he* (
/e(, *e(e* &he ,h&7
A&(, h %(-e ( &he ,!1er("e(& !+ &he ,rea& R!"a( E"pre a&e1e(&ee(0 & )a h a" -!(&a(&# &! re&ra( &he p!)er !+ &he &r!(,
a(* &! a& &he )ea3. He &%*e* &he a) !+ h -!%(&r#0 (!& +!r
)*!" a!(e0 /%& &ha& he ",h& "a3e &he" "!re /e(e+-a &! h pe!pe.
A h +e he &re* &! /r(, h +e!) &! a h,her e1e0 a(* &!
&h(3 -har&a/# !+ ea-h !&her. O--%p#(, h"e+ a paa-e he 1e*
"p#0 3e !&her "e(. I& )a h ,rea&e& *e,h& &! re&re &! h
-!%(&r# h!"e a(* &here0 *)e(, a"!(, h /!!30 &! "e*&a&e %p!( &he
,rea& pr!/e" !+ +e. He -a"e* &ha& a "a(' +e h!%* /e 1a%e*
a--!r*(, &! &he 1a%e !+ &he &h(, &! )h-h he ,a1e h a&&e(&!(. I+
h )h!e &h!%,h& )a ,1e( &! -!&h(,0 +ee*(, a(* h!%(, h"e+
-!"+!r&a/#0 he h!%* /e 1a%e* 3e !&her )e2h!%e* a(* )e2+e*
a("a. He )!%*0 h!)e1er0 *er1e &he ,rea&e& pea%re a(* /e(e+& (
&h +e /# a-&(, ( a--!r*a(-e )&h rea!(0 )h-h *e"a(* !+ e1er#
h%"a( /e(, &ha& h h,he& +a-%&e h!%* ,!1er( a &he re&0 a(*
&ha& ea-h h!%* ee &! & &ha& he &rea&e* h +e!) 3(*# a(*
,e(er!%# a(* &ha& + he -!%* (!& a& h" &! a h,her e1e he
h!%* a& ea& (!& &a(* ( h )a#. Whe( he pea3 !+ &he h!r&(e !+
&"e a(* &he 1a%e !+ +a"e0 r-he a(* p!)er0 +!r )h-h "e( &r1e (
&h )!r*0 he pea3 (!& +r!" &he &a(*p!(& !+ !(e )h! )!%* )h &!
!/&a( &hee &h(,0 /%& a a R!"a( e"per!r e(5!#(, &he h,he& h!(!r
&ha& "a( ",h& e6pe-& &! a&&a( ( &h )!r*. He -er&a(# )a ( a p!&!( &! pea3 (&e,e(&# -!(-er((, &hee "a&&er0 a(* h
!p(!( !%,h& &! ha1e )e,h& )&h &he -!"(, ,e(era&!(. Ch*re( "a#
(!& pre+er &! rea* %-h &h!%,h&8 perhap &he "a5!r&# !+ -h*re( *! (!&
pre+er &he B/e &! !&her /!!3. S&0 )e a &h(3 & )e +!r &he"
&! /e !/,e* &! rea* &. Perhap re$%r(, &he %e !+ %-h &era&%re (
&he -h!! ",h& /e a 1a%a/e a &he a**(,0 %/&ra-&(,0 "%&p#(,
a(* *1*(, !+ (&er"(a/e (%"/er0 &he "e"!r9(, !+ a &he -ape0
/a# a(* r1er ( &he )!r*0 a(* &he *a&e !+ a &he /a&&e &ha& ha1e
!--%rre* (-e &he -rea&!( !+ "a(. We h!%* &r1e &! &"%a&e &he
&h(3(, p!)er !+ -h*re(0 ea*(, &he" &! +!r" )e 5%*,"e(&
-!(-er((, &he "p!r&a(& &h(, !+ +e0 )&h!%& -a&er(, &!! "%-h &!&her !)( )he a& a( a,e )he( &he# -a((!& +!r" a( (&e,e(& !p(!(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 3/111
!+ )ha& /e& +!r &he"e1e.
A& !%r +r& rea*(, !+ &he Th!%,h& !+ Mar-% A%re% A(&!((%0 )e
"ar3e* "a(# e(&e(-e &ha& appeare* &! % pe-a# ,!!*8 ( &he e-!(*0
&)-e a "a(# "!re. Where a ,!!* & har* &! e"pha9e0 /%& )e
) -&e 5%& !(e !+ h re+e-&!(0 a %&ra&(, &he &re(* !+ h"(*: 4I ha1e !+&e( )!(*ere*04 he a#0 4h!) & &ha& e1er# "a( !1e
h"e+ "!re &ha( a &he re& !+ "e(0 a(* #e& e& e 1a%e !( h !)(
!p(!( !+ h"e+ &ha( !( &he !p(!( !+ !&her.4
We ha1e ,1e( L!(,' &ra(a&!( !+ &he Th!%,h& -!"pe&e0 a p%/he*
/# Mer. L&&e0 Br!)( C!.0 /%& )e ha1e !"&&e* !"e %("p!r&a(&
p!r&!( !+ &he /!,raph# a(* ph!!ph# ( &he (&ere& !+ pa-e a(*
e-!(!"#. We ha1e a! ,1e( &he ph!!ph# ( a %ppe"e(&0 &h(3(, &
/e&&er &ha& & h!%* -!"e a+&er &he Th!%,h& &he"e1e. We ha %e
a p!-3e& e*&!( !( 1er# &h( paper +!r &he -!(1e(e(-e !+ %-h a )h
&! "a3e a pe-a &%*# !+ &he )!r3. We a! pr!p!e &! %e a "ar e*&!( !+ &he )r&(, !+ Ep-&e&%.
EDWIN GINN.
;a(%ar# <=0 >?@.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS.
M. A(&!((%0 &he !( !+ A((% er% a(* D!"&a Ca1a0 )a /!r( a&
R!"e0 A.D. ><>. The E"per!r T. A(&!((% P% "arre* Fa%&(a0 &he
&er !+ A((% er%0 a(* )a -!(e$%e(&# &he %(-e !+ M. A(&!((%.
Whe( Ha*ra( a*!p&e* A(&!((% P% a(* *e-are* h" h %--e!r ( &he
e"pre0 A(&!((% P% a*!p&e* /!&h L. Ce!(% C!""!*% a(* M.
A(&!((%0 ,e(era# -ae* M. A%re% A(&!((%.
The #!%&h )a "!& -are+%# /r!%,h& %p. He &ha(3 &he ,!* I. > &ha&
he ha* ,!!* ,ra(*+a&her0 ,!!* pare(&0 a ,!!* &er0 ,!!* &ea-her0,!!* a!-a&e0 ,!!* 3("e( a(* +re(*0 (ear# e1er#&h(, ,!!*. He ha*
&he happ# +!r&%(e &! )&(e &he e6a"pe !+ h %(-e a(* a*!p&1e
+a&her0 A(&!((% P%0 a(* he ha re-!r*e* ( h )!r3 I. >8 I. =
&he 1r&%e !+ &h e6-ee(& "a( a(* pr%*e(& r%er. L3e "a(# #!%(,
R!"a( he &re* h ha(* a& p!e&r# a(* &%*e* rhe&!r-. There are
e&&er e6&a(& h!)(, &he ,rea& a++e-&!( !+ &he p%p +!r &he "a&er0
a(* &he "a&er' ,rea& h!pe !+ h (*%&r!% p%p.
Whe( he )a ee1e( #ear !* he a%"e* &he *re !+ ph!!pher0
!"e&h(, pa( a(* -!are0 /e-a"e a har* &%*e(&0 a(* 1e* a "!&
a/!r!%0 a/&e"!% +e0 e1e( ! +ar a &! (5%re h hea&h. Hea/a(*!(e* p!e&r# a(* rhe&!r- +!r ph!!ph#0 a(* a&&a-he* h"e+ &! &he
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 4/111
e-& !+ &he S&!-. B%& he ** (!& (e,e-& &he &%*# !+ a)0 )h-h )a a
%e+% prepara&!( +!r &he h,h pa-e )h-h he )a *e,(e* &! +. We
"%& %pp!e &ha& he ear(e* &he R!"a( *-p(e !+ ar"0 )h-h )a a
(e-ear# par& !+ &he e*%-a&!( !+ a "a( )h! a+&er)ar* e* h &r!!p &!
/a&&e a,a(& a )ar3e ra-e.
A(&!((% ha re-!r*e* ( h +r& /!!3 &he (a"e !+ h &ea-her0 a(*
&he !/,a&!( )h-h he !)e* &! ea-h !+ &he". The )a# ( )h-h he pea3
!+ )ha& he ear(e* +r!" &he" ",h& ee" &! a1!r !+ 1a(&# !r e+2
prae0 + )e !!3 -aree# a& &he )a# ( )h-h he ha e6pree*
h"e+8 /%& + a(#!(e *ra) &h -!(-%!(0 he ) /e "&a3e(.
A(&!((% "ea( &! -!""e"!ra&e &he "er& !+ h e1era &ea-her0 )ha&
&he# &a%,h&0 a(* )ha& a p%p ",h& ear( +r!" &he". Be*e0 &h /!!30
3e &he ee1e( !&her /!!30 )a +!r h !)( %e8 a(* + )e "a# &r%& &he
(!&e a& &he e(* !+ &he +r& /!!30 & )a )r&&e( *%r(, !(e !+ M.
A(&!((%' -a"pa,( a,a(& &he %a*0 a& a &"e )he( &he -!""e"!ra&!(
!+ &he 1r&%e !+ h %&r!% &ea-her ",h& re"(* h" !+ &her e!( a(* &he pra-&-a %e )h-h he ",h& *er1e +r!" &he".
A"!(, h &ea-her !+ ph!!ph# )a Se6&% !+ Chaer!(ea0 a ,ra(*!( !+
P%&ar-h. Wha& he ear(e* +r!" &h e6-ee(& "a( &!* /# h"e+ I.
@. H +a1!r&e &ea-her )a R%&-% I. 0 a ph!!pher0 a(* a! a
"a( !+ pra-&-a ,!!* e(e ( p%/- a++ar. R%&-% )a &he a*1er
!+ A(&!((% a+&er he /e-a"e e"per!r. Y!%(, "e( )h! are *e&(e* +!r h,h
pa-e are (!& !+&e( +!r&%(a&e ( &h!e )h! are a/!%& &he"0 &her
-!"pa(!( a(* &ea-her8 a(* I *! (!& 3(!) a(# e6a"pe !+ a #!%(, pr(-e
ha1(, ha* a( e*%-a&!( )h-h -a( /e -!"pare* )&h &ha& !+ M. A(&!((%.
S%-h a /!*# !+ &ea-her *&(,%he* /# &her a-$%re"e(& a(* &her
-hara-&er ) har*# /e -!e-&e* a,a(8 a(* a &! &he p%p0 )e ha1e
(!& ha* !(e 3e h" (-e.
Ha*ra( *e* ( ;%#0 A.D. >?0 a(* )a %--ee*e* /# A(&!((% P%. M.
A(&!((% "arre* Fa%&(a0 h -!%(0 &he *a%,h&er !+ P%0 pr!/a/#
a/!%& A.D. >0 +!r he ha* a *a%,h&er /!r( ( A.D. >. He re-e1e* +r!"
h a*!p&1e +a&her &he &&e !+ Caear0 a(* )a a!-a&e* )&h h" (
&he a*"(&ra&!( !+ &he &a&e. The +a&her a(* &he a*!p&e* !( 1e*
&!,e&her ( per+e-& +re(*hp a(* -!(+*e(-e. A(&!((% )a a *%&+%
!(0 a(* &he e"per!r P% !1e* a(* e&ee"e* h".
A(&!((% P% *e* A.D. >>. The Se(a&e0 & a*0 %r,e* M. A(&!((%
&! &a3e &he !e a*"(&ra&!( !+ &he e"pre0 /%& he a!-a&e* )&h
h"e+ &he !&her a*!p&e* !( !+ P%0 L. Ce!(% C!""!*%0 )h!
,e(era# -ae* L. er%. Th% R!"e +!r &he +r& &"e ha* &)! e"per!r.
er% )a a( (*!e(& "a( !+ pea%re0 a(* %()!r&h# !+ h &a&!(.
A(&!((% h!)e1er /!re )&h h"0 a(* & a* &ha& er% ha* e(e
e(!%,h &! pa# &! h -!ea,%e &he repe-& *%e &! h -hara-&er. A
1r&%!% e"per!r a(* a !!e par&(er 1e* &!,e&her ( pea-e0 a(* &her
aa(-e )a &re(,&he(e* /# A(&!((% ,1(, &! er% +!r )+e h
*a%,h&er L%-a.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 5/111
The re,( !+ A(&!((% )a +r& &r!%/e* /# a Par&ha( )ar0 ( )h-h
er% )a e(& &! -!""a(*8 /%& he ** (!&h(,0 a(* &he %--e &ha& )a
!/&a(e* /# &he R!"a( ( Ar"e(a a(* !( &he E%phra&e a(* T,r )a *%e
&! h ,e(era. Th Par&ha( )ar e(*e* ( A.D. >. A%re% a(* er%
ha* a &r%"ph A.D. > +!r &he 1-&!re ( &he Ea&. A pe&e(-e
+!!)e*0 )h-h -arre* !++ ,rea& (%"/er ( R!"e a(* I&a#0 a(* prea*&! &he )e& !+ E%r!pe.
The (!r&h !+ I&a# )a a! &hrea&e(e* /# &he r%*e pe!pe /e#!(* &he Ap
+r!" &he /!r*er !+ Gaa &! &he ea&er( *e !+ &he Ha*ra&-. Thee
/ar/ara( a&&e"p&e* &! /rea3 (&! I&a#0 a &he Ger"a(- (a&!( ha*
a&&e"p&e* (ear &hree h%(*re* #ear /e+!re8 a(* &he re& !+ &he +e !+
A(&!((%0 )&h !"e (&er1a0 )a e"p!#e* ( *r1(, /a-3 &he
(1a*er. I( A.D. >@ er% %**e(# *e*0 a(* A(&!((% a*"(&ere* &he
&a&e a!(e.
D%r(, &he Ger"a( )ar A(&!((% re*e* +!r &hree #ear !( &he Da(%/e a&Car(%(&%". The Mar-!"a(( )ere *r1e( !%& !+ Pa((!(a a(* a"!&
*e&r!#e* ( &her re&rea& a-r! &he Da(%/e8 a(* ( A.D. > &he e"per!r
,a(e* a ,rea& 1-&!r# !1er &he %a*.
I( A.D. >0 A1*% Ca%0 a /ra1e a(* 3+% R!"a( -!""a(*er )h! )a
a& &he hea* !+ &he &r!!p ( Aa0 re1!&e* a(* *e-are* h"e+
A%,%&%. B%& Ca% )a aa(a&e* /# !"e !+ h !++-er0 a(* !
&he re/e!( -a"e &! a( e(*. A(&!((% h!)e* h h%"a(&# /# h
&rea&"e(& !+ &he +a"# a(* &he par&a( !+ Ca%8 a(* h e&&er &!
&he Se(a&e0 ( )h-h he re-!""e(* "er-#0 e6&a(&.
A(&!((% e& !%& +!r &he Ea& !( hear(, !+ Ca%' re1!&. Th!%,h he
appear &! ha1e re&%r(e* &! R!"e ( A.D. >0 he )e(& /a-3 &! pr!e-%&e
&he )ar a,a(& &he Ger"a(0 a(* & pr!/a/e &ha& he "ar-he* *re-& &!
&he Ea& +r!" &he Ger"a( )ar. H )+e Fa%&(a0 )h! a--!"pa(e* h" (&!
Aa0 *e* %**e(# a& &he +!!& !+ &he Ta%r%0 &! &he ,rea& ,re+ !+ her
h%/a(*. Cap&!(%0 )h! ha )r&&e( &he +e !+ A(&!((%0 a(* a!
D!( Ca% a--%e &he e"pre !+ -a(*a!% (+*e&# &! her h%/a(*
a(* !+ a/!"(a/e e)*(e. B%& Cap&!(% a# &ha& A(&!((% e&her
3(e) & (!& !r pre&e(*e* (!& &! 3(!) &. N!&h(, ! -!""!( a %-h
"a-!% rep!r& ( a a,e0 a(* &he h&!r# !+ "pera R!"e +%!+ &he". A(&!((% !1e* h )+e0 a(* he a# &ha& he )a 4!/e*e(&0
a++e-&!(a&e0 a(* "pe.4 The a"e -a(*a ha* /ee( prea* a/!%&
Fa%&(a' "!&her0 &he )+e !+ A(&!((% P%0 a(* #e& he &!! )a
per+e-&# a&+e* )&h h )+e. A(&!((% P% a# a+&er her *ea&h (
a e&&er &! Fr!(&! &ha& he )!%* ra&her ha1e 1e* ( e6e )&h h )+e
&ha( ( h paa-e a& R!"e )&h!%& her. There are (!& "a(# "e( )h! )!%*
,1e &her )1e a /e&&er -hara-&er &ha( &hee &)! e"per!r. Cap&!(%
)r!&e ( &he &"e !+ D!-e&a(. He "a# ha1e (&e(*e* &! &e &he &r%&h0
/%& he a p!!r0 +ee/e /!,rapher. D!( Ca%0 &he "!& "a,(a(& !+
h&!ra(0 a)a# rep!r& a(* perhap he /ee1e* a(# -a(*a a,a(&
a(#/!*#.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 6/111
A(&!((% -!(&(%e* h 5!%r(e# &! S#ra a(* E,#p&0 a(* !( h re&%r( &!
I&a# &hr!%,h A&he( he )a (&a&e* (&! &he Ee%(a( "#&ere. I&
)a &he pra-&-e !+ &he e"per!r &! -!(+!r" &! &he e&a/he* r&e !+
&he a,e0 a(* &! per+!r" re,!% -ere"!(e )&h *%e !e"(&#. We
-a((!& -!(-%*e +r!" &h &ha& he )a a %per&&!% "a(0 &h!%,h )e
",h& perhap *! ! + h /!!3 ** (!& h!) &ha& he )a (!&. B%& &h !(# !(e a"!(, "a(# (&a(-e &ha& a r%er' p%/- a-& *! (!& a)a#
pr!1e h rea !p(!(. A pr%*e(& ,!1er(!r ) (!& r!%,h# !pp!e e1e(
&he %per&&!( !+ h pe!pe8 a(* &h!%,h he "a# )h &ha& &he# )ere
)er0 he ) 3(!) &ha& he -a((!& "a3e &he" ! /# !++e(*(, &her
pre5%*-e.
A(&!((% a(* h !( C!""!*% e(&ere* R!"e ( &r%"ph0 perhap +!r !"e
Ger"a( 1-&!re0 A.D. >. I( &he +!!)(, #ear C!""!*% )a a!-a&e*
)&h h +a&her ( &he e"pre0 a(* &!!3 &he (a"e !+ A%,%&%. Th #ear
A.D. > "e"!ra/e ( e--ea&-a h&!r#. A&&a% a(* !&her )ere
p%& &! *ea&h a& L#!( +!r &her a*here(-e &! &he Chr&a( re,!(. Thee1*e(-e !+ &h pere-%&!( a e&&er preer1e* /# E%e/%. I&
-!(&a( a 1er# par&-%ar *e-rp&!( !+ &he &!r&%re (+-&e* !( &he
Chr&a( ( Gaa0 a(* & &a&e &ha& )he &he pere-%&!( )a ,!(,
!(0 A&&a%0 a Chr&a( a(* a R!"a( -&9e(0 )a !%*# *e"a(*e* /# &he
p!p%a-e a(* /r!%,h& (&! &he a"ph&hea&re8 /%& &he ,!1er(!r !r*ere* h"
&! /e reer1e*0 )&h &he re& )h! )ere ( pr!(0 %(& he ha* re-e1e*
(&r%-&!( +r!" &he e"per!r. Ma(# ha* /ee( &!r&%re* /e+!re &he ,!1er(!r
&h!%,h& !+ app#(, &! A(&!((%. The "pera re-rp&0 a# &he e&&er0
)a &ha& &he Chr&a( h!%* /e p%(he*0 /%& + &he# )!%* *e(# &her
+a&h0 &he# "%& /e reeae*. O( &h &he )!r3 /e,a( a,a(. The
Chr&a( )h! )ere R!"a( -&9e( )ere /ehea*e*8 &he re& )ere e6p!e*
&! &he )* /ea& ( &he a"ph&hea&re.
The )ar !( &he (!r&her( +r!(&er appear &! ha1e /ee( %((&err%p&e*
*%r(, &he 1& !+ A(&!((% &! &he Ea&0 a(* !( h re&%r( &he e"per!r
a,a( e+& R!"e &! !pp!e &he /ar/ara(. The Ger"a(- pe!pe )ere
*e+ea&e* ( a ,rea& /a&&e A.D. >@. D%r(, &h -a"pa,( &he e"per!r )a
e9e* )&h !"e -!(&a,!% "aa*#0 !+ )h-h he *e* ( &he -a"p0 A.D.
>?=0 ( &he ++((&h #ear !+ h a,e. H !( C!""!*% )a )&h h".
The /!*#0 !r &he ahe pr!/a/#0 !+ &he e"per!r )ere -arre* &! R!"e0 a(*
he re-e1e* &he h!(!r !+ *e+-a&!(. Th!e )h! -!%* a++!r* & ha* h&a&%e !r /%&8 a(* )he( Cap&!(% )r!&e0 "a(# pe!pe & ha* &a&%e
!+ A(&!((% a"!(, &he De Pe(a&e !r h!%eh!* *e&e. He )a ( a
"a((er "a*e a a(&. C!""!*% ere-&e* &! &he "e"!r# !+ h +a&her &he
A(&!((e -!%"( )h-h (!) ( &he Pa99a C!!((a a& R!"e. The /a
re1 )h-h are pa-e* ( a pra (e r!%(* &he ha+& -!""e"!ra&e &he
1-&!re !+ A(&!((% !1er &he Mar-!"a(( a(* &he %a*0 a(* &he
"ra-%!% h!)er !+ ra( )h-h re+rehe* &he R!"a( !*er a(*
*-!"+&e* &her e(e"e. The &a&%e !+ A(&!((% )a pa-e* !( &he
-ap&a !+ &he -!%"(0 /%& & )a re"!1e* a& !"e &"e %(3(!)(0 a(* a
/r!(9e &a&%e !+ S&. Pa% )a p%& ( &he pa-e /# P!pe S6&% &he ++&h.
I( !r*er &! +!r" a pr!per (!&!( !+ &he -!(*&!( !+ &he Chr&a( %(*er
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 7/111
M. A(&!((% )e "%& ,! /a-3 &! Tra5a(' &"e. Whe( &he #!%(,er P(# )a
,!1er(!r !+ B&h#(a0 &he Chr&a( )ere (%"er!% ( &h!e par&0 a(*
&he )!rhpper !+ &he !* re,!( )ere +a(, !++. The &e"pe )ere
*eer&e*0 &he +e&1a (e,e-&e*0 a(* &here )ere (! p%r-haer !+
1-&" +!r a-r+-e. Th!e )h! )ere (&ere&e* ( &he "a(&e(a(-e !+
&he !* re,!( &h% +!%(* &ha& &her pr!+& )ere ( *a(,er. Chr&a(!+ /!&h e6e a(* !+ a a,e )ere /r!%,h& /e+!re &he ,!1er(!r0 )h! **
(!& 3(!) )ha& &! *! )&h &he". He -!%* -!"e &! (! !&her -!(-%!( &ha(
&h0 &ha& &h!e )h! -!(+ee* &! /e Chr&a( a(* pere1ere* ( &her
re,!( !%,h& &! /e p%(he*8 + +!r (!&h(, ee0 +!r &her (1(-/e
!/&(a-#. He +!%(* (! -r"e pr!1e* a,a(& &he Chr&a(0 a(* he -!%*
!(# -hara-&er9e &her re,!( a a *epra1e* a(* e6&ra1a,a(&
%per&&!(0 )h-h ",h& /e &!ppe* + &he pe!pe )ere a!)e* &he
!pp!r&%(&# !+ re-a(&(,. P(# )r!&e &h ( a e&&er &! Tra5a(. He
a3e* +!r &he e"per!r' *re-&!(0 /e-a%e he ** (!& 3(!) )ha& &! *!.
He re"ar3 &ha& he ha* (e1er /ee( e(,a,e* ( 5%*-a ($%re a/!%& &he
Chr&a(0 a(* &ha& a--!r*(,# he ** (!& 3(!) )ha& &! ($%re a/!%& !r h!) +ar &! ($%re a(* p%(h. Th pr!1e &ha& & )a (!& a (e) &h(, &!
e6a"(e (&! a "a(' pr!+e!( !+ Chr&a(&# a(* &! p%(h h" +!r &.
Tra5a(' re-rp& e6&a(&. He appr!1e* !+ &he ,!1er(!r' 5%*,"e(& (
&he "a&&er0 /%& he a* &ha& (! ear-h "%& /e "a*e a+&er &he Chr&a(8
+ a "a( )a -har,e* )&h &he (e) re,!( a(* -!(1-&e*0 he "%& (!& /e
p%(he* + he a++r"e* &ha& he )a (!& a Chr&a( a(* -!(+r"e* h
*e(a /# h!)(, h re1ere(-e &! &he hea&he( ,!*. He a**e* &ha& (!
(!&-e "%& /e &a3e( !+ a(!(#"!% (+!r"a&!(0 +!r %-h &h(, )ere !+
/a* e6a"pe. Tra5a( )a a "* a(* e(/e "a(8 a(* /!&h "!&1e !+
"er-# a(* p!-# pr!/a/# a! (*%-e* h" &! &a3e a &&e (!&-e !+
&he Chr&a( a he -!%*0 &! e& &he" 1e ( $%e& + & )ere
p!/e. Tra5a(' re-rp& &he +r& e,a&1e a-& !+ &he hea* !+
&he R!"a( &a&e )&h re+ere(-e &! Chr&a(� )h-h 3(!)( &! %. I&
*!e (!& appear &ha& &he Chr&a( )ere +%r&her *&%r/e* %(*er h
re,(.
I( &he &"e !+ Ha*ra( & )a (! !(,er p!/e +!r &he R!"a( ,!1er("e(&
&! !1er!!3 &he ,rea& (-reae !+ &he Chr&a( a(* &he h!&&# !+ &he
-!""!( !r& &! &he". I+ &he ,!1er(!r ( &he pr!1(-e )ere )(, &!
e& &he" a!(e0 &he# -!%* (!& re& &he +a(a&-" !+ &he hea&he(
-!""%(� )h! !!3e* !( &he Chr&a( a a&he&. The ;e) &!!0 )h!)ere e&&e* a !1er &he R!"a( E"pre0 )ere a h!&e &! &he Chr&a(
a &he Ge(&e )ere. W&h &he &"e !+ Ha*ra( /e,( &he Chr&a(
Ap!!,e0 )h-h h!) pa(# )ha& &he p!p%ar +ee(, &!)ar* &he
Chr&a( &he( )a. A re-rp& !+ Ha*ra( &! M(%-% F%(*a(%0 &he
Pr!-!(% !+ Aa0 )h-h &a(* a& &he e(* !+ ;%&(' +r& Ap!!,#0
(&r%-& &he ,!1er(!r &ha& ((!-e(& pe!pe "%& (!& /e &r!%/e*0 a(*
+ae a--%er "%& (!& /e a!)e* &! e6&!r& "!(e# +r!" &he"8 &he -har,e
a,a(& &he Chr&a( "%& /e "a*e ( *%e +!r"0 a(* (! a&&e(&!( "%& /e
pa* &! p!p%ar -a"!r8 )he( Chr&a( )ere re,%ar# pr!e-%&e* a(*
-!(1-&e* !+ e,a a-&0 &he# "%& /e p%(he* a--!r*(, &! &her
*eer&8 a(* +ae a--%er a! "%& /e p%(he*. A(&!((% P% a*&! ha1e p%/he* re-rp& &! &he a"e e++e-&. The &er" !+ Ha*ra('
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 8/111
re-rp& ee" 1er# +a1!ra/e &! &he Chr&a(8 /%& + )e %(*er&a(* &
( &h e(e0 &ha& &he# )ere !(# &! /e p%(he* 3e !&her pe!pe +!r
e,a a-&0 & )!%* ha1e ha* (! "ea((,0 +!r &ha& -!%* ha1e /ee( *!(e
)&h!%& a3(, &he e"per!r' a*1-e. The rea p%rp!e !+ &he re-rp&
&ha& Chr&a( "%& /e p%(he* + &he# per&e* ( &her /ee+0 a(*
)!%* (!& pr!1e &her re(%(-a&!( !+ & /# a-3(!)e*,(, &he hea&he(re,!(.
I( &he &"e !+ M. A(&!((% &he !pp!&!( /e&)ee( &he !* a(* &he (e)
/ee+ )a & &r!(,er0 a(* &he a*here(& !+ &he hea&he( re,!(
%r,e* &h!e ( a%&h!r&# &! a "!re re,%ar re&a(-e &! &he (1a!( !+
&he Chr&a( +a&h. Me&! ( h Ap!!,# &! M. A(&!((% repree(& &he
Chr&a( !+ Aa a pere-%&e* %(*er (e) "pera !r*er. Sha"ee
(+!r"er0 he a#0 "e( )h! )ere ,ree*# a+&er &he pr!per&# !+ !&her0
%e* &hee !r*er a a "ea( !+ r!//(, &h!e )h! )ere *!(, (! har". He
*!%/& + a 5%& e"per!r -!%* ha1e !r*ere* a(#&h(, ! %(5%&8 a(* +
&he a& !r*er )a rea# (!& +r!" &he e"per!r0 &he Chr&a( e(&rea&h" (!& &! ,1e &he" %p &! &her e(e"e. We -!(-%*e +r!" &h &ha&
&here )ere a& ea& "pera re-rp& !r -!(&&%&!( !+ M. A(&!((%
)h-h )ere "a*e &he +!%(*a&!( !+ &hee pere-%&!(. The +a-& !+ /e(, a
Chr&a( )a (!) a -r"e a(* p%(he*0 %(e &he a--%e* *e(e* &her
re,!(. The( -!"e &he pere-%&!( a& S"#r(a0 )h-h !"e "!*er( -r&-
pa-e ( A.D. >0 &e( #ear /e+!re &he pere-%&!( !+ L#!(. The
,!1er(!r !+ &he pr!1(-e %(*er M. A(&!((% ",h& ha1e +!%(* e(!%,h
e1e( ( Tra5a(' re-rp& &! )arra(& &he" ( p%(h(, Chr&a(0 a(*
&he +a(a&-" !+ &he pe!pe )!%* *r1e &he" &! pere-%&!(0 e1e( +
&he# )ere %()(,. B%& /e*e &he +a-& !+ &he Chr&a( re5e-&(, a
&he hea&he( -ere"!(e0 )e "%& (!& +!r,e& &ha& &he# pa(# "a(&a(e*
&ha& a &he hea&he( re,!( )ere +ae. The Chr&a( &h% *e-are*
)ar a,a(& &he hea&he( r&e0 a(* & har*# (e-ear# &! !/er1e &ha&
&h )a a *e-ara&!( !+ h!&&# a,a(& &he R!"a( ,!1er("e(&0 )h-h
&!era&e* a &he 1ar!% +!r" !+ %per&&!( &ha& e6&e* ( &he
e"pre0 a(* -!%* (!& -!(&e(&# &!era&e a(!&her re,!(0 )h-h
*e-are* &ha& a &he re& )ere +ae a(* a &he pe(** -ere"!(e !+
&he e"pre !(# a )!rhp !+ *e1.
I+ )e ha* a &r%e e--ea&-a h&!r#0 )e h!%* 3(!) h!) &he R!"a(
e"per!r a&&e"p&e* &! -he-3 &he (e) re,!(8 h!) &he# e(+!r-e* &her pr(-pe !+ +(a# p%(h(, Chr&a(0 "p# a Chr&a(0 )h-h
;%&( ( h Ap!!,# a++r" &ha& &he# **0 a(* I ha1e (! *!%/& &ha& he
&e &he &r%&h8 h!) +ar p!p%ar -a"!r a(* r!& )e(& ( &h "a&&er0
a(* h!) +ar "a(# +a(a&-a a(* ,(!ra(& Chr&a(22+!r &here )ere "a(#
%-h22-!(&r/%&e* &! e6-&e &he +a(a&-" !( &he !&her *e a(* &!
"/&&er &he $%arre /e&)ee( &he R!"a( ,!1er("e(& a(* &he (e) re,!(.
O%r e6&a(& e--ea&-a h&!re are "a(+e&# +a+e*0 a(* )ha&
&r%&h &he# -!(&a( ,r!# e6a,,era&e*8 /%& &he +a-& -er&a( &ha&
( &he &"e !+ M. A(&!((% &he hea&he( p!p%a&!( )ere ( !pe(
h!&&# &! &he Chr&a(0 a(* &ha& %(*er A(&!((%' r%e "e( )ere p%&
&! *ea&h /e-a%e &he# )ere Chr&a(. E%e/%0 ( &he pre+a-e &! h++&h /!!30 re"ar3 &ha& ( &he e1e(&ee(&h #ear !+ A(&!((%' re,(0 (
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 9/111
!"e par& !+ &he )!r*0 &he pere-%&!( !+ &he Chr&a( /e-a"e "!re
1!e(&0 a(* &ha& & pr!-ee*e* +r!" &he p!p%a-e ( &he -&e8 a(* he
a**0 ( h %%a &#e !+ e6a,,era&!(0 &ha& )e "a# (+er +r!" )ha&
&!!3 pa-e ( a (,e (a&!( &ha& "#ra* !+ "ar&#r )ere "a*e ( &he
ha/&a/e ear&h. The (a&!( )h-h he a%*e &! Gaa8 a(* he &he(
pr!-ee* &! ,1e &he e&&er !+ &he -h%r-he !+ e((a a(* L%,*%(%". I& pr!/a/e &ha& he ha a,(e* &he &r%e -a%e !+ &he pere-%&!(0 &he
+a(a&-" !+ &he p!p%a-e0 a(* &ha& /!&h ,!1er(!r a(* e"per!r ha* a
,rea& *ea !+ &r!%/e )&h &hee *&%r/a(-e. H!) +ar Mar-% )a
-!,(9a(& !+ &hee -r%e pr!-ee*(, )e *! (!& 3(!)0 +!r &he h&!r-a
re-!r* !+ h re,( are 1er# *e+e-&1e. He ** (!& "a3e &he r%e a,a(&
&he Chr&a(0 +!r Tra5a( ** &ha&8 a(* + )e a*"& &ha& he )!%* ha1e
/ee( )(, &! e& &he Chr&a( a!(e0 )e -a((!& a++r" &ha& & )a (
h p!)er0 +!r & )!%* /e a ,rea& "&a3e &! %pp!e &ha& A(&!((% ha*
&he %("&e* a%&h!r&# )h-h !"e "!*er( !1ere,( ha1e ha*. H p!)er
)a "&e* /# -er&a( -!(&&%&!(a +!r"0 /# &he Se(a&e0 a(* /# &he
pre-e*e(& !+ h pre*e-e!r. We -a((!& a*"& &ha& %-h a "a( )a a(a-&1e pere-%&!r0 +!r &here (! e1*e(-e &ha& he )a0 &h!%,h &
-er&a( &ha& he ha* (! ,!!* !p(!( !+ &he Chr&a(0 a appear +r!"
h !)( )!r*. B%& he 3(e) (!&h(, !+ &he" e6-ep& &her h!&&# &! &he
R!"a( re,!(0 a(* he pr!/a/# &h!%,h& &ha& &he# )ere *a(,er!% &! &he
&a&e0 (!&)&h&a(*(, &he pr!+e!( +ae !r &r%e !+ !"e !+ &he
Ap!!,&. S! "%-h I ha1e a*0 /e-a%e & )!%* /e %(+ar (!& &! &a&e
a &ha& -a( /e %r,e* a,a(& a "a( )h!" h -!(&e"p!rare a(*
%/e$%e(& a,e 1e(era&e* a a "!*e !+ 1r&%e a(* /e(e1!e(-e. I+ I
a*"&&e* &he ,e(%(e(e !+ !"e *!-%"e(&0 he )!%* /e a&!,e&her -ear
+r!" &he -har,e !+ e1e( a!)(, a(# pere-%&!(8 /%& a I ee3 &he
&r%&h a(* a" %re &ha& &he# are +ae0 I ea1e h" &! /ear )ha&e1er /a"e
h *%e. I a** &ha& & $%&e -er&a( &ha& A(&!((% ** (!& *er1e
a(# !+ h e&h-a pr(-pe +r!" a re,!( !+ )h-h he 3(e) (!&h(,.
There (! *!%/& &ha& &he E"per!r' Re+e-&!(22!r h Me*&a&!(0 a
&he# are ,e(era# (a"e*22 a ,e(%(e )!r3. I( &he +r& /!!3 he pea3
!+ h"e+0 h +a"#0 a(* h &ea-her8 a(* ( !&her /!!3 he "e(&!(
h"e+.
I& pa( &ha& &he e"per!r )r!&e *!)( h &h!%,h& !r re+e-&!( a
&he !--a!( ar!e8 a(* (-e &he# )ere (&e(*e* +!r h !)( %e0 & (! "pr!/a/e -!(5e-&%re &ha& he e+& a -!"pe&e -!p# /eh(* h" )r&&e(
)&h h !)( ha(*8 +!r & (!& 3e# &ha& ! *,e(& a "a( )!%* %e
&he a/!r !+ a &ra(-r/er +!r %-h a p%rp!e0 a(* e6p!e h "!& e-re&
&h!%,h& &! a(# !&her e#e. He "a# ha1e a! (&e(*e* &he /!!3 +!r h !(
C!""!*%0 )h! h!)e1er ha* (! &a&e +!r h +a&her' ph!!ph#.
The a& re+e-&!( !+ &he S&!- ph!!ph# &ha& I ha1e !/er1e* (
S"p-%' C!""e(&ar# !( &he E(-hr*!( !+ Ep-&e&%. S"p-% )a
(!& a Chr&a(0 a(* %-h a "a( )a (!& 3e# &! /e -!(1er&e* a& a &"e
)he( Chr&a(&# )a ,r!# -!rr%p&e*. B%& he )a a rea# re,!%
"a(0 a(* he -!(-%*e h -!""e(&ar# )&h a pra#er &! &he De&# )h-h (!Chr&a( -!%* "pr!1e. Fr!" &he &"e !+ Je(! &! S"p-%0 a per!* !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 10/111
a/!%& ((e h%(*re* #ear0 &he S&!- ph!!ph# +!r"e* &he -hara-&er !+
!"e !+ &he /e& a(* ,rea&e& "e(. A "a(' ,rea&(e e (!& ( )ea&h
a(* &a&!(0 a &he 1%,ar /ee1e0 (!r #e& ( h (&ee-&%a -apa-�
)h-h !+&e( a!-a&e* )&h &he "ea(e& "!ra -hara-&er0 &he "!&
a/5e-& er1&# &! &h!e ( h,h pa-e0 a(* arr!,a(-e &! &he p!!r a(*
!)#8 /%& a "a(' &r%e ,rea&(e e ( &he -!(-!%(e !+ a( h!(e& p%rp!e ( +e0 +!%(*e* !( a 5%& e&"a&e !+ h"e+ a(* e1er#&h(,
ee0 !( +re$%e(& e+2e6a"(a&!(0 a(* a &ea*# !/e*e(-e &! &he r%e
)h-h he 3(!) &! /e r,h&0 )&h!%& &r!%/(, h"e+0 a &he e"per!r
a# he h!%* (!&0 a/!%& )ha& !&her "a# &h(3 !r a#0 !r )he&her &he#
*! !r *! (!& *! &ha& )h-h he &h(3 a(* a# a(* *!e.
THE THOUGHTS OF MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS.
BOOK >.
>. Fr!" "# ,ra(*+a&her er% I ear(e* ,!!* "!ra a(* &he ,!1er("e(&
!+ "# &e"per.
<. Fr!" &he rep%&a&!( a(* re"e"/ra(-e !+ "# +a&her0 "!*e&# a(* a "a(#-hara-&er.
. Fr!" "# "!&her0 pe&# a(* /e(e+-e(-e0 a(* a/&(e(-e0 (!& !(# +r!"
e1 *ee*0 /%& e1e( +r!" e1 &h!%,h&8 a(* +%r&her0 "p-&# ( "#
)a# !+ 1(,0 +ar re"!1e* +r!" &he ha/& !+ &he r-h.
. Fr!" "# ,rea&2,ra(*+a&her0 (!& &! ha1e +re$%e(&e* p%/- -h!!0 a(*
&! ha1e ha* ,!!* &ea-her a& h!"e0 a(* &! 3(!) &ha& !( %-h &h(, a "a(
h!%* pe(* /era#.
. Fr!" "# ,!1er(!r0 &! /e (e&her !+ &he ,ree( (!r !+ &he /%e par&# a&&he ,a"e ( &he Cr-%0 (!r a par&a( e&her !+ &he Par"%ar% !r &he
S-%&ar% a& &he ,a*a&!r' +,h&8 +r!" h" &!! I ear(e* e(*%ra(-e !+
a/!r0 a(* &! )a(& &&e0 a(* &! )!r3 )&h "# !)( ha(*0 a(* (!& &!
"e**e )&h !&her pe!pe' a++ar0 a(* (!& &! /e rea*# &! &e( &!
a(*er.
. Fr!" D!,(e&%0 (!& &! /%# "#e+ a/!%& &r+(, &h(,0 a(* (!& &!
,1e -re*& &! )ha& )a a* /# "ra-e2)!r3er a(* 5%,,er a/!%&
(-a(&a&!( a(* &he *r1(, a)a# !+ *ae"!( a(* %-h &h(,8 a(* (!& &!
/ree* $%a +!r +,h&(,0 (!r &! ,1e "#e+ %p pa!(a&e# &! %-h
&h(,8 a(* &! e(*%re +ree*!" !+ pee-h8 a(* &! ha1e /e-!"e (&"a&e )&h ph!!ph#8 a(* &! ha1e /ee( a hearer0 +r& !+ Ba--h%0 &he( !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 11/111
Ta(*a a(* Mar-a(%8 a(* &! ha1e )r&&e( *a!,%e ( "# #!%&h8 a(* &!
ha1e *ere* a pa(3 /e* a(* 3(0 a(* )ha&e1er ee !+ &he 3(* /e!(,
&! &he Gre-a( *-p(e.
. Fr!" R%&-% I re-e1e* &he "pre!( &ha& "# -hara-&er re$%re*
"pr!1e"e(& a(* *-p(e8 a(* +r!" h" I ear(e* (!& &! /e e* a&ra#&! !ph&- e"%a&!(0 (!r &! )r&(, !( pe-%a&1e "a&&er0 (!r &!
*e1er(, &&e h!r&a&!r# !ra&!(0 (!r &! h!)(, "#e+ !++ a a "a(
)h! pra-&-e "%-h *-p(e0 !r *!e /e(e1!e(& a-& ( !r*er &! "a3e a
*pa#8 a(* &! a/&a( +r!" rhe&!r-0 a(* p!e&r#0 a(* +(e )r&(,8 a(*
(!& &! )a3 a/!%& ( &he h!%e ( "# !%&*!!r *re0 (!r &! *! !&her
&h(, !+ &he 3(*8 a(* &! )r&e "# e&&er )&h "p-� 3e &he
e&&er )h-h R%&-% )r!&e +r!" S(%ea &! "# "!&her8 a(* )&h repe-&
&! &h!e )h! ha1e !++e(*e* "e /# )!r*0 !r *!(e "e )r!(,0 &! /e ea#
*p!e* &! /e pa-+e* a(* re-!(-e*0 a !!( a &he# ha1e h!)( a
rea*(e &! /e re-!(-e*8 a(* &! rea* -are+%#0 a(* (!& &! /e
a&+e* )&h a %per+-a %(*er&a(*(, !+ a /!!38 (!r ha&# &! ,1e"# ae(& &! &h!e )h! &a3 !1er"%-h8 a(* I a" (*e/&e* &! h" +!r /e(,
a-$%a(&e* )&h &he *-!%re !+ Ep-&e&%0 )h-h he -!""%(-a&e* &! "e
!%& !+ h !)( -!e-&!(.
?. Fr!" Ap!!(% I ear(e* +ree*!" !+ ) a(* %(*e1a&(, &ea*(e
!+ p%rp!e8 a(* &! !!3 &! (!&h(, ee0 (!& e1e( +!r a "!"e(&0 e6-ep& &!
rea!(8 a(* &! /e a)a# &he a"e0 ( harp pa(0 !( &he !--a!( !+ &he
! !+ a -h*0 a(* ( !(, (e8 a(* &! ee -ear# ( a 1(,
e6a"pe &ha& &he a"e "a( -a( /e /!&h "!& re!%&e a(* #e*(,0 a(* (!&
pee1h ( ,1(, h (&r%-&!(8 a(* &! ha1e ha* /e+!re "# e#e a "a(
)h! -ear# -!(*ere* h e6pere(-e a(* h 3 ( e6p!%(*(,
ph!!ph-a pr(-pe a &he "ae& !+ h "er&8 a(* +r!" h" I
ear(e* h!) &! re-e1e +r!" +re(* )ha& are e&ee"e* +a1!r0 )&h!%&
/e(, e&her h%"/e* /# &he" !r e&&(, &he" pa %((!&-e*.
@. Fr!" Se6&%0 a /e(e1!e(& *p!&!(0 a(* &he e6a"pe !+ a +a"#
,!1er(e* ( a +a&her# "a((er0 a(* &he *ea !+ 1(, -!(+!r"a/# &!
(a&%re8 a(* ,ra1&# )&h!%& a++e-&a&!(0 a(* &! !!3 -are+%# a+&er &he
(&ere& !+ +re(*0 a(* &! &!era&e ,(!ra(& per!(0 a(* &h!e )h!
+!r" !p(!( )&h!%& -!(*era&!(: he ha* &he p!)er !+ rea*#
a--!""!*a&(, h"e+ &! a0 ! &ha& (&er-!%re )&h h" )a "!rea,reea/e &ha( a(# +a&&er#8 a(* a& &he a"e &"e he )a "!& h,h#
1e(era&e* /# &h!e )h! a!-a&e* )&h h": a(* he ha* &he +a-%&# /!&h
!+ *-!1er(, a(* !r*er(,0 ( a( (&e,e(& a(* "e&h!*-a )a#0 &he
pr(-pe (e-ear# +!r +e8 a(* he (e1er h!)e* a(,er !r a(# !&her
pa!(0 /%& )a e(&re# +ree +r!" pa!(0 a(* a! "!& a++e-&!(a&e8
a(* he -!%* e6pre appr!/a&!( )&h!%& (!# *pa#0 a(* he p!ee*
"%-h 3(!)e*,e )&h!%& !&e(&a&!(.
>=. Fr!" Ae6a(*er &he ,ra""ara(0 &! re+ra( +r!" +a%&2+(*(,0 a(* (!&
( a repr!a-h+% )a# &! -h*e &h!e )h! %&&ere* a(# /ar/ar!% !r
!e-&- !r &ra(,e2!%(*(, e6pre!(8 /%& *e6&er!%# &! (&r!*%-e&he 1er# e6pre!( )h-h !%,h& &! ha1e /ee( %e*0 a(* ( &he )a# !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 12/111
a()er !r ,1(, -!(+r"a&!(0 !r 5!((, ( a( ($%r# a/!%& &he &h(,
&e+0 (!& a/!%& &he )!r*0 !r /# !"e !&her +& %,,e&!(.
>>. Fr!" Fr!(&! I ear(e* &! !/er1e )ha& e(1# a(* *%p-&# a(*
h#p!-r# are ( a &#ra(&0 a(* &ha& ,e(era# &h!e a"!(, % )h! are
-ae* Pa&r-a( are ra&her *e+-e(& ( pa&er(a a++e-&!(.
><. Fr!" Ae6a(*er &he Pa&!(-0 (!& +re$%e(&# (!r )&h!%& (e-e&# &!
a# &! a(# !(e0 !r &! )r&e ( a e&&er0 &ha& I ha1e (! e%re8 (!r
-!(&(%a# &! e6-%e &he (e,e-& !+ *%&e re$%re* /# !%r rea&!( &!
&h!e )&h )h!" )e 1e0 /# ae,(, %r,e(& !--%pa&!(.
>. Fr!" Ca&%%0 (!& &! /e (*++ere(& )he( a +re(* +(* +a%&0 e1e(
+ he h!%* +(* +a%& )&h!%& rea!(0 /%& &! &r# &! re&!re h" &! h
%%a *p!&!(8 a(* &! /e rea*# &! pea3 )e !+ &ea-her0 a &
rep!r&e* !+ D!"&% a(* A&he(!*!&%8 a(* &! !1e "# -h*re( &r%#.
>. Fr!" "# /r!&her Se1er%0 &! !1e "# 3(0 a(* &! !1e &r%&h0 a(* &!
!1e 5%&-e8 a(* &hr!%,h h" I ear(e* &! 3(!) Thraea0 He1*%0 Ca&!0
D!(0 Br%&%8 a(* +r!" h" I re-e1e* &he *ea !+ a p!&# ( )h-h &here
&he a"e a) +!r a0 a p!&# a*"(&ere* )&h re,ar* &! e$%a
r,h& a(* e$%a +ree*!" !+ pee-h0 a(* &he *ea !+ a 3(,# ,!1er("e(&
)h-h repe-& "!& !+ a &he +ree*!" !+ &he ,!1er(e*8 I ear(e* +r!"
h" a! -!(&e(-# a(* %(*e1a&(, &ea*(e ( "# re,ar* +!r
ph!!ph#8 a(* a *p!&!( &! *! ,!!*0 a(* &! ,1e &! !&her rea*#0
a(* &! -herh ,!!* h!pe0 a(* &! /ee1e &ha& I a" !1e* /# "# +re(*8
a(* ( h" I !/er1e* (! -!(-ea"e(& !+ h !p(!( )&h repe-& &!
&h!e )h!" he -!(*e"(e*0 a(* &ha& h +re(* ha* (! (ee* &! -!(5e-&%re
)ha& he )he* !r ** (!& )h0 /%& & )a $%&e pa(.
>. Fr!" Ma6"% I ear(e* e+2,!1er("e(&0 a(* (!& &! /e e* a*e /#
a(#&h(,8 a(* -heer+%(e ( a -r-%"&a(-e0 a )e a ( (e8
a(* a 5%& a*"6&%re ( &he "!ra -hara-&er !+ )ee&(e a(* *,(� a(*
&! *! )ha& )a e& /e+!re "e )&h!%& -!"pa((,. I !/er1e* &ha&
e1er#/!*# /ee1e* &ha& he &h!%,h& a he p!3e0 a(* &ha& ( a &ha& he
** he (e1er ha* a(# /a* (&e(&!(8 a(* he (e1er h!)e* a"a9e"e(& a(*
%rpre0 a(* )a (e1er ( a h%rr#0 a(* (e1er p%& !++ *!(, a &h(,0 (!r
)a perpe6e* (!r *e5e-&e*0 (!r ** he e1er a%,h &! *,%e h1e6a&!(0 (!r0 !( &he !&her ha(*0 )a he e1er pa!(a&e !r %p-!%.
He )a a--%&!"e* &! *! a-& !+ /e(e+-e(-e0 a(* )a rea*# &! +!r,1e0
a(* )a +ree +r!" a +aeh!!*8 a(* he pree(&e* &he appeara(-e !+ a "a(
)h! -!%* (!& /e *1er&e* +r!" r,h&0 ra&her &ha( !+ a "a( )h! ha* /ee(
"pr!1e*. I !/er1e*0 &!!0 &ha& (! "a( -!%* e1er &h(3 &ha& he )a
*epe* /# Ma6"%0 !r e1er 1e(&%re &! &h(3 h"e+ a /e&&er "a(. He
ha* a! &he ar& !+ /e(, h%"!r!% ( a( a,reea/e )a#.
>. I( "# +a&her I !/er1e* "*(e !+ &e"per0 a(* %(-ha(,ea/e
re!%&!( ( &he &h(, )h-h he ha* *e&er"(e* a+&er *%e *e/era&!(8
a(* (! 1a(2,!r# ( &h!e &h(, )h-h "e( -a h!(!r8 a(* a !1e !+ a/!r a(* pere1era(-e8 a(* a rea*(e &! &e( &! &h!e )h! ha*
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 13/111
a(#&h(, &! pr!p!e +!r &he -!""!( )ea8 a(* %(*e1a&(, +r"(e (
,1(, &! e1er# "a( a--!r*(, &! h *eer&8 a(* a 3(!)e*,e *er1e*
+r!" e6pere(-e !+ &he !--a!( +!r 1,!r!% a-&!( a(* +!r re"!(.
A(* I !/er1e* &ha& he ha* !1er-!"e a pa!( +!r /!#8 a(* he
-!(*ere* h"e+ (! "!re &ha( a(# !&her -&9e(8 a(* he reeae* h
+re(* +r!" a !/,a&!( &! %p )&h h" !r &! a&&e(* h" !+ (e-e&#)he( he )e(& a/r!a*0 a(* &h!e )h! ha* +ae* &! a--!"pa(# h"0 /# rea!(
!+ a(# %r,e(& -r-%"&a(-e0 a)a# +!%(* h" &he a"e. I !/er1e*0 &!!0
h ha/& !+ -are+% ($%r# ( a "a&&er !+ *e/era&!(0 a(* h
per&e(-#0 a(* &ha& he (e1er &!ppe* h (1e&,a&!( &hr!%,h /e(,
a&+e* )&h appeara(-e )h-h +r& pree(& &he"e1e8 a(* &ha& h
*p!&!( )a &! 3eep h +re(*0 a(* (!& &! /e !!( &re* !+ &he"0
(!r #e& &! /e e6&ra1a,a(& ( h a++e-&!(8 a(* &! /e a&+e* !( a
!--a!(0 a(* -heer+%8 a(* &! +!reee &h(, a !(, )a# !++0 a(* &!
pr!1*e +!r &he "ae& )&h!%& *pa#8 a(* &! -he-3 ""e*a&e#
p!p%ar appa%e a(* a +a&&er#8 a(* &! /e e1er )a&-h+% !1er &he
&h(, )h-h )ere (e-ear# +!r &he a*"(&ra&!( !+ &he e"pre0 a(* &! /e a ,!!* "a(a,er !+ &he e6pe(*&%re0 a(* pa&e(&# &! e(*%re &he /a"e
)h-h he ,!& +!r %-h -!(*%-&8 a(* he )a (e&her %per&&!% )&h
repe-& &! &he ,!*0 (!r ** he -!%r& "e( /# ,+& !r /# &r#(, &! peae
&he"0 !r /# +a&&er(, &he p!p%a-e8 /%& he h!)e* !/re&# ( a &h(,
a(* +r"(e0 a(* (e1er a(# "ea( &h!%,h& !r a-&!(0 (!r !1e !+ (!1e&#.
A(* &he &h(, )h-h -!(*%-e ( a(# )a# &! &he -!""!*&# !+ +e0 a(* !+
)h-h +!r&%(e ,1e a( a/%(*a(& %pp#0 he %e* )&h!%& arr!,a(-e a(*
)&h!%& e6-%(, h"e+8 ! &ha& )he( he ha* &he"0 he e(5!#e* &he"
)&h!%& a++e-&a&!(0 a(* )he( he ha* &he" (!&0 he ** (!& )a(& &he". N!
!(e -!%* e1er a# !+ h" &ha& he )a e&her a !ph& !r a h!"e2/re*
+ppa(& a1e !r a pe*a(&8 /%& e1er# !(e a-3(!)e*,e* h" &! /e a "a(
rpe0 per+e-&0 a/!1e +a&&er#0 a/e &! "a(a,e h !)( a(* !&her "e('
a++ar. Be*e &h0 he h!(!re* &h!e )h! )ere &r%e ph!!pher0 a(*
he ** (!& repr!a-h &h!e )h! pre&e(*e* &! /e ph!!pher0 (!r #e& )a
he ea# e* /# &he". He )a a! ea# ( -!(1era&!(0 a(* he "a*e
h"e+ a,reea/e )&h!%& a(# !++e(1e a++e-&a&!(. He &!!3 a rea!(a/e
-are !+ h /!*#' hea&h0 (!& a !(e )h! )a ,rea&# a&&a-he* &! +e0
(!r !%& !+ re,ar* &! per!(a appeara(-e0 (!r #e& ( a -aree )a#0 /%&
! &ha& &hr!%,h h !)( a&&e(&!( he 1er# e*!" &!!* ( (ee* !+ &he
ph#-a(' ar& !r !+ "e*-(e !r e6&er(a app-a&!(. He )a "!&
rea*# &! ,1e )&h!%& e(1# &! &h!e )h! p!ee* a(# par&-%ar +a-%�%-h a &ha& !+ e!$%e(-e !r 3(!)e*,e !+ &he a) !r !+ "!ra0 !r !+
a(#&h(, ee8 a(* he ,a1e &he" h hep0 &ha& ea-h ",h& e(5!#
rep%&a&!( a--!r*(, &! h *eer&8 a(* he a)a# a-&e* -!(+!r"a/# &!
&he (&&%&!( !+ h -!%(&r#0 )&h!%& h!)(, a(# a++e-&a&!( !+ *!(,
!. F%r&her0 he )a (!& +!(* !+ -ha(,e (!r %(&ea*#0 /%& he !1e* &! &a#
( &he a"e pa-e0 a(* &! e"p!# h"e+ a/!%& &he a"e &h(,8 a(*
a+&er h par!6#" !+ hea*a-he he -a"e ""e*a&e# +reh a(* 1,!r!% &!
h %%a !--%pa&!(. H e-re& )ere (!& "a(#0 /%& 1er# +e) a(* 1er#
rare0 a(* &hee !(# a/!%& p%/- "a&&er8 a(* he h!)e* pr%*e(-e a(*
e-!(!"# ( &he e6h/&!( !+ &he p%/- pe-&a-e a(* &he -!(&r%-&!(
!+ p%/- /%*(,0 h *!(a&!( &! &he pe!pe0 a(* ( %-h &h(,0 +!r he )a a "a( )h! !!3e* &! )ha& !%,h& &! /e *!(e0 (!& &! &he rep%&a&!(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 14/111
)h-h ,!& /# a "a(' a-&. He ** (!& &a3e &he /a&h a& %(ea!(a/e
h!%r8 he )a (!& +!(* !+ /%*(, h!%e0 (!r -%r!% a/!%& )ha& he a&e0
(!r a/!%& &he &e6&%re a(* -!!r !+ h -!&he0 (!r a/!%& &he /ea%&# !+
h a1e. F!!&(!&e: > H *re -a"e +r!" L!r%"0 h 1a !( &he
-!a&0 a(* +r!" La(%1%" ,e(era#. F!!&(!&e: < We 3(!) h!) he /eha1e*
&! &he &!2-!e-&!r a& T%-%%" )h! a3e* h par*!(8 a(* %-h )a ah /eha1!r. There )a ( h" (!&h(, harh0 (!r "pa-a/e0 (!r
1!e(&0 (!r0 a !(e "a# a#0 a(#&h(, -arre* &! &he )ea&(, p!(&8 /%&
he e6a"(e* a &h(, e1era#0 a + he ha* a/%(*a(-e !+ &"e0 a(*
)&h!%& -!(+%!(0 ( a( !r*er# )a#0 1,!r!%# a(* -!(&e(&#. A(*
&ha& ",h& /e appe* &! h" )h-h re-!r*e* !+ S!-ra&e0 &ha& he )a
a/e /!&h &! a/&a( +r!"0 a(* &! e(5!#0 &h!e &h(, )h-h "a(# are &!!
)ea3 &! a/&a( +r!"0 a(* -a((!& e(5!# )&h!%& e6-e. B%& &! /e &r!(,
e(!%,h /!&h &! /ear &he !(e a(* &! /e !/er ( &he !&her &he "ar3 !+ a
"a( )h! ha a per+e-& a(* (1(-/e !%0 %-h a he h!)e* ( &he
(e !+ Ma6"%.
>. T! &he ,!* I a" (*e/&e* +!r ha1(, ,!!* ,ra(*+a&her0 ,!!* pare(&0
a ,!!* &er0 ,!!* &ea-her0 ,!!* a!-a&e0 ,!!* 3("e( a(* +re(*0
(ear# e1er#&h(, ,!!*. F%r&her0 I !)e & &! &he ,!* &ha& I )a (!&
h%rre* (&! a(# !++e(-e a,a(& a(# !+ &he"0 &h!%,h I ha* a *p!&!(
)h-h0 + !pp!r&%(&# ha* !++ere*0 ",h& ha1e e* "e &! *! !"e&h(, !+
&h 3(*8 /%&0 &hr!%,h &her +a1!r0 &here (e1er )a %-h a -!(-%rre(-e
!+ -r-%"&a(-e a p%& "e &! &he &ra. F%r&her0 I a" &ha(3+% &! &he
,!* &ha& I )a (!& !(,er /r!%,h& %p )&h "# ,ra(*+a&her' -!(-%/(e0
a(* &ha& I preer1e* &he +!)er !+ "# #!%&h0 a(* &ha& I ** (!& "a3e
pr!!+ !+ "# 1r&# /e+!re &he pr!per ea!(0 /%& e1e( *e+erre* &he
&"e8 &ha& I )a %/5e-&e* &! a r%er a(* a +a&her )h! )a a/e &! &a3e
a)a# a pr*e +r!" "e0 a(* &! /r(, "e &! &he 3(!)e*,e &ha& &
p!/e +!r a "a( &! 1e ( a paa-e )&h!%& )a(&(, e&her ,%ar* !r
e"/r!*ere* *ree0 !r &!r-he a(* &a&%e0 a(* %-h23e h!)8 /%& &ha&
& ( %-h a "a(' p!)er &! /r(, h"e+ 1er# (ear &! &he +ah!( !+
a pr1a&e per!(0 )&h!%& /e(, +!r &h rea!( e&her "ea(er ( &h!%,h&0
!r "!re re" ( a-&!(0 )&h repe-& &! &he &h(, )h-h "%& /e *!(e
+!r &he p%/- (&ere& ( a "a((er &ha& /e+& a r%er. I &ha(3 &he ,!*
+!r ,1(, "e %-h a /r!&her0 )h! )a a/e /# h "!ra -hara-&er &!
r!%e "e &! 1,a(-e !1er "#e+0 a(* )h! a& &he a"e &"e peae* "e /#
h repe-& a(* a++e-&!(8 &ha& "# -h*re( ha1e (!& /ee( &%p* (!r *e+!r"e* ( /!*#8 &ha& I ** (!& "a3e "!re pr!+-e(-# ( rhe&!r-0
p!e&r#0 a(* &he !&her &%*e0 ( )h-h I h!%* perhap ha1e /ee(
-!"pe&e# e(,a,e*0 + I ha* ee( &ha& I )a "a3(, pr!,re ( &he"8
&ha& I "a*e ha&e &! pa-e &h!e )h! /r!%,h& "e %p ( &he &a&!( !+
h!(!r0 )h-h &he# ee"e* &! *ere0 )&h!%& p%&&(, &he" !++ )&h h!pe !+
"# *!(, & !"e !&her &"e a+&er0 /e-a%e &he# )ere &he( & #!%(,8
&ha& I 3(e) Ap!!(%0 R%&-%0 Ma6"%8 &ha& I re-e1e* -ear a(*
+re$%e(& "pre!( a/!%& 1(, a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ a
+e &ha& 0 ! &ha&0 ! +ar a *epe(*e* !( &he ,!*0 a(* &her ,+&0
a(* hep0 a(* (pra&!(0 (!&h(, h(*ere* "e +r!" +!r&h)&h 1(,
a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 &h!%,h I & +a h!r& !+ & &hr!%,h "# !)(+a%&0 a(* &hr!%,h (!& !/er1(, &he a*"!(&!( !+ &he ,!*0 a(*0 I "a#
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 15/111
a"!& a#0 &her *re-& (&r%-&!(8 &ha& "# /!*# ha he* !%& ! !(,
( %-h a 3(* !+ +e8 &ha& I (e1er &!%-he* e&her Be(e*-&a !r
The!*!&%0 a(* &ha&0 a+&er ha1(, +ae( (&! a"a&!r# pa!(0 I )a
-%re*0 a(* &h!%,h I )a !+&e( !%& !+ h%"!r )&h R%&-%0 I (e1er **
a(#&h(, !+ )h-h I ha* !--a!( &! repe(&8 &ha&0 &h!%,h & )a "#
"!&her' +a&e &! *e #!%(,0 he pe(& &he a& #ear !+ her +e )&h "e8&ha&0 )he(e1er I )he* &! hep a(# "a( ( h (ee*0 !r !( a(# !&her
!--a!(0 I )a (e1er &!* &ha& I ha* (!& &he "ea( !+ *!(, &8 a(* &ha&
&! "#e+ &he a"e (e-e&# (e1er happe(e*0 &! re-e1e a(#&h(, +r!"
a(!&her8 &ha& I ha1e %-h a )+e0 ! !/e*e(&0 a(* ! a++e-&!(a&e0 a(*
! "pe8 &ha& I ha* a/%(*a(-e !+ ,!!* "a&er +!r "# -h*re(8 a(* &ha&
re"e*e ha1e /ee( h!)( &! "e /# *rea"0 /!&h !&her0 a(* a,a(&
/!!*p&&(, a(* ,**(e ...8 a(* &ha&0 )he( I ha* a( (-(a&!( &!
ph!!ph#0 I ** (!& +a (&! &he ha(* !+ a(# !ph&0 a(* &ha& I **
(!& )a&e "# &"e !( )r&er !+ h&!re0 !r ( &he re!%&!( !+
#!,"0 !r !--%p# "#e+ a/!%& &he (1e&,a&!( !+ appeara(-e (
&he hea1e(8 +!r a &hee &h(, re$%re &he hep !+ &he ,!* a(*+!r&%(e.
A"!(, &he %a* a& &he Gra(%a. F!!&(!&e:
BOOK II.
Be,( &he "!r((, /# a#(, &! &h#e+0 I ha "ee& )&h &he /%#/!*#0
&he %(,ra&e+%0 arr!,a(&0 *e-e&+%0 e(1!%0 %(!-a. A &hee &h(,
happe( &! &he" /# rea!( !+ &her ,(!ra(-e !+ )ha& ,!!* a(* e1. B%&
I )h! ha1e ee( &he (a&%re !+ &he ,!!* &ha& & /ea%&+%0 a(* !+ &he
/a* &ha& & %,#0 a(* &he (a&%re !+ h" )h! *!e )r!(,0 &ha& &
a3( &! "e0 (!& !(# !+ &he a"e /!!* !r ee*0 /%& &ha& &
par&-pa&e ( &he a"e (&e,e(-e a(* &he a"e p!r&!( !+ &he
*1(� I -a( (e&her /e (5%re* /# a(# !+ &he"0 +!r (! !(e -a( +6 !(
"e )ha& %,#0 (!r -a( I /e a(,r# )&h "# 3("a(0 (!r ha&e h". F!r )e
are "a*e +!r -!2!pera&!(0 3e +ee&0 3e ha(*0 3e e#e*0 3e &he
r!) !+ &he %pper a(* !)er &ee&h. T! a-& a,a(& !(e a(!&her0 &he(0 -!(&rar# &! (a&%re8 a(* & a-&(, a,a(& !(e a(!&her &! /e 1e6e* a(*
&! &%r( a)a#.
<. Wha&e1er &h &ha& I a"0 & a &&e +eh a(* /rea&h0 a(* &he
r%(, par&. Thr!) a)a# &h# /!!38 (! !(,er *&ra-& &h#e+: & (!&
a!)e*8 /%& a + &h!% )a& (!) *#(,0 *epe &he +eh8 & /!!*
a(* /!(e a(* a (e&)!r30 a -!(&e6&%re !+ (er1e0 1e(0 a(* ar&ere. See
&he /rea&h a!0 )ha& 3(* !+ a &h(, & 8 ar0 a(* (!& a)a# &he
a"e0 /%& e1er# "!"e(& e(& !%& a(* a,a( %-3e* (. The &hr*0 &he(0
&he r%(, par&0 -!(*er &h%: Th!% ar& a( !* "a(8 (! !(,er e& &h
/e a a1e0 (! !(,er /e p%e* /# &he &r(, 3e a p%ppe& &! %(!-a"!1e"e(&0 (! !(,er /e e&her *a&+e* )&h &h# pree(& !&0 !r
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 16/111
hr(3 +r!" &he +%&%re.
. A &ha& +r!" &he ,!* +% !+ pr!1*e(-e. Tha& )h-h +r!"
+!r&%(e (!& epara&e* +r!" (a&%re !r )&h!%& a( (&er)ea1(, a(*
(1!%&!( )&h &he &h(, )h-h are !r*ere* /# pr!1*e(-e. Fr!" &he(-e
a &h(, +!)8 a(* &here /e*e (e-e� a(* &ha& )h-h +!r &he a*1a(&a,e !+ &he )h!e %(1ere0 !+ )h-h &h!% ar& a par&. B%& &ha&
,!!* +!r e1er# par& !+ (a&%re )h-h &he (a&%re !+ &he )h!e /r(,0
a(* )ha& er1e &! "a(&a( &h (a&%re. N!) &he %(1ere preer1e*0
a /# &he -ha(,e !+ &he ee"e(& ! /# &he -ha(,e !+ &h(, -!"p!%(*e*
!+ &he ee"e(&. Le& &hee pr(-pe /e e(!%,h +!r &hee8 e& &he" a)a#
/e +6e* !p(!(. B%& -a& a)a# &he &hr& a+&er /!!30 &ha& &h!% "a#e&
(!& *e "%r"%r(,0 /%& -heer+%#0 &r%#0 a(* +r!" &h# hear& &ha(3+% &!
&he ,!*.
. Re"e"/er h!) !(, &h!% ha& /ee( p%&&(, !++ &hee &h(,0 a(* h!)
!+&e( &h!% ha& re-e1e* a( !pp!r&%(&# +r!" &he ,!*0 a(* #e& *!& (!&%e &. Th!% "%& (!) a& a& per-e1e !+ )ha& %(1ere &h!% ar& (!) a
par&0 a(* !+ )ha& a*"(&ra&!r !+ &he %(1ere &h# e6&e(-e a(
e++%60 a(* &ha& a "& !+ &"e +6e* +!r &hee0 )h-h + &h!% *!&
(!& %e +!r -ear(, a)a# &he -!%* +r!" &h# "(*0 & ) ,! a(* &h!%
)& ,!0 a(* & ) (e1er re&%r(.
. E1er# "!"e(& &h(3 &ea*# a a R!"a( a(* a "a( &! *! )ha& &h!% ha&
( ha(* )&h per+e-& a(* "pe *,(� a(* +ee(, !+ a++e-&!(0 a(*
+ree*!"0 a(* 5%&-e0 a(* &! ,1e &h#e+ ree+ +r!" a !&her &h!%,h&.
A(* &h!% )& ,1e &h#e+ ree+ + &h!% *!& e1er# a-& !+ &h# +e a
+ & )ere &he a&0 a#(, a*e a -aree(e a(* pa!(a&e
a1er!( +r!" &he -!""a(* !+ rea!(0 a(* a h#p!-r#0 a(* e+2!1e0
a(* *-!(&e(& )&h &he p!r&!( )h-h ha /ee( ,1e( &! &hee. Th!% ee&
h!) +e) &he &h(, are0 &he )h-h + a "a( a# h!* !+0 he a/e &!
1e a +e )h-h +!) ( $%e&0 a(* 3e &he e6&e(-e !+ &he ,!*8
+!r &he ,!* !( &her par& ) re$%re (!&h(, "!re +r!" h" )h!
!/er1e &hee &h(,.
. D! )r!(, &! &h#e+0 *! )r!(, &! &h#e+0 "# !%8 /%& &h!% )& (!
!(,er ha1e &he !pp!r&%(&# !+ h!(!r(, &h#e+. E1er# "a(' +e
%++-e(&. B%& &h(e (ear# +(he*0 &h!%,h &h# !% re1ere(-e (!&&e+0 /%& pa-e &h# +e-&# ( &he !% !+ !&her.
. D! &he &h(, e6&er(a )h-h +a %p!( &hee *&ra-& &hee7 G1e
&h#e+ &"e &! ear( !"e&h(, (e) a(* ,!!*0 a(* -eae &! /e )hre*
ar!%(*. B%& &he( &h!% "%& a! a1!* /e(, -arre* a/!%& &he !&her )a#8
+!r &h!e &!! are &r+er )h! ha1e )eare* &he"e1e ( +e /# &her
a-&1� a(* #e& ha1e (! !/5e-& &! )h-h &! *re-& e1er# "!1e"e(&0 a(*0
( a )!r*0 a &her &h!%,h&.
?. Thr!%,h (!& !/er1(, )ha& ( &he "(* !+ a(!&her a "a( ha e*!"
/ee( ee( &! /e %(happ#8 /%& &h!e )h! *! (!& !/er1e &he "!1e"e(& !+ &her !)( "(* "%& !+ (e-e&# /e %(happ#.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 17/111
@. Th &h!% "%& a)a# /ear ( "(*0 )ha& &he (a&%re !+ &he )h!e0
a(* )ha& "# (a&%re0 a(* h!) &h rea&e* &! &ha&0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+
a par& & !+ )ha& 3(* !+ a )h!e0 a(* &ha& &here (! !(e )h!
h(*er &hee +r!" a)a# *!(, a(* a#(, &he &h(, )h-h are a--!r*(,
&! &he (a&%re !+ )h-h &h!% ar& a par&.
>=. The!phra&%0 ( h -!"par!( !+ /a* a-&22%-h a -!"par!( a !(e
)!%* "a3e ( a--!r*a(-e )&h &he -!""!( (!&!( !+ "a(3(*22a#0 3e a
&r%e ph!!pher0 &ha& &he !++e(-e )h-h are -!""&&e* &hr!%,h *ere
are "!re /a"a/e &ha( &h!e )h-h are -!""&&e* &hr!%,h a(,er. F!r he
)h! e6-&e* /# a(,er ee" &! &%r( a)a# +r!" rea!( )&h a -er&a(
pa( a(* %(-!(-!% -!(&ra-&!(8 /%& he )h! !++e(* &hr!%,h *ere0
/e(, !1erp!)ere* /# pea%re0 ee" &! /e ( a "a((er "!re (&e"pera&e
a(* "!re )!"a(h ( h !++e(-e. R,h� &he(0 a(* ( a )a# )!r&h# !+
ph!!ph#0 he a* &ha& &he !++e(-e )h-h -!""&&e* )&h pea%re
"!re /a"a/e &ha( &ha& )h-h -!""&&e* )&h pa(8 a(* !( &he )h!e&he !(e "!re 3e a per!( )h! ha /ee( +r& )r!(,e* a(* &hr!%,h pa(
-!"pee* &! /e a(,r#8 /%& &he !&her "!1e* /# h !)( "p%e &! *!
)r!(,0 /e(, -arre* &!)ar* *!(, !"e&h(, /# *ere.
>>. S(-e & p!/e &ha& &h!% "a#e& *epar& +r!" +e &h 1er#
"!"e(&0 re,%a&e e1er# a-& a(* &h!%,h& a--!r*(,#. B%& &! ,! a)a# +r!"
a"!(, "e(0 + &here are ,!*0 (!& a &h(, &! /e a+ra* !+0 +!r &he
,!* ) (!& (1!1e &hee ( e18 /%& + (*ee* &he# *! (!& e6&0 !r
+ &he# ha1e (! -!(-er( a/!%& h%"a( a++ar0 )ha& & &! "e &! 1e (
a %(1ere *e1!* !+ ,!* !r *e1!* !+ pr!1*e(-e7 B%& ( &r%&h &he# *!
e6&0 a(* &he# *! -are +!r h%"a( &h(,0 a(* &he# ha1e p%& a &he "ea(
( "a(' p!)er &! e(a/e h" (!& &! +a (&! rea e1. A(* a &! &he
re&0 + &here )a a(#&h(, e10 &he# )!%* ha1e pr!1*e* +!r &h a!0
&ha& & h!%* /e a&!,e&her ( a "a(' p!)er (!& &! +a (&! &. N!)
&ha& )h-h *!e (!& "a3e a "a( )!re0 h!) -a( & "a3e a "a(' +e )!re7
B%& (e&her &hr!%,h ,(!ra(-e0 (!r ha1(, &he 3(!)e*,e /%& (!& &he p!)er
&! ,%ar* a,a(& !r -!rre-& &hee &h(,0 & p!/e &ha& &he (a&%re
!+ &he %(1ere ha !1er!!3e* &he"8 (!r & p!/e &ha& & ha "a*e
! ,rea& a "&a3e0 e&her &hr!%,h )a(& !+ p!)er !r )a(& !+ 30 &ha&
,!!* a(* e1 h!%* happe( (*-r"(a&e# &! &he ,!!* a(* &he /a*. B%&
*ea&h -er&a(#0 a(* +e0 h!(!r a(* *h!(!r0 pa( a(* pea%re022a&hee &h(, e$%a# happe( &! ,!!* "e( a(* /a*0 /e(, &h(, )h-h "a3e
% (e&her /e&&er (!r )!re. There+!re &he# are (e&her ,!!* (!r e1.
><. H!) $%-3# a &h(, *appear022( &he %(1ere &he /!*e
&he"e1e0 /%& ( &"e &he re"e"/ra(-e !+ &he". Wha& &he (a&%re !+
a e(/e &h(,0 a(* par&-%ar# &h!e )h-h a&&ra-& )&h &he /a&
!+ pea%re !r &err+# /# pa(0 !r are (!e* a/r!a* /# 1ap!r# +a"e8 h!)
)!r&he0 a(* -!(&e"p&/e0 a(* !r**0 a(* perha/e0 a(* *ea* &he#
are022a &h & &he par& !+ &he (&ee-&%a +a-%&# &! !/er1e. T!
!/er1e &!! )h! &hee are )h!e !p(!( a(* 1!-e ,1e rep%&a&!(8 )ha&
*ea&h 0 a(* &he +a-& &ha&0 + a "a( !!3 a& & ( &e+0 a(* /# &hea/&ra-&1e p!)er !+ re+e-&!( re!1e (&! &her par& a &he &h(,
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 18/111
)h-h pree(& &he"e1e &! &he "a,(a&!( ( &0 he ) &he( -!(*er
& &! /e (!&h(, ee &ha( a( !pera&!( !+ (a&%re8 a(* + a(# !(e
a+ra* !+ a( !pera&!( !+ (a&%re0 he a -h*. Th0 h!)e1er0 (!&
!(# a( !pera&!( !+ (a&%re0 /%& & a! a &h(, )h-h -!(*%-e &! &he
p%rp!e !+ (a&%re. T! !/er1e &!! h!) "a( -!"e (ear &! &he De� a(*
/# )ha& par& !+ h"0 a(* )he( &h par& !+ "a( ! *p!e* I. <?.
>. N!&h(, "!re )re&-he* &ha( a "a( )h! &ra1ere e1er#&h(, ( a
r!%(*0 a(* pre (&! &he &h(, /e(ea&h &he ear&h0 a &he p!e& a#0 a(*
ee3 /# -!(5e-&%re )ha& ( &he "(* !+ h (e,h/!r0 )&h!%&
per-e1(, &ha& & %++-e(& &! a&&e(* &! &he *ae"!( )&h( h"0 a(*
&! re1ere(-e & (-ere#. A(* re1ere(-e !+ &he *ae"!( -!(& (
3eep(, & p%re +r!" pa!( a(* &h!%,h&e(e0 a(* *a&+a-&!(
)&h )ha& -!"e +r!" ,!* a(* "e(. F!r &he &h(, +r!" &he ,!* "er&
1e(era&!( +!r &her e6-ee(-e8 a(* &he &h(, +r!" "e( h!%* /e *ear
&! % /# rea!( !+ 3(hp8 a(* !"e&"e e1e(0 ( a "a((er0 &he# "!1e
!%r p&# /# rea!( !+ "e(' ,(!ra(-e !+ ,!!* a(* /a*8 &h *e+e-& /e(,(!& e &ha( &ha& )h-h *epr1e % !+ &he p!)er !+ *&(,%h(,
&h(, &ha& are )h&e a(* /a-3.
>. Th!%,h &h!% h!%*e& /e ,!(, &! 1e &hree &h!%a(* #ear0 a(* a
"a(# &"e &e( &h!%a(* #ear0 & re"e"/er &ha& (! "a( !e a(# !&her
+e &ha( &h )h-h he (!) 1e0 (!r 1e a(# !&her &ha( &h )h-h he
(!) !e. The !(,e& a(* h!r&e& are &h% /r!%,h& &! &he a"e. F!r &he
pree(& &he a"e &! a0 &h!%,h &ha& )h-h perhe (!& &he a"e8
a(* ! &ha& )h-h !& appear &! /e a "ere "!"e(&. F!r a "a( -a((!&
!e e&her &he pa& !r &he +%&%re: +!r )ha& a "a( ha (!&0 h!) -a( a(#
!(e &a3e &h +r!" h"7 Thee &)! &h(, &he( &h!% "%& /ear ( "(*8 &he
!(e0 &ha& a &h(, +r!" e&er(&# are !+ 3e +!r" a(* -!"e r!%(* ( a
-r-e0 a(* &ha& & "a3e (! *++ere(-e )he&her a "a( ha ee &he a"e
&h(, *%r(, a h%(*re* #ear0 !r &)! h%(*re*0 !r a( (+(&e &"e8 a(*
&he e-!(*0 &ha& &he !(,e& 1er a(* he )h! ) *e !!(e& !e 5%&
&he a"e. F!r &he pree(& &he !(# &h(, !+ )h-h a "a( -a( /e
*epr1e*0 + & &r%e &ha& &h &he !(# &h(, )h-h he ha0 a(*
&ha& a "a( -a((!& !e a &h(, + he ha & (!&.
>. Re"e"/er &ha& a !p(!(. F!r )ha& )a a* /# &he C#(- M!("%
"a(+e&: a(* "a(+e& &!! &he %e !+ )ha& )a a*0 + a "a(re-e1e )ha& "a# /e ,!& !%& !+ & a +ar a & &r%e.
>. The !% !+ "a( *!e 1!e(-e &! &e+0 +r& !+ a0 )he( &
/e-!"e a( a/-e0 a(*0 a & )ere0 a &%"!r !( &he %(1ere0 ! +ar a
& -a(. F!r &! /e 1e6e* a& a(#&h(, )h-h happe( a epara&!( !+
!%re1e +r!" (a&%re0 ( !"e par& !+ )h-h &he (a&%re !+ a !&her
&h(, are -!(&a(e*. I( &he (e6& pa-e0 &he !% *!e 1!e(-e &! &e+
)he( & &%r( a)a# +r!" a(# "a(0 !r e1e( "!1e &!)ar* h" )&h &he
(&e(&!( !+ (5%r(,0 %-h a are &he !% !+ &h!e )h! are a(,r#. I(
&he &hr* pa-e0 &he !% *!e 1!e(-e &! &e+ )he( & !1erp!)ere*
/# pea%re !r /# pa(. F!%r&h#0 )he( & pa# a par&0 a(* *!e !r a#a(#&h(, ((-ere# a(* %(&r%#. F+&h#0 )he( & a!) a(# a-& !+ &
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 19/111
!)( a(* a(# "!1e"e(& &! /e )&h!%& a( a"0 a(* *!e a(#&h(,
&h!%,h&e# a(* )&h!%& -!(*er(, )ha& & 0 & /e(, r,h& &ha&
e1e( &he "ae& &h(, /e *!(e )&h re+ere(-e &! a( e(*8 a(* &he e(* !+
ra&!(a a("a &! +!!) &he rea!( a(* &he a) !+ &he "!& a(-e(&
-&# a(* p!&#.
>. O+ h%"a( +e &he &"e a p!(&0 a(* &he %/&a(-e ( a +%60
a(* &he per-ep&!( *%0 a(* &he -!"p!&!( !+ &he )h!e /!*# %/5e-& &!
p%&re+a-&!(0 a(* &he !% a )hr0 a(* +!r&%(e har* &! *1(e0 a(* +a"e
a &h(, *e1!* !+ 5%*,"e(&. A(*0 &! a# a ( a )!r*0 e1er#&h(, )h-h
/e!(, &! &he /!*# a &rea"0 a(* )ha& /e!(, &! &he !% a *rea"
a(* 1ap!r0 a(* +e a )ar+are a(* a &ra(,er' !5!%r(0 a(* a+&er22+a"e
!/1!(. Wha& &he( &ha& )h-h a/e &! -!(*%-& a "a(7 O(e &h(,0
a(* !(# !(e0 ph!!ph#. B%& &h -!(& ( 3eep(, &he *ae"!( )&h(
a "a( +ree +r!" 1!e(-e a(* %(har"e*0 %per!r &! pa( a(* pea%re0
*!(, (!&h(, )&h!%& a p%rp!e0 (!r #e& +ae# a(* )&h h#p!-r#0 (!&
+ee(, &he (ee* !+ a(!&her "a(' *!(, !r (!& *!(, a(#&h(,8 a(* /e*e0 a--ep&(, a &ha& happe(0 a(* a &ha& a!&&e*0 a -!"(,
+r!" &he(-e0 )here1er & 0 +r!" )he(-e he h"e+ -a"e8 a(*0 +(a#0
)a&(, +!r *ea&h )&h a -heer+% "(*0 a /e(, (!&h(, ee &ha( a
*!%&!( !+ &he ee"e(& !+ )h-h e1er# 1(, /e(, -!"p!%(*e*.
B%& + &here (! har" &! &he ee"e(& &he"e1e ( ea-h -!(&(%a#
-ha(,(, (&! a(!&her0 )h# h!%* a "a( ha1e a(# apprehe(!( a/!%& &he
-ha(,e a(* *!%&!( !+ a &he ee"e(&7 F!r & a--!r*(, &!
(a&%re0 a(* (!&h(, e1 )h-h a--!r*(, &! (a&%re.
Th ( Car(%(&%".
BOOK III.
>. We !%,h& &! -!(*er (!& !(# &ha& !%r +e *a# )a&(, a)a# a(*
a "aer par& !+ & e+&0 /%& a(!&her &h(, a! "%& /e &a3e( (&!
&he a--!%(&0 &ha& + a "a( h!%* 1e !(,er0 & $%&e %(-er&a(
)he&her &he %(*er&a(*(, ) & -!(&(%e %++-e(& +!r &he-!"prehe(!( !+ &h(,0 a(* re&a( &he p!)er !+ -!(&e"pa&!( )h-h
&r1e &! a-$%re &he 3(!)e*,e !+ &he *1(e a(* &he h%"a(. F!r + he
ha /e,( &! +a (&! *!&a,e0 perpra&!( a(* (%&r&!( a(*
"a,(a&!( a(* appe&&e0 a(* )ha&e1er ee &here !+ &he 3(*0 )
(!& +a8 /%& &he p!)er !+ "a3(, %e !+ !%re1e0 a(* +(, %p &he
"ea%re !+ !%r *%� a(* -ear# epara&(, a appeara(-e0 a(*
-!(*er(, )he&her a "a( h!%* (!) *epar& +r!" +e0 a(* )ha&e1er ee
!+ &he 3(* a/!%&e# re$%re a *-p(e* rea!(022a &h
area*# e6&(,%he*. We "%& "a3e ha&e0 &he(0 (!& !(# /e-a%e )e are
*a# (earer &! *ea&h0 /%& a! /e-a%e &he -!(-ep&!( !+ &h(, a(* &he
%(*er&a(*(, !+ &he" -eae +r&.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 20/111
<. We !%,h& &! !/er1e a! &ha& e1e( &he &h(, )h-h +!!) a+&er &he
&h(, )h-h are pr!*%-e* a--!r*(, &! (a&%re -!(&a( !"e&h(, pea(,
a(* a&&ra-&1e. F!r (&a(-e0 )he( /rea* /a3e* !"e par& are p& a&
&he %r+a-e0 a(* &hee par& )h-h &h% !pe(0 a(* ha1e a -er&a( +ah!(
-!(&rar# &! &he p%rp!e !+ &he /a3er' ar&0 are /ea%&+% ( a "a((er0
a(* ( a pe-%ar )a# e6-&e a *ere +!r ea&(,. A(* a,a(0 +,0 )he(&he# are $%&e rpe0 ,ape !pe(8 a(* ( &he rpe !1e &he 1er#
-r-%"&a(-e !+ &her /e(, (ear &! r!&&e((e a** a pe-%ar /ea%&# &!
&he +r%&. A(* &he ear !+ -!r( /e(*(, *!)(0 a(* &he !(' e#e/r!)0
a(* &he +!a" )h-h +!) +r!" &he "!%&h !+ )* /!ar0 a(* "a(# !&her
&h(,022&h!%,h &he# are +ar +r!" /e(, /ea%&+% + a "a( h!%* e6a"(e
&he" e1era#022&0 /e-a%e &he# are -!(e$%e(& %p!( &he &h(, )h-h
are +!r"e* /# (a&%re0 hep &! a*!r( &he"0 a(* &he# peae &he "(*8 !
&ha& + a "a( h!%* ha1e a +ee(, a(* *eeper (,h& )&h repe-& &!
&he &h(, )h-h are pr!*%-e* ( &he %(1ere0 &here har*# !(e !+
&h!e )h-h +!!) /# )a# !+ -!(e$%e(-e )h-h ) (!& ee" &! h" &! /e
( a "a((er *p!e* ! a &! ,1e pea%re. A(* ! he ) ee e1e( &herea ,ap(, 5a) !+ )* /ea& )&h (! e pea%re &ha( &h!e )h-h
pa(&er a(* -%p&!r h!) /# "&a&!(8 a(* ( a( !* )!"a( a(* a( !*
"a( he ) /e a/e &! ee a -er&a( "a&%r&# a(* -!"e(e8 a(* &he
a&&ra-&1e !1e(e !+ #!%(, per!( he ) /e a/e &! !!3 !( )&h
-ha&e e#e8 a(* "a(# %-h &h(, ) pree(& &he"e1e0 (!& pea(,
&! e1er# "a(0 /%& &! h" !(# )h! ha /e-!"e &r%# +a"ar )&h Na&%re
a(* her )!r3.
. Hpp!-ra&e0 a+&er -%r(, "a(# *eae0 h"e+ +e -3 a(* *e*.
The Cha*ae +!re&!* &he *ea&h !+ "a(#0 a(* &he( +a&e -a%,h& &he" &!!.
Ae6a(*er a(* P!"pe% a(* Ca% Caear0 a+&er ! !+&e( -!"pe&e#
*e&r!#(, )h!e -&e0 a(* ( /a&&e -%&&(, &! pe-e "a(# &e(
&h!%a(* !+ -a1ar# a(* (+a(&r#0 &he"e1e &!! a& a& *epar&e* +r!"
+e. Hera-&%0 a+&er ! "a(# pe-%a&!( !( &he -!(+a,ra&!( !+ &he
%(1ere0 )a +e* )&h )a&er (&er(a# a(* *e* "eare* a !1er )&h
"%*. A(* -e *e&r!#e* De"!-r&%8 a(* !&her -e 3e* S!-ra&e. Wha&
"ea( a &h7 Th!% ha& e"/ar3e*0 &h!% ha& "a*e &he 1!#a,e0 &h!% ar&
-!"e &! h!re8 ,e& !%&. I+ (*ee* &! a(!&her +e0 &here (! )a(& !+
,!*0 (!& e1e( &here8 /%& + &! a &a&e )&h!%& e(a&!(0 &h!% )&
-eae &! /e he* /# pa( a(* pea%re0 a(* &! /e a a1e &! &he 1ee0
)h-h a "%-h (+er!r a &ha& )h-h er1e & %per!r: +!r &he!(e (&e,e(-e a(* *e &he !&her ear&h a(* -!rr%p&!(.
. D! (!& )a&e &he re"a(*er !+ &h# +e ( &h!%,h& a/!%& !&her0 )he(
&h!% *!& (!& re+er &h# &h!%,h& &! !"e !/5e-& !+ -!""!( %&&#. F!r
&h!% !e& &he !pp!r&%(&# !+ *!(, !"e&h(, ee )he( &h!% ha& %-h
&h!%,h& a &hee022Wha& %-h a per!( *!(,0 a(* )h#0 a(* )ha& he
a#(,0 a(* )ha& he &h(3(, !+0 a(* )ha& he -!(&r1(,0 a(*
)ha&e1er ee !+ &he 3(* "a3e % )a(*er a)a# +r!" &he !/er1a&!( !+
!%r !)( r%(, p!)er. We !%,h& &he( &! -he-3 ( &he ere !+ !%r
&h!%,h& e1er#&h(, &ha& )&h!%& a p%rp!e a(* %ee0 /%& "!& !+
a &he !1er2-%r!% +ee(, a(* &he "a,(a(&8 a(* a "a( h!%* %eh"e+ &! &h(3 !+ &h!e &h(, !(# a/!%& )h-h + !(e h!%* %**e(#
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 21/111
a30 Wha& ha& &h!% (!) ( &h# &h!%,h&7 )&h per+e-& !pe((e &h!%
",h&e& ""e*a&e# a()er0 Th !r Tha&8 ! &ha& +r!" &h# )!r* &
h!%* /e pa( &ha& e1er#&h(, ( &hee "pe a(* /e(e1!e(&0 a(*
%-h a /e+& a !-a a("a0 a(* !(e &ha& -are (!& +!r &h!%,h& a/!%&
pea%re !r e(%a e(5!#"e(& a& a0 (!r ha a(# r1ar# !r e(1# a(*
%p-!(0 !r a(#&h(, ee +!r )h-h &h!% )!%*& /%h + &h!% h!%*&a# &ha& &h!% ha*& & ( &h# "(*. F!r &he "a( )h! %-h0 a(* (!
!(,er *ea# /e(, a"!(, &he (%"/er !+ &he /e&0 3e a pre& a(*
"(&er !+ &he ,!*0 %(, &!! &he *e&# )h-h pa(&e* )&h( h"0
)h-h "a3e &he "a( %(-!(&a"(a&e* /# pea%re0 %(har"e* /# a(# pa(0
%(&!%-he* /# a(# (%&0 +ee(, (! )r!(,0 a +,h&er ( &he (!/e&
+,h&0 !(e )h! -a((!& /e !1erp!)ere* /# a(# pa!(0 *#e* *eep )&h
5%&-e0 a--ep&(, )&h a h !% e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( a(*
a,(e* &! h" a h p!r&!(8 a(* (!& !+&e(0 (!r #e& )&h!%& ,rea&
(e-e&# a(* +!r &he ,e(era (&ere&0 "a,((, )ha& a(!&her a#0 !r
*!e0 !r &h(3. F!r & !(# )ha& /e!(, &! h"e+ &ha& he "a3e &he
"a&&er +!r h a-&1 a(* he -!(&a(&# &h(3 !+ &ha& )h-h a!&&e* &! h"e+ !%& !+ &he %" &!&a !+ &h(,0 a(* he "a3e h !)(
a-& +ar0 a(* he per%a*e* &ha& h !)( p!r&!( ,!!*. F!r &he !&
)h-h a,(e* &! ea-h "a( -arre* a!(, )&h h" a(* -arre h"
a!(, )&h &. A(* he re"e"/er a! &ha& e1er# ra&!(a a("a h
3("a(0 a(* &ha& &! -are +!r a "e( a--!r*(, &! "a(' (a&%re8 a(* a
"a( h!%* h!* !( &! &he !p(!( (!& !+ a0 /%& !+ &h!e !(# )h!
-!(+ee*# 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re. B%& a &! &h!e )h! 1e (!& !0 he
a)a# /ear ( "(* )ha& 3(* !+ "e( &he# are /!&h a& h!"e a(* +r!"
h!"e0 /!&h /# (,h& a(* /# *a#0 a(* )ha& &he# are0 a(* )&h )ha& "e( &he#
1e a( "p%re +e. A--!r*(,#0 he *!e (!& 1a%e a& a &he prae
)h-h -!"e +r!" %-h "e(0 (-e &he# are (!& e1e( a&+e* )&h
&he"e1e.
. La/!r (!& %()(,#0 (!r )&h!%& re,ar* &! &he -!""!( (&ere&0 (!r
)&h!%& *%e -!(*era&!(0 (!r )&h *&ra-&!(8 (!r e& &%*e* !r(a"e(&
e& !++ &h# &h!%,h&0 a(* /e (!& e&her a "a( !+ "a(# )!r*0 !r /%#
a/!%& &!! "a(# &h(,. A(* +%r&her0 e& &he *e&# )h-h ( &hee /e &he
,%ar*a( !+ a 1(, /e(,0 "a(# a(* !+ rpe a,e0 a(* e(,a,e* ( "a&&er
p!&-a0 a(* a R!"a(0 a(* a r%er0 )h! ha &a3e( h p!& 3e a "a(
)a&(, +!r &he ,(a )h-h %""!( h" +r!" +e0 a(* rea*# &! ,!0
ha1(, (ee* (e&her !+ !a&h (!r !+ a(# "a(' &e&"!(#. Be -heer+% a!0a(* ee3 (!& e6&er(a hep (!r &he &ra($%&# )h-h !&her ,1e. A "a(
&he( "%& &a(* ere-&0 (!& /e 3ep& ere-& /# !&her.
. I+ &h!% +(*e& ( h%"a( +e a(#&h(, /e&&er &ha( 5%&-e0 &r%&h0
&e"pera(-e0 +!r&&%*e0 a(*0 ( a )!r*0 a(#&h(, /e&&er &ha( &h# !)(
"(*' e+2a&+a-&!( ( &he &h(, )h-h & e(a/e &hee &! *!
a--!r*(, &! r,h& rea!(0 a(* ( &he -!(*&!( &ha& a,(e* &! &hee
)&h!%& &h# !)( -h!-e8 +0 I a#0 &h!% ee& a(#&h(, /e&&er &ha( 0
&%r( &! & )&h a &h# !%0 a(* e(5!# &ha& )h-h &h!% ha& +!%(* &! /e
&he /e&. B%& + (!&h(, appear &! /e /e&&er &ha( &he De&# )h-h
pa(&e* ( &hee0 )h-h ha %/5e-&e* &! &e+ a &h# appe&&e0 a(*-are+%# e6a"(e a &he "pre!(0 a(*0 a S!-ra&e a*0 ha
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 22/111
*e&a-he* &e+ +r!" &he per%a!( !+ e(e0 a(* ha %/"&&e* &e+
&! &he ,!*0 a(* -are +!r "a(3(*8 + &h!% +(*e& e1er#&h(, ee
"aer a(* !+ e 1a%e &ha( &h0 ,1e pa-e &! (!&h(, ee0 +!r +
&h!% *!& !(-e *1er,e a(* (-(e &! &0 &h!% )& (! !(,er )&h!%&
*&ra-&!( /e a/e &! ,1e &he pre+ere(-e &! &ha& ,!!* &h(, )h-h
&h# pr!per p!e!( a(* &h# !)(8 +!r & (!& r,h& &ha& a(#&h(, !+ a(# !&her 3(*0 %-h a prae +r!" &he "a(#0 !r p!)er0 !r e(5!#"e(& !+
pea%re0 h!%* -!"e (&! -!"pe&&!( )&h &ha& )h-h ra&!(a# a(*
p!&-a# !r pra-&-a# ,!!*. A &hee &h(,0 e1e( &h!%,h &he# "a#
ee" &! a*ap& &he"e1e &! &he /e&&er &h(, ( a "a *e,ree0 !/&a(
&he %per!r&# a a& !(-e0 a(* -arr# % a)a#. B%& *! &h!%0 I a#0
"p# a(* +ree# -h!!e &he /e&&er0 a(* h!* &! &.22B%& &ha& )h-h
%e+% &he /e&&er.22We0 &he(0 + & %e+% &! &hee a a ra&!(a
/e(,0 3eep &! &8 /%& + & !(# %e+% &! &hee a a( a("a0 a# !0
a(* "a(&a( &h# 5%*,"e(& )&h!%& arr!,a(-e: !(# &a3e -are &ha& &h!%
"a3e& &he ($%r# /# a %re "e&h!*.
. Ne1er 1a%e a(#&h(, a pr!+&a/e &! &h#e+ )h-h ha -!"pe &hee
&! /rea3 &h# pr!"e0 &! !e &h# e+2repe-&0 &! ha&e a(# "a(0 &!
%pe-&0 &! -%re0 &! a-& &he h#p!-r&e0 &! *ere a(#&h(, )h-h (ee*
)a a(* -%r&a(: +!r he )h! ha pre+erre* &! e1er#&h(, ee h !)(
(&e,e(-e a(* *ae"!( a(* &he )!rhp !+ & e6-ee(-e0 a-& (! &ra,-
par&0 *!e (!& ,r!a(0 ) (!& (ee* e&her !&%*e !r "%-h -!"pa(#8 a(*0
)ha& -he+ !+ a0 he ) 1e )&h!%& e&her p%r%(, !r +#(, +r!"
*ea&h8 /%& )he&her +!r a !(,er !r a h!r&er &"e he ha ha1e &he
!% e(-!e* ( &he /!*#0 he -are (!& a& a: +!r e1e( + he "%&
*epar& ""e*a&e#0 he ) ,! a rea*# a + he )ere ,!(, &! *!
a(#&h(, ee )h-h -a( /e *!(e )&h *e-e(-# a(* !r*er8 &a3(, -are !+
&h !(# a &hr!%,h +e0 &ha& h &h!%,h& &%r( (!& a)a# +r!" a(#&h(,
)h-h /e!(, &! a( (&e,e(& a("a a(* a "e"/er !+ a -1 -!""%(&#.
?. I( &he "(* !+ !(e )h! -ha&e(e* a(* p%r+e* &h!% )& +(* (!
-!rr%p& "a&&er0 (!r "p%r� (!r a(# !re 3((e* !1er. N!r h +e
(-!"pe&e )he( +a&e !1er&a3e h"0 a !(e "a# a# !+ a( a-&!r )h! ea1e
&he &a,e /e+!re e(*(, a(* +(h(, &he pa#. Be*e0 &here ( h"
(!&h(, er1e0 (!r a++e-&e*0 (!r &!! -!e# /!%(* &! !&her &h(,0
(!r #e& *e&a-he* +r!" !&her &h(,0 (!&h(, )!r&h# !+ /a"e0 (!&h(,
)h-h ee3 a h*(,2pa-e.
@. Re1ere(-e &he +a-%&# )h-h pr!*%-e !p(!(. O( &h +a-%&# &
e(&re# *epe(* )he&her &here ha e6& ( &h# r%(, par& a(# !p(!(
(-!(&e(& )&h (a&%re a(* &he -!(&&%&!( !+ &he ra&!(a a("a. A(*
&h +a-%&# pr!"e +ree*!" +r!" ha&# 5%*,"e(&0 a(* +re(*hp &!)ar*
"e(0 a(* !/e*e(-e &! &he ,!*.
>=. Thr!)(, a)a# &he( a &h(,0 h!* &! &hee !(# )h-h are +e)8 a(*
/e*e0 /ear ( "(* &ha& e1er# "a( 1e !(# &h pree(& &"e0 )h-h
a( (*1/e p!(&0 a(* &ha& a &he re& !+ h +e e&her pa&
!r & %(-er&a(. Sh!r& &he( &he &"e )h-h e1er# "a( 1e0 a(*"a &he (!!3 !+ &he ear&h )here he 1e8 a(* h!r& &!! &he !(,e&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 23/111
p!&h%"!% +a"e0 a(* e1e( &h !(# -!(&(%e* /# a %--e!( !+ p!!r
h%"a( /e(,0 )h! ) 1er# !!( *e0 a(* )h! 3(!) (!& e1e( &he"e1e0
"%-h e h" )h! *e* !(, a,!.
>>. T! &he a* )h-h ha1e /ee( "e(&!(e* e& &h !(e & /e a**e*:
Ma3e +!r &h#e+ a *e+(&!( !r *e-rp&!( !+ &he &h(, )h-h pree(&e* &! &hee0 ! a &! ee *&(-&# )ha& 3(* !+ a &h(, & (
& %/&a(-e0 ( & (%*� ( & -!"pe&e e(&re� a(* &e &h#e+
& pr!per (a"e0 a(* &he (a"e !+ &he &h(, !+ )h-h & ha /ee(
-!"p!%(*e*0 a(* (&! )h-h & ) /e re!1e*. F!r (!&h(, !
pr!*%-&1e !+ ee1a&!( !+ "(* a &! /e a/e &! e6a"(e "e&h!*-a# a(*
&r%# e1er# !/5e-& )h-h pree(&e* &! &hee ( +e0 a(* a)a# &! !!3
a& &h(, ! a &! ee a& &he a"e &"e )ha& 3(* !+ %(1ere &h 0
a(* )ha& 3(* !+ %e e1er#&h(, per+!r" ( &0 a(* )ha& 1a%e e1er#&h(,
ha )&h re+ere(-e &! &he )h!e0 a(* )ha& )&h re+ere(-e &! "a(0 )h! a
-&9e( !+ &he h,he& -� !+ )h-h a !&her -&e are 3e +a"e8
)ha& ea-h &h(, 0 a(* !+ )ha& & -!"p!e*0 a(* h!) !(, & &he(a&%re !+ &h &h(, &! e(*%re )h-h (!) "a3e a( "pre!( !( "e0 a(*
)ha& 1r&%e I ha1e (ee* !+ )&h repe-& &! &0 %-h a ,e(&e(e0
"a((e0 &r%&h0 +*e� "p-� -!(&e(&"e(&0 a(* &he re&.
Where+!re0 !( e1er# !--a!( a "a( h!%* a#: Th -!"e +r!" ,!*8 a(*
&h a--!r*(, &! &he app!r&!("e(& a(* p(((, !+ &he &hrea* !+
*e&(#0 a(* %-h23e -!(-*e(-e a(* -ha(-e8 a(* &h +r!" !(e !+
&he a"e &!-30 a(* a 3("a( a(* par&(er0 !(e )h! 3(!) (!&0 h!)e1er0
)ha& a--!r*(, &! h (a&%re. B%& I 3(!)8 +!r &h rea!( I /eha1e
&!)ar* h" a--!r*(, &! &he (a&%ra a) !+ +e!)hp )&h /e(e1!e(-e
a(* 5%&-e. A& &he a"e &"e0 h!)e1er0 ( &h(, (*++ere(& I a&&e"p&
&! a-er&a( &he 1a%e !+ ea-h.
><. I+ &h!% )!r3e& a& &ha& )h-h /e+!re &hee0 +!!)(, r,h& rea!(
er!%#0 1,!r!%#0 -a"#0 )&h!%& a!)(, a(#&h(, ee &! *&ra-&
&hee0 /%& 3eep(, &h# *1(e par& p%re0 a + &h!% h!%*& /e /!%(* &!
,1e & /a-3 ""e*a&e#8 + &h!% h!*e& &! &h0 e6pe-&(, (!&h(,0
+ear(, (!&h(,0 /%& a&+e* )&h &h# pree(& a-&1&# a--!r*(, &!
(a&%re0 a(* )&h her!- &r%&h ( e1er# )!r* a(* !%(* )h-h &h!%
%&&ere&0 &h!% )& 1e happ#. A(* &here (! "a( )h! a/e &!
pre1e(& &h.
>. A ph#-a( ha1e a)a# &her (&r%"e(& a(* 3(1e rea*# +!r
-ae )h-h %**e(# re$%re &her 30 ! *! &h!% ha1e pr(-pe
rea*# +!r &he %(*er&a(*(, !+ &h(, *1(e a(* h%"a(0 a(* +!r *!(,
e1er#&h(,0 e1e( &he "ae&0 )&h a re-!e-&!( !+ &he /!(* )h-h
%(&e &he *1(e a(* h%"a( &! !(e a(!&her. F!r (e&her )& &h!% *!
a(#&h(, )e )h-h per&a( &! "a( )&h!%& a& &he a"e &"e ha1(, a
re+ere(-e &! &h(, *1(e8 (!r &he -!(&rar#.
>. N! !(,er )a(*er a& ha9ar*8 +!r (e&her )& &h!% rea* &h# !)(
"e"!r0 (!r &he a-& !+ &he a(-e(& R!"a( a(* Hee(e0 a(* &he
ee-&!( +r!" /!!3 )h-h &h!% )a& reer1(, +!r &h# !* a,e. Ha&e(&he( &! &he e(* )h-h &h!% ha& /e+!re &hee0 a(*0 &hr!)(, a)a# *e
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 24/111
h!pe0 -!"e &! &h# !)( a*0 + &h!% -are& a& a +!r &h#e+0 )he &
( &h# p!)er.
>. The# 3(!) (!& h!) "a(# &h(, are ,(+e* /# &he )!r* &ea(,0
!)(,0 /%#(,0 3eep(, $%e&0 ee(, )ha& !%,h& &! /e *!(e8 +!r &h
(!& e++e-&e* /# &he e#e0 /%& /# a(!&her 3(* !+ 1!(.
>. B!*#0 !%0 (&e,e(-e: &! &he /!*# /e!(, e(a&!(0 &! &he !%
appe&&e0 &! &he (&e,e(-e pr(-pe. T! re-e1e &he "pre!( !+
+!r" /# "ea( !+ appeara(-e /e!(, e1e( &! a("a8 &! /e p%e* /#
&he &r(, !+ *ere /e!(, /!&h &! )* /ea& a(* &! "e( )h! ha1e
"a*e &he"e1e (&! )!"e(0 a(* &! a Phaar a(* a Ner!: a(* &! ha1e &he
(&e,e(-e &ha& ,%*e &! &he &h(, )h-h appear %&a/e /e!(, a!
&! &h!e )h! *! (!& /ee1e ( &he ,!*0 a(* )h! /e&ra# &her -!%(&r#0
a(* *! &her "p%re *ee* )he( &he# ha1e h%& &he *!!r. I+ &he(
e1er#&h(, ee -!""!( &! a &ha& I ha1e "e(&!(e*0 &here re"a(
&ha& )h-h pe-%ar &! &he ,!!* "a(0 &! /e peae* a(* -!(&e(& )&h)ha& happe(0 a(* )&h &he &hrea* )h-h p%( +!r h"8 a(* (!& &!
*e+e &he *1(&# )h-h pa(&e* ( h /rea&0 (!r *&%r/ & /# a
-r!)* !+ "a,e0 /%& &! preer1e & &ra($%0 +!!)(, & !/e*e(&# a
a ,!*0 (e&her a#(, a(#&h(, -!(&rar# &! &he &r%&h0 (!r *!(, a(#&h(,
-!(&rar# &! 5%&-e. A(* + a "e( re+%e &! /ee1e &ha& he 1e a
"pe0 "!*e&0 a(* -!(&e(&e* +e0 he (e&her a(,r# )&h a(# !+ &he"0
(!r *!e he *e1a&e +r!" &he )a# )h-h ea* &! &he e(* !+ +e0 &! )h-h
a "a( !%,h& &! -!"e p%re0 &ra($%0 rea*# &! *epar&0 a(* )&h!%& a(#
-!"p%!( per+e-&# re-!(-e* &! h !&.
BOOK I.
>. Tha& )h-h r%e )&h(0 )he( & a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 !
a++e-&e* )&h repe-& &! &he e1e(& )h-h happe(0 &ha& & a)a# ea#
a*ap& &e+ &! &ha& )h-h p!/e a(* pree(&e* &! &. F!r &
re$%re (! *e+(&e "a&era0 /%& & "!1e &!)ar* & p%rp!e0 %(*er
-er&a( -!(*&!(0 h!)e1er8 a(* & "a3e a "a&era +!r &e+ !%& !+ &ha& )h-h !pp!e &0 a +re a# h!* !+ )ha& +a (&! &0 /# )h-h
a "a ,h& )!%* ha1e /ee( e6&(,%he*: /%& )he( &he +re &r!(,0
& !!( appr!pra&e &! &e+ &he "a&&er )h-h heape* !( &0 a(*
-!(%"e &0 a(* re h,her /# "ea( !+ &h 1er# "a&era.
<. Le& (! a-& /e *!(e )&h!%& a p%rp!e0 (!r !&her)e &ha( a--!r*(, &!
&he per+e-& pr(-pe !+ ar&.
. Me( ee3 re&rea& +!r &he"e1e0 h!%e ( &he -!%(&r#0 ea2h!re0
a(* "!%(&a(8 a(* &h!% &!! ar& )!(& &! *ere %-h &h(, 1er# "%-h. B%&
&h a&!,e&her a "ar3 !+ &he "!& -!""!( !r& !+ "e(0 +!r & (&h# p!)er )he(e1er &h!% ha& -h!!e &! re&re (&! &h#e+. F!r (!)here
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 25/111
e&her )&h "!re $%e& !r "!re +ree*!" +r!" &r!%/e *!e a "a( re&re
&ha( (&! h !)( !%0 par&-%ar# )he( he ha )&h( h" %-h &h!%,h&
&ha& /# !!3(, (&! &he" he ""e*a&e# ( per+e-& &ra($% a(*
I a++r" &ha& &ra($%&# (!&h(, ee &ha( &he ,!!* !r*er(, !+ &he
"(*. C!(&a(&# &he( ,1e &! &h#e+ &h re&rea&0 a(* re(e) &h#e+8
a(* e& &h# pr(-pe /e /re+ a(* +%(*a"e(&a0 )h-h0 a !!( a &h!%ha& re-%r &! &he"0 ) /e %++-e(& &! -ea(e &he !% -!"pe&e#0
a(* &! e(* &hee /a-3 +ree +r!" a *-!(&e(& )&h &he &h(, &! )h-h
&h!% re&%r(e&. F!r )&h )ha& ar& &h!% *-!(&e(&e*7 W&h &he /a*(e !+
"e(7 Re-a &! &h# "(* &h -!(-%!(0 &ha& ra&!(a a("a e6& +!r
!(e a(!&her0 a(* &ha& &! e(*%re a par& !+ 5%&-e0 a(* &ha& "e( *!
)r!(, (1!%(&ar#8 a(* -!(*er h!) "a(# area*#0 a+&er "%&%a e("�
%p-!(0 ha&re*0 a(* +,h&(,0 ha1e /ee( &re&-he* *ea*0 re*%-e* &!
ahe8 a(* /e $%e& a& a&.22B%& perhap &h!% ar& *a&+e* )&h &ha&
)h-h a,(e* &! &hee !%& !+ &he %(1ere.22Re-a &! &h#
re-!e-&!( &h a&er(a&1e8 e&her &here pr!1*e(-e !r a&!"
+!r&%&!% -!(-%rre(-e !+ &h(,8 !r re"e"/er &he ar,%"e(& /# )h-h &ha /ee( pr!1e* &ha& &he )!r* a 3(* !+ p!&-a -!""%(&# a(* /e
$%e& a& a&.22B%& perhap -!rp!rea &h(, ) & +a&e( %p!(
&hee.22C!(*er &he( +%r&her &ha& &he "(* "(,e (!& )&h &he /rea&h0
)he&her "!1(, ,e(&# !r 1!e(� )he( & ha !(-e *ra)( &e+ apar&
a(* *-!1ere* & !)( p!)er0 a(* &h(3 a! !+ a &ha& &h!% ha& hear*
a(* ae(&e* &! a/!%& pa( a(* pea%re a(* /e $%e& a& a&.22B%&
perhap &he *ere !+ &he &h(, -ae* +a"e ) &!r"e(& &hee.
22See h!) !!( e1er#&h(, +!r,!&&e(0 a(* !!3 a& &he -ha!
!+ (+(&e &"e !( ea-h *e !+ &he pree(&0 a(* &he e"p&(e !+
appa%e0 a(* &he -ha(,ea/e(e a(* )a(& !+ 5%*,"e(& ( &h!e )h!
pre&e(* &! ,1e prae0 a(* &he (arr!)(e !+ &he pa-e )&h( )h-h &
-r-%"-r/e* a(* /e $%e& a& a&. F!r &he )h!e ear&h a p!(&0
a(* h!) "a a (!!3 ( & &h &h# *)e(,0 a(* h!) +e) are &here (
&0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ pe!pe are &he# )h! ) prae &hee.
Th &he( re"a(: Re"e"/er &! re&re (&! &h &&e &err&!r# !+ &h#
!)(0 a(* a/!1e a *! (!& *&ra-& !r &ra( &h#e+0 /%& /e +ree0 a(*
!!3 a& &h(, a a "a(0 a a h%"a( /e(,0 a a -&9e(0 a a "!r&a. B%&
a"!(, &he &h(, rea*e& &! &h# ha(* &! )h-h &h!% ha& &%r(0 e& &here
/e &hee0 )h-h are &)!. O(e &ha& &h(, *! (!& &!%-h &he !%0 +!r
&he# are e6&er(a a(* re"a( ""!1a/e8 /%& !%r per&%r/a&!( -!"e !(#+r!" &he !p(!( )h-h )&h(. The !&her &ha& a &hee &h(,
)h-h &h!% ee&0 -ha(,e ""e*a&e# a(* ) (! !(,er /e8 a(*
-!(&a(&# /ear ( "(* h!) "a(# !+ &hee -ha(,e &h!% ha& area*#
)&(ee*. The %(1ere &ra(+!r"a&!(: +e !p(!(.
. I+ !%r (&ee-&%a par& -!""!(0 &he rea!( a!0 ( repe-& !+
)h-h )e are ra&!(a /e(,0 -!""!(: + &h !0 -!""!( a!
&he rea!( )h-h -!""a(* % )ha& &! *!0 a(* )ha& (!& &! *!8 + &h
!0 &here a -!""!( a) a!8 + &h !0 )e are +e!)2-&9e(8 +
&h !0 )e are "e"/er !+ !"e p!&-a -!""%( + &h !0
&he )!r* ( a "a((er a &a&e. F!r !+ )ha& !&her -!""!( p!&-a-!""%(&# ) a(# !(e a# &ha& &he )h!e h%"a( ra-e are "e"/er7 A(*
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 26/111
+r!" &he(-e0 +r!" &h -!""!( p!&-a -!""%(&# -!"e a! !%r 1er#
(&ee-&%a +a-%&# a(* rea!((, +a-%&# a(* !%r -apa-&# +!r a)8 !r
)he(-e *! &he# -!"e7 F!r a "# ear&h# par& a p!r&!( ,1e( &! "e +r!"
-er&a( ear&h0 a(* &ha& )h-h )a&er# +r!" a(!&her ee"e(&0 a(* &ha&
)h-h h!& a(* +er# +r!" !"e pe-%ar !%r-e +!r (!&h(, -!"e !%&
!+ &ha& )h-h (!&h(,0 a (!&h(, a! re&%r( &! (!(2e6&e(-e0 !a! &he (&ee-&%a par& -!"e +r!" !"e !%r-e.
. Dea&h %-h a ,e(era&!( 0 a "#&er# !+ (a&%re8 -!"p!&!( !%&
!+ &he a"e ee"e(&0 a(* a *e-!"p!&!( (&! &he a"e8 a(* a&!,e&her
(!& a &h(, !+ )h-h a(# "a( h!%* /e aha"e*0 +!r & (!& -!(&rar# &!
&he (a&%re !+ a rea!(a/e a("a0 a(* (!& -!(&rar# &! &he rea!( !+
!%r -!(&&%&!(.
. I& (a&%ra &ha& &hee &h(, h!%* /e *!(e /# %-h per!(0 &
a "a&&er !+ (e-e a(* + a "a( ) (!& ha1e & !0 he ) (!&
a!) &he +,2&ree &! ha1e 5%-e. B%& /# a "ea( /ear &h ( "(*0&ha& )&h( a 1er# h!r& &"e /!&h &h!% a(* he ) /e *ea*8 a(* !!( (!&
e1e( #!%r (a"e ) /e e+& /eh(*.
. Ta3e a)a# &h# !p(!(0 a(* &he( &here &a3e( a)a# &he -!"pa(&0 4I
ha1e /ee( har"e*.4 Ta3e a)a# &he -!"pa(&0 4I ha1e /ee( har"e*04 a(* &he
har" &a3e( a)a#.
?. Tha& )h-h *!e (!& "a3e a "a( )!re &ha( he )a0 a! *!e (!& "a3e
h +e )!re0 (!r *!e & har" h" e&her +r!" )&h!%& !r +r!" )&h(.
@. The (a&%re !+ &ha& )h-h %(1era# %e+% ha /ee( -!"pee* &!
*! &h.
>=. C!(*er &ha& e1er#&h(, )h-h happe(0 happe( 5%� a(* + &h!%
!/er1e& -are+%#0 &h!% )& +(* & &! /e !. I *! (!& a# !(# )&h
repe-& &! &he -!(&(%&# !+ &he ere !+ &h(,0 /%& )&h repe-& &!
)ha& 5%&0 a(* a + & )ere *!(e /# !(e )h! a,( &! ea-h &h(, &
1a%e. O/er1e &he( a &h!% ha& /e,%(8 a(* )ha&e1er &h!% *!&0 *! & (
-!(5%(-&!( )&h &h0 &he /e(, ,!!*0 a(* ( &he e(e ( )h-h a "a(
pr!per# %(*er&!!* &! /e ,!!*. Keep &! &h ( e1er# a-&!(.
>>. D! (!& ha1e %-h a( !p(!( !+ &h(, a he ha )h! *!e &hee )r!(,0
!r %-h a he )he &hee &! ha1e0 /%& !!3 a& &he" a &he# are ( &r%&h.
><. A "a( h!%* a)a# ha1e &hee &)! r%e ( rea*(e8 &he !(e &! *!
!(# )ha&e1er &he rea!( !+ &he r%(, a(* e,a&(, +a-%&# "a#
%,,e& +!r &he %e !+ "e(8 &he !&her0 &! -ha(,e &h# !p(!(0 + &here
a(# !(e a& ha(* )h! e& &hee r,h& a(* "!1e &hee +r!" a(# !p(!(. B%&
&h -ha(,e !+ !p(!( "%& pr!-ee* !(# +r!" a -er&a( per%a!(0 a !+
)ha& 5%& !r !+ -!""!( a*1a(&a,e0 a(* &he 3e0 (!& /e-a%e & appear
peaa(& !r /r(, rep%&a&!(.
>. Ha& &h!% rea!(7 I ha1e.22Wh# &he( *!& (!& &h!% %e &7 F!r + &h
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 27/111
*!e & !)( )!r30 )ha& ee *!& &h!% )h7
>. Th!% ha& e6&e* a a par&. Th!% ha& *appear ( &ha& )h-h
pr!*%-e* &hee8 /%& ra&her &h!% ha& /e re-e1e* /a-3 (&! & e"(a
pr(-pe /# &ra("%&a&!(.
>. Ma(# ,ra( !+ +ra(3(-e(e !( &he a"e a&ar: !(e +a /e+!re0
a(!&her +a a+&er8 /%& & "a3e (! *++ere(-e.
>. W&h( &e( *a# &h!% )& ee" a ,!* &! &h!e &! )h!" &h!% ar& (!) a
/ea& a(* a( ape0 + &h!% )& re&%r( &! &h# pr(-pe a(* &he )!rhp
!+ rea!(.
>. D! (!& a-& a + &h!% )er& ,!(, &! 1e &e( &h!%a(* #ear. Dea&h
ha(, !1er &hee. Whe &h!% 1e&0 )he & ( &h# p!)er0 /e ,!!*.
>?. H!) "%-h &r!%/e he a1!* )h! *!e (!& !!3 &! ee )ha& h (e,h/!r a# !r *!e !r &h(30 /%& !(# &! )ha& he *!e h"e+0 &ha& & "a# /e
5%& a(* p%re8 !r0 a A,a&h!( a#0 !!3 (!& r!%(* a& &he *epra1e* "!ra
!+ !&her0 /%& r%( &ra,h& a!(, &he (e )&h!%& *e1a&(, +r!" &.
>@. He )h! ha a 1ehe"e(& *ere +!r p!&h%"!% +a"e *!e (!& -!(*er
&ha& e1er# !(e !+ &h!e )h! re"e"/er h" ) h"e+ a! *e 1er# !!(8
&he( a,a( a! &he# )h! ha1e %--ee*e* &he"0 %(& &he )h!e re"e"/ra(-e
ha ha1e /ee( e6&(,%he* a & &ra("&&e* &hr!%,h "e( )h!
+!!h# a*"re a(* perh. B%& %pp!e &ha& &h!e )h! ) re"e"/er are
e1e( ""!r&a0 a(* &ha& &he re"e"/ra(-e ) /e ""!r&a0 )ha& &he(
&h &! &hee7 A(* I a# (!& )ha& & &! &he *ea*0 /%& )ha& & &! &he
1(,. Wha& prae0 e6-ep& (*ee* ! +ar a & ha a -er&a( %&
F!r &h!% (!) re5e-&e& %(ea!(a/# &he ,+& !+ (a&%re0 -(,(, &!
!"e&h(, ee....
<=. E1er#&h(, )h-h ( a(# )a# /ea%&+% /ea%&+% ( &e+0 a(*
&er"(a&e ( &e+0 (!& ha1(, prae a par& !+ &e+. Ne&her )!re
&he( (!r /e&&er a &h(, "a*e /# /e(, prae*. I a++r" &h a! !+
&he &h(, )h-h are -ae* /ea%&+% /# &he 1%,ar0 +!r e6a"pe0
"a&era &h(, a(* )!r3 !+ ar&. Tha& )h-h rea# /ea%&+% ha (!
(ee* !+ a(#&h(,8 (!& "!re &ha( a)0 (!& "!re &ha( &r%&h0 (!& "!re &ha( /e(e1!e(-e !r "!*e&#. Wh-h !+ &hee &h(, /ea%&+% /e-a%e &
prae*0 !r p!e* /# /e(, /a"e*7 I %-h a &h(, a a( e"era* "a*e
)!re &ha( & )a0 + & (!& prae*7 !r ,!*0 1!r#0 p%rpe0 a #re0
a &&e 3(+e0 a +!)er0 a hr%/7
<>. I+ !% -!(&(%e &! e6&0 h!) *!e &he ar -!(&a( &he" +r!"
e&er(˒B%& h!) *!e &he ear&h -!(&a( &he /!*e !+ &h!e )h! ha1e
/ee( /%re* +r!" &"e ! re"!&e7 F!r a here &he "%&a&!( !+ &hee /!*e
a+&er a -er&a( -!(&(%a(-e0 )ha&e1er & "a# /e0 a(* &her *!%&!(
"a3e r!!" +!r !&her *ea* /!*e0 ! &he !% )h-h are re"!1e* (&! &he
ar a+&er %/&(, +!r !"e &"e are &ra("%&e* a(* *++%e*0 a(*a%"e a +er# (a&%re /# /e(, re-e1e* (&! &he e"(a (&e,e(-e !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 28/111
&he %(1ere0 a(* ( &h )a# "a3e r!!" +!r &he +reh !% )h-h -!"e &!
*)e &here. A(* &h &he a()er )h-h a "a( ",h& ,1e !( &he
h#p!&he !+ !% -!(&(%(, &! e6&. B%& )e "%& (!& !(# &h(3 !+
&he (%"/er !+ /!*e )h-h are &h% /%re*0 /%& a! !+ &he (%"/er !+
a("a )h-h are *a# ea&e( /# % a(* &he !&her a("a. F!r )ha& a
(%"/er -!(%"e*0 a(* &h% ( a "a((er /%re* ( &he /!*e !+ &h!e)h! +ee* !( &he" A(* (e1er&hee &h ear&h re-e1e &he" /# rea!( !+
&he -ha(,e !+ &hee /!*e (&! /!!*0 a(* &he &ra(+!r"a&!( (&!
&he aera !r &he +er# ee"e(&.
Wha& &he (1e&,a&!( (&! &he &r%&h ( &h "a&&er7 The *1!(
(&! &ha& )h-h "a&era a(* &ha& )h-h &he -a%e !+ +!r" &he
+!r"a.
<<. D! (!& /e )hre* a/!%&0 /%& ( e1er# "!1e"e(& ha1e repe-& &!
5%&-e0 a(* !( &he !--a!( !+ e1er# "pre!( "a(&a( &he +a-%&# !+
-!"prehe(!( !r %(*er&a(*(,.
<. E1er#&h(, har"!(9e )&h "e0 )h-h har"!(!% &! &hee0 O
U(1ere. N!&h(, +!r "e &!! ear# !r &!! a&e0 )h-h ( *%e &"e
+!r &hee. E1er#&h(, +r%& &! "e )h-h &h# ea!( /r(,0 O Na&%re:
+r!" &hee are a &h(,0 ( &hee are a &h(,0 &! &hee a &h(,
re&%r(. The p!e& a#0 Dear -&# !+ Ce-r!p8 a(* )& (!& &h!% a#0 Dear
-&# !+ Je%7
<. O--%p# &h#e+ )&h +e) &h(,0 a# &he ph!!pher0 + &h!% )!%*&
/e &ra($%.22B%& -!(*er + & )!%* (!& /e /e&&er &! a#0 D! )ha&
(e-ear#0 a(* )ha&e1er &he rea!( !+ &he a("a )h-h (a&%ra#
!-a re$%re0 a(* a & re$%re. F!r &h /r(, (!& !(# &he
&ra($%&# )h-h -!"e +r!" *!(, )e0 /%& a! &ha& )h-h -!"e +r!"
*!(, +e) &h(,. F!r &he ,rea&e& par& !+ )ha& )e a# a(* *! /e(,
%((e-ear#0 + a "a( &a3e &h a)a#0 he ) ha1e "!re e%re a(* e
%(ea(e. A--!r*(,#0 !( e1er# !--a!( a "a( h!%* a3 h"e+0 I
&h !(e !+ &he %((e-ear# &h(,7 N!) a "a( h!%* &a3e a)a# (!& !(#
%((e-ear# a-&0 /%& a! %((e-ear# &h!%,h&0 +!r &h% %per+%!%
a-& ) (!& +!!) a+&er.
<. Tr# h!) &he +e !+ &he ,!!* "a( %& &hee0 &he +e !+ h" )h! a&+e* )&h h p!r&!( !%& !+ &he )h!e0 a(* a&+e* )&h h !)(
5%& a-& a(* /e(e1!e(& *p!&!(.
<. Ha& &h!% ee( &h!e &h(,7 L!!3 a! a& &hee. D! (!& *&%r/
&h#e+. Ma3e &h#e+ a "p-&#. D!e a(# !(e *! )r!(,7 I& &!
h"e+ &ha& he *!e &he )r!(,. Ha a(#&h(, happe(e* &! &hee7 We: !%&
!+ &he %(1ere +r!" &he /e,(((, e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( ha /ee(
app!r&!(e* a(* p%( !%& &! &hee. I( a )!r*0 &h# +e h!r&. Th!% "%&
&%r( &! pr!+& &he pree(& /# &he a* !+ rea!( a(* 5%&-e. Be !/er (
&h# rea6a&!(.
<. E&her & a )e2arra(,e* %(1ere F!!&(!&e: !r a -ha!
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 29/111
h%**e* &!,e&her0 /%& & a %(1ere. B%& -a( a -er&a( !r*er %/&
( &hee0 a(* *!r*er ( &he A7 A(* &h &!! )he( a &h(, are !
epara&e* a(* *++%e* a(* #"pa&he&-.
<?. A /a-3 -hara-&er0 a )!"a(h -hara-&er0 a &%//!r( -hara-&er0
/e&a0 -h*h0 a("a0 &%p*0 -!%(&er+e&0 -%rr!%0 +ra%*%e(&0&#ra((-a.
<@. I+ he a &ra(,er &! &he %(1ere )h! *!e (!& 3(!) )ha& ( &0
(! e he a &ra(,er )h! *!e (!& 3(!) )ha& ,!(, !( ( &. He
a r%(a)a#0 )h! +e +r!" !-a rea!(8 he /(*0 )h! h%& &he e#e
!+ &he %(*er&a(*(,8 he p!!r0 )h! ha (ee* !+ a(!&her0 a(* ha (!&
+r!" h"e+ a &h(, )h-h are %e+% +!r +e. He a( a/-e !(
&he %(1ere )h! )&h*ra) a(* epara&e h"e+ +r!" &he rea!( !+ !%r
-!""!( (a&%re &hr!%,h /e(, *peae* )&h &he &h(, )h-h happe(0 +!r
&he a"e (a&%re pr!*%-e &h0 a(* ha pr!*%-e* &hee &!!: he a pe-e
re(& a%(*er +r!" &he &a&e0 )h! &ear h !)( !% +r!" &ha& !+ rea!(a/e a("a0 )h-h !(e.
=. The !(e a ph!!pher )&h!%& a &%(-0 a(* &he !&her )&h!%& a
/!!3: here a(!&her ha+ (a3e*: Brea* I ha1e (!&0 he a#0 a(* I a/*e
/# rea!(22a(* I *! (!& ,e& &he "ea( !+ 1(, !%& !+ "# ear((,0 a(* I
a/*e /# "# rea!(.
>. L!1e &he ar&0 p!!r a & "a# /e0 )h-h &h!% ha& ear(e*0 a(* /e
-!(&e(& )&h &8 a(* pa &hr!%,h &he re& !+ +e 3e !(e )h! ha
(&r%&e* &! &he ,!* )&h h )h!e !% a &ha& he ha0 "a3(, &h#e+
(e&her &he &#ra(& (!r &he a1e !+ a(# "a(.
<. C!(*er +!r e6a"pe0 &he &"e !+ epaa(. Th!% )& ee a &hee
&h(,0 pe!pe "arr#(,0 /r(,(, %p -h*re(0 -30 *#(,0 )arr(,0
+ea&(,0 &ra++-3(,0 -%&1a&(, &he ,r!%(*0 +a&&er(,0 !/&(a&e#
arr!,a(&0 %pe-&(,0 p!&&(,0 )h(, +!r !"e &! *e0 ,r%"/(, a/!%&
&he pree(&0 !1(,0 heap(, %p &rea%re0 *er(, -!(%hp0 3(,#
p!)er. We0 &he(0 &ha& +e !+ &hee pe!pe (! !(,er e6& a& a.
A,a(0 re"!1e &! &he &"e !+ Tra5a(. A,a(0 a &he a"e. Ther +e
&!! ,!(e. I( 3e "a((er 1e) a! &he !&her ep!-h !+ &"e a(* !+
)h!e (a&!(0 a(* ee h!) "a(# a+&er ,rea& e++!r& !!( +e a(* )erere!1e* (&! &he ee"e(&. B%& -he+# &h!% h!%*& &h(3 !+ &h!e )h!"
&h!% ha& &h#e+ 3(!)( *&ra-&(, &he"e1e a/!%& *e &h(,0
(e,e-&(, &! *! )ha& )a ( a--!r*a(-e )&h &her pr!per -!(&&%&!(0
a(* &! h!* +r"# &! &h a(* &! /e -!(&e(& )&h &. A(* here( &
(e-ear# &! re"e"/er &ha& &he a&&e(&!( ,1e( &! e1er#&h(, ha &
pr!per 1a%e a(* pr!p!r&!(. F!r &h% &h!% )& (!& /e *a&+e*0 +
&h!% appe& &h#e+ &! "aer "a&&er (! +%r&her &ha( +&.
. The )!r* )h-h )ere +!r"er# +a"ar are (!) a(&$%a&e*: ! a!
&he (a"e !+ &h!e )h! )ere +a"e* !+ !*0 are (!) ( a "a((er a(&$%a&e*0
Ca"%0 Cae!0 !e%0 Le!((a&%0 a(* a &&e a+&er a! S-p! a(*Ca&!0 &he( A%,%&%0 &he( a! Ha*ra(% a(* A(&!((%. F!r a &h(,
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 30/111
!!( pa a)a# a(* /e-!"e a "ere &ae0 a(* -!"pe&e !/1!( !!( /%re
&he". A(* I a# &h !+ &h!e )h! ha1e h!(e ( a )!(*r!% )a#. F!r &he
re&0 a !!( a &he# ha1e /rea&he* !%& &her /rea&h0 &he# are ,!(e0 a(*
(! "a( pea3 !+ &he". A(*0 &! -!(-%*e &he "a&&er0 )ha& e1e( a(
e&er(a re"e"/ra(-e7 A "ere (!&h(,. Wha& &he( &ha& a/!%& )h-h )e
!%,h& &! e"p!# !%r er!% pa(7 Th !(e &h(,0 &h!%,h& 5%&0 a(*a-& !-a0 a(* )!r* )h-h (e1er e0 a(* a *p!&!( )h-h ,a*#
a--ep& a &ha& happe(0 a (e-ear#0 a %%a0 a +!)(, +r!" a
pr(-pe a(* !%r-e !+ &he a"e 3(*.
. W(,# ,1e &h#e+ %p &! C!&h! !(e !+ &he +a&e0 a!)(, her
&! p( &h# &hrea* (&! )ha&e1er &h(, he peae.
. E1er#&h(, !(# +!r a *a#0 /!&h &ha& )h-h re"e"/er a(* &ha&
)h-h re"e"/ere*.
. O/er1e -!(&a(&# &ha& a &h(, &a3e pa-e /# -ha(,e0 a(* a--%&!"&h#e+ &! -!(*er &ha& &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere !1e (!&h(, ! "%-h
a &! -ha(,e &he &h(, )h-h are a(* &! "a3e (e) &h(, 3e &he". F!r
e1er#&h(, &ha& e6& ( a "a((er &he ee* !+ &ha& )h-h ) /e. B%&
&h!% ar& &h(3(, !(# !+ ee* )h-h are -a& (&! &he ear&h !r (&! a
)!"/: /%& &h a 1er# 1%,ar (!&!(.
. Th!% )& !!( *e0 a(* &h!% ar& (!& #e& "pe0 (!r +ree +r!"
per&%r/a&!(0 (!r )&h!%& %p-!( !+ /e(, h%r& /# e6&er(a &h(,0
(!r 3(*# *p!e* &!)ar* a8 (!r *!& &h!% #e& pa-e )*!" !(# (
a-&(, 5%&#.
?. E6a"(e "e(' r%(, pr(-pe0 e1e( &h!e !+ &he )e0 )ha& 3(* !+
&h(, &he# a1!*0 a(* )ha& 3(* &he# p%r%e.
@. Wha& e1 &! &hee *!e (!& %/& ( &he r%(, pr(-pe !+
a(!&her8 (!r #e& ( a(# &%r((, a(* "%&a&!( !+ &h# -!rp!rea -!1er(,.
Where & &he(7 I& ( &ha& par& !+ &hee ( )h-h %/& &he p!)er
!+ +!r"(, !p(!( a/!%& e1. Le& &h p!)er &he( (!& +!r" %-h
!p(!(0 a(* a )e. A(* + &ha& )h-h (eare& &! &0 &he p!!r
/!*#0 -%&0 /%r(&0 +e* )&h "a&&er a(* r!&&e((e0 (e1er&hee e&
&he par& )h-h +!r" !p(!( a/!%& &hee &h(, /e $%e&8 &ha& 0 e&& 5%*,e &ha& (!&h(, e&her /a* !r ,!!* )h-h -a( happe( e$%a# &!
&he /a* "a( a(* &he ,!!*. F!r &ha& )h-h happe( e$%a# &! h" )h! 1e
-!(&rar# &! (a&%re a(* &! h" )h! 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 (e&her
a--!r*(, &! (a&%re (!r -!(&rar# &! (a&%re.
=. C!(&a(&# re,ar* &he %(1ere a !(e 1(, /e(,0 ha1(, !(e
%/&a(-e a(* !(e !%8 a(* !/er1e h!) a &h(, ha1e re+ere(-e &! !(e
per-ep&!(0 &he per-ep&!( !+ &h !(e 1(, /e(,8 a(* h!) a &h(,
a-& )&h !(e "!1e"e(&8 a(* h!) a &h(, are &he -!2!pera&(, -a%e !+
a &h(, )h-h e6&8 !/er1e &!! &he -!(&(%!% p(((, !+ &he &hrea*
a(* &he -!(&e6&%re !+ &he )e/.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 31/111
>. Th!% ar& a &&e !% /ear(, a/!%& a -!rpe0 a Ep-&e&% %e* &!
a# I. C. >@.
<. I& (! e1 +!r &h(, &! %(*er,! -ha(,e0 a(* (! ,!!* +!r &h(, &!
%/& ( -!(e$%e(-e !+ -ha(,e.
. T"e 3e a r1er "a*e %p !+ &he e1e(& )h-h happe(0 a(* a
1!e(& &rea"8 +!r a !!( a a &h(, ha /ee( ee(0 & -arre* a)a#0
a(* a(!&her -!"e ( & pa-e0 a(* &h ) /e -arre* a)a# &!!.
. E1er#&h(, )h-h happe( a +a"ar a(* )e 3(!)( a &he r!e (
pr(, a(* &he +r%& ( %""er8 +!r %-h *eae0 a(* *ea&h0 a(*
-a%"(#0 a(* &rea-her#0 a(* )ha&e1er ee *e,h& +!! !r 1e6e &he".
. I( &he ere !+ &h(,0 &h!e )h-h +!!) are a)a# ap&# +&&e*
&! &h!e )h-h ha1e ,!(e /e+!re: +!r &h ere (!& 3e a "ere
e(%"era&!( !+ *5!(&e* &h(,0 )h-h ha !(# a (e-ear# e$%e(-e0 /%& & a ra&!(a -!((e-&!(: a(* a a e6&(, &h(, are arra(,e*
&!,e&her har"!(!%#0 ! &he &h(, )h-h -!"e (&! e6&e(-e e6h/& (!
"ere %--e!(0 /%& a -er&a( )!(*er+% rea&!(hp I. ?8 II. @8
II. 0 (!&e.
. A)a# re"e"/er &he a#(, !+ Hera-&%0 &ha& &he *ea&h !+ ear&h
&! /e-!"e )a&er0 a(* &he *ea&h !+ )a&er &! /e-!"e ar0 a(* &he *ea&h
!+ ar &! /e-!"e +re0 a(* re1ere#. A(* &h(3 &!! !+ h" )h! +!r,e&
)h&her &he )a# ea*0 a(* &ha& "e( $%arre )&h &ha& )&h )h-h &he# are
"!& -!(&a(&# ( -!""%(!(0 &he rea!( )h-h ,!1er( &he %(1ere8 a(*
&he &h(, )h-h &he# *a# "ee& )&h ee" &! &he" &ra(,e: a(* -!(*er
&ha& )e !%,h& (!& &! a-& a(* pea3 a + )e )ere aeep0 +!r e1e( (
eep )e ee" &! a-& a(* pea38 a(* &ha& )e !%,h& (!&0 3e -h*re( )h!
ear( +r!" &her pare(&0 "p# &! a-& a(* pea3 a )e ha1e /ee( &a%,h&.
. I+ a(# ,!* &!* &hee &ha& &h!% ha& *e &!2"!rr!)0 !r -er&a(# !(
&he *a# a+&er &!2"!rr!)0 &h!% )!%*& (!& -are "%-h )he&her & )a !( &he
&hr* *a# !r !( &he "!rr!)0 %(e &h!% )a& ( &he h,he& *e,ree "ea(2
pr&e*8 +!r h!) "a &he *++ere(-e. S! &h(3 & (! ,rea& &h(, &!
*e a+&er a "a(# #ear a &h!% -a(& (a"e ra&her &ha( &!2"!rr!).
?. Th(3 -!(&(%a# h!) "a(# ph#-a( are *ea* a+&er !+&e(
-!(&ra-&(, &her e#e/r!) !1er &he -38 a(* h!) "a(# a&r!!,er a+&er
pre*-&(, )&h ,rea& pre&e(!( &he *ea&h !+ !&her8 a(* h!) "a(#
ph!!pher a+&er e(*e *-!%re !( *ea&h !r ""!r&a h!) "a(#
her!e a+&er 3(, &h!%a(*8 a(* h!) "a(# &#ra(& )h! ha1e %e* &her
p!)er !1er "e(' 1e )&h &err/e (!e(-e0 a + &he# )ere ""!r&a8
a(* h!) "a(# -&e are e(&re# *ea*0 ! &! pea30 He-e a(* P!"pe
a(* Her-%a(e%"0 a(* !&her ((%"era/e. A** &! &he re-3!((, a )h!"
&h!% ha& 3(!)(0 !(e a+&er a(!&her. O(e "a( a+&er /%r#(, a(!&her ha
/ee( a* !%& *ea*0 a(* a(!&her /%re h"8 a(* a &h ( a h!r& &"e.
T! -!(-%*e0 a)a# !/er1e h!) ephe"era a(* )!r&he h%"a( &h(, are0a(* )ha& )a #e&er*a# a &&e "%-%0 &!2"!rr!) ) /e a "%""# !r
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 32/111
ahe. Pa &he( &hr!%,h &h &&e pa-e !+ &"e -!(+!r"a/# &! (a&%re0
a(* e(* &h# 5!%r(e# ( -!(&e(&0 5%& a a( !1e +a !++ )he( &
rpe0 /e(, (a&%re )h! pr!*%-e* &0 a(* &ha(3(, &he &ree !( )h-h &
,re).
@. Be 3e &he pr!"!(&!r# a,a(& )h-h &he )a1e -!(&(%a# /rea30 /%&& &a(* +r" a(* &a"e &he +%r# !+ &he )a&er ar!%(* &.
U(happ# a" I /e-a%e &h ha happe(e* &! "e7 N!& !0 /%& happ# a" I0
&h!%,h &h ha happe(e* &! "e0 /e-a%e I -!(&(%e +ree +r!" pa(0
(e&her -r%he* /# &he pree(& (!r +ear(, &he +%&%re. F!r %-h a &h(,
a &h ",h& ha1e happe(e* &! e1er# "a(8 /%& e1er# "a( )!%* (!& ha1e
-!(&(%e* +ree +r!" pa( !( %-h a( !--a!(. Wh# &he( &ha& ra&her a
"+!r&%(e &ha( &h a ,!!* +!r&%(e7 A(* *!& &h!% ( a -ae -a &ha&
a "a(' "+!r&%(e )h-h (!& a *e1a&!( +r!" "a(' (a&%re7 A(* *!e a
&h(, ee" &! &hee &! /e a *e1a&!( +r!" "a(' (a&%re0 )he( & (!&
-!(&rar# &! &he ) !+ "a(' (a&%re7 We0 &h!% 3(!)e& &he ) !+ (a&%re. W &he( &h )h-h ha happe(e* pre1e(& &hee +r!" /e(, 5%&0
"a,(a("!%0 &e"pera&e0 pr%*e(&0 e-%re a,a(& (-!(*era&e !p(!(
a(* +aeh!!*8 ) & pre1e(& &hee +r!" ha1(, "!*e� +ree*!"0 a(*
e1er#&h(, ee0 /# &he pree(-e !+ )h-h "a(' (a&%re !/&a( a &ha&
& !)(7 Re"e"/er &!! !( e1er# !--a!( )h-h ea* &hee &! 1e6a&!(
&! app# &h pr(-pe: (!& &ha& &h a "+!r&%(e0 /%& &ha& &! /ear
& (!/# ,!!* +!r&%(e.
=. I& a 1%,ar0 /%& & a %e+% hep &!)ar* -!(&e"p& !+ *ea&h0 &!
pa ( re1e) &h!e )h! ha1e &e(a-!%# &%-3 &! +e. Wha& "!re &he(
ha1e &he# ,a(e* &ha( &h!e )h! ha1e *e* ear#7 Cer&a(# &he# e (
&her &!"/ !"e)here a& a&0 Ca*-a(%0 Fa/%0 ;%a(%0 Lep*%0 !r
a(# !(e ee 3e &he"0 )h! ha1e -arre* !%& "a(# &! /e /%re*0 a(* &he(
)ere -arre* !%& &he"e1e. A&!,e&her &he (&er1a "a /e&)ee(
/r&h a(* *ea&h8 a(* -!(*er )&h h!) "%-h &r!%/e0 a(* ( -!"pa(# )&h
)ha& !r& !+ pe!pe0 a(* ( )ha& a +ee/e /!*# &h (&er1a
a/!r!%# pae*. D! (!& &he( -!(*er +e a &h(, !+ a(# 1a%e. F!r
!!3 &! &he ""e(&# !+ &"e /eh(* &hee0 a(* &! &he &"e )h-h
/e+!re &hee0 a(!&her /!%(*e pa-e. I( &h (+(&# &he( )ha& &he
*++ere(-e /e&)ee( h" )h! 1e &hree *a# a(* h" )h! 1e &hree
,e(era&!(7
>. A)a# r%( &! &he h!r& )a#8 a(* &he h!r& )a# &he (a&%ra:
a--!r*(,# a# a(* *! e1er#&h(, ( -!(+!r"&# )&h &he !%(*e& rea!(.
F!r %-h a p%rp!e +ree a "a( +r!" &r!%/e0 a(* )ar+are0 a(* a
ar&+-e a(* !&e(&a&!% *pa#.
BOOK .
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 33/111
>. I( &he "!r((, )he( &h!% re& %()(,#0 e& &h &h!%,h& /e
pree(&022I a" r(, &! &he )!r3 !+ a h%"a( /e(,. Wh# &he( a" I
*a&+e* + I a" ,!(, &! *! &he &h(, +!r )h-h I e6& a(* +!r
)h-h I )a /r!%,h& (&! &he )!r*7 Or ha1e I /ee( "a*e +!r &h0 &! e
( &he /e*2-!&he a(* 3eep "#e+ )ar"722B%& &h "!re peaa(&.22
D!& &h!% e6& &he( &! &a3e &h# pea%re0 a(* (!& a& a +!r a-&!( !r e6er&!(7 D!& &h!% (!& ee &he &&e pa(&0 &he &&e /r*0 &he
a(&0 &he p*er0 &he /ee )!r3(, &!,e&her &! p%& ( !r*er &her
e1era par& !+ &he %(1ere7 A(* ar& &h!% %()(, &! *! &he )!r3 !+ a
h%"a( /e(,0 a(* *!& &h!% (!& "a3e ha&e &! *! &ha& )h-h a--!r*(,
&! &h# (a&%re722B%& & (e-ear# &! &a3e re& a!.22I& (e-ear#.
H!)e1er0 Na&%re ha +6e* /!%(* &! &h &!!: he ha +6e* /!%(* &!
ea&(, a(* *r(3(,0 a(* #e& &h!% ,!e& /e#!(* &hee /!%(*0 /e#!(* )ha&
%++-e(&8 #e& ( &h# a-& & (!& !0 /%& &h!% &!ppe& h!r& !+
)ha& &h!% -a(& *!. S! &h!% !1e& (!& &h#e+0 +!r + &h!% **&0 &h!%
)!%*& !1e &h# (a&%re a(* her ). B%& &h!e )h! !1e &her e1era
ar& e6ha%& &he"e1e ( )!r3(, a& &he" %()ahe* a(* )&h!%& +!!*8 /%&&h!% 1a%e& &h# !)( (a&%re e &ha( &he &%r(er 1a%e &he &%r((, ar&0
!r &he *a(-er &he *a(-(, ar&0 !r &he !1er !+ "!(e# 1a%e h "!(e#0 !r
&he 1a(,!r!% "a( h &&e ,!r#. A(* %-h "e(0 )he( &he# ha1e a
1!e(& a++e-&!( &! a &h(,0 -h!!e (e&her &! ea& (!r &! eep ra&her
&ha( &! per+e-& &he &h(, )h-h &he# -are +!r. B%& are &he a-& )h-h
-!(-er( !-e&# "!re 1e ( &h# e#e a(* e )!r&h# !+ &h# a/!r7
<. H!) ea# & &! repe a(* &! )pe a)a# e1er# "pre!( )h-h
&r!%/e!"e !r %(%&a/e0 a(* ""e*a&e# &! /e ( a &ra($%&#.
. ;%*,e e1er# )!r* a(* *ee* )h-h are a--!r*(, &! (a&%re &! /e +& +!r
&hee8 a(* /e (!& *1er&e* /# &he /a"e )h-h +!!) +r!" a(# pe!pe (!r
/# &her )!r*0 /%& + a &h(, ,!!* &! /e *!(e !r a*0 *! (!&
-!(*er & %()!r&h# !+ &hee. F!r &h!e per!( ha1e &her pe-%ar
ea*(, pr(-pe a(* +!!) &her pe-%ar "!1e"e(&8 )h-h &h(, *! (!&
&h!% re,ar*0 /%& ,! &ra,h& !(0 +!!)(, &h# !)( (a&%re a(* &he -!""!(
(a&%re8 a(* &he )a# !+ /!&h !(e.
. I ,! &hr!%,h &he &h(, )h-h happe( a--!r*(, &! (a&%re %(& I ha
+a a(* re&0 /rea&h(, !%& "# /rea&h (&! &ha& ee"e(& !%& !+ )h-h I
*a# *ra) & (0 a(* +a(, %p!( &ha& ear&h !%& !+ )h-h "# +a&her -!e-&e* &he ee*0 a(* "# "!&her &he /!!*0 a(* "# (%re &he "38 !%&
!+ )h-h *%r(, ! "a(# #ear I ha1e /ee( %ppe* )&h +!!* a(* *r(38
)h-h /ear "e )he( I &rea* !( & a(* a/%e & +!r ! "a(# p%rp!e.
. Th!% a#e&0 Me( -a((!& a*"re &he harp(e !+ &h# )&.22Be & !:
/%& &here are "a(# !&her &h(, !+ )h-h &h!% -a(& (!& a#0 I a" (!&
+!r"e* +!r &he" /# (a&%re. Sh!) &h!e $%a&e &he( )h-h are a&!,e&her
( &h# p!)er0 (-er� ,ra1� e(*%ra(-e !+ a/!r0 a1er!( &!
pea%re0 -!(&e(&"e(& )&h &h# p!r&!( a(* )&h +e) &h(,0 /e(e1!e(-e0
+ra(3(e0 (! !1e !+ %per+%� +ree*!" +r!" &r+(,0 "a,(a("&#.
D!& &h!% (!& ee h!) "a(# $%a&e &h!% ar& ""e*a&e# a/e &!e6h/&0 ( )h-h &here (! e6-%e !+ (a&%ra (-apa-&# a(* %(+&(e0
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 34/111
a(* #e& &h!% & re"a(e& 1!%(&ar# /e!) &he "ar37 !r ar& &h!%
-!"pee* &hr!%,h /e(, *e+e-&1e# +%r(he* /# (a&%re &! "%r"%r0 a(* &!
/e &(,#0 a(* &! +a&&er0 a(* &! +(* +a%& )&h &h# p!!r /!*#0 a(* &!
&r# &! peae "e(0 a(* &! "a3e ,rea& *pa#0 a(* &! /e ! re&e (
&h# "(*7 N!0 /# &he ,!*8 /%& &h!% ",h&e& ha1e /ee( *e1ere* +r!"
&hee &h(, !(, a,!. O(# + ( &r%&h &h!% -a(& /e -har,e* )&h /e(,ra&her !) a(* *% !+ -!"prehe(!(0 &h!% "%& e6er& &h#e+ a/!%& &h
a!0 (!& (e,e-&(, & (!r #e& &a3(, pea%re ( &h# *%(e.
. O(e "a(0 )he( he ha *!(e a er1-e &! a(!&her0 rea*# &! e& &
*!)( &! h a--!%(& a a +a1!r -!(+erre*. A(!&her (!& rea*# &! *!
&h0 /%& & ( h !)( "(* he &h(3 !+ &he "a( a h *e/&!r0 a(*
he 3(!) )ha& he ha *!(e. A &hr* ( a "a((er *!e (!& e1e( 3(!) )ha& he
ha *!(e0 /%& he 3e a 1(e )h-h ha pr!*%-e* ,rape0 a(* ee3 +!r
(!&h(, "!re a+&er & ha !(-e pr!*%-e* & pr!per +r%&. A a h!re )he(
he ha r%(0 a *!, )he( he ha &ra-3e* &he ,a"e0 a /ee )he( & ha "a*e
&he h!(e#0 ! a "a( )he( he ha *!(e a ,!!* a-&0 *!e (!& -a !%& +!r !&her &! -!"e a(* ee0 /%& he ,!e !( &! a(!&her a-&0 a a 1(e ,!e !(
&! pr!*%-e a,a( &he ,rape ( ea!(.22M%& a "a( &he( /e !(e !+ &hee0
)h! ( a "a((er a-& &h% )&h!%& !/er1(, &722Ye.22B%& &h 1er# &h(,
(e-ear#0 &he !/er1a&!( !+ )ha& a "a( *!(,: +!r0 & "a# /e
a*0 & -hara-&er&- !+ &he !-a a("a &! per-e1e &ha& he
)!r3(, ( a !-a "a((er0 a(* (*ee* &! )h &ha& h !-a par&(er
a! h!%* per-e1e &.22I& &r%e )ha& &h!% a#e&0 /%& &h!% *!& (!&
r,h&# %(*er&a(* )ha& (!) a*: a(* +!r &h rea!( &h!% )& /e-!"e
!(e !+ &h!e !+ )h!" I p!3e /e+!re0 +!r e1e( &he# are "e* /# a
-er&a( h!) !+ rea!(. B%& + &h!% )& -h!!e &! %(*er&a(* &he "ea((,
!+ )ha& a*0 *! (!& +ear &ha& +!r &h rea!( &h!% )& !"& a(#
!-a a-&.
. A pra#er !+ &he A&he(a(: Ra(0 ra(0 O *ear Je%0 *!)( !( &he
p!%,he* +e* !+ &he A&he(a( a(* !( &he pa(.22I( &r%&h )e !%,h&
(!& &! pra# a& a0 !r )e !%,h& &! pra# ( &h "pe a(* (!/e +ah!(.
?. ;%& a )e "%& %(*er&a(* )he( & a*0 Tha& Ae-%ap%
pre-r/e* &! &h "a( h!re2e6er-e0 !r /a&h(, ( -!* )a&er0 !r ,!(,
)&h!%& h!e0 ! )e "%& %(*er&a(* & )he( & a*0 Tha& &he (a&%re
!+ &he %(1ere pre-r/e* &! &h "a( *eae0 !r "%&a&!(0 !r !0!r a(#&h(, ee !+ &he 3(*. F!r ( &he +r& -ae Pre-r/e* "ea(
!"e&h(, 3e &h: he pre-r/e* &h +!r &h "a( a a &h(, a*ap&e*
&! pr!-%re hea&h8 a(* ( &he e-!(* -ae & "ea(0 Tha& )h-h happe( &!
!r %& e1er# "a( +6e* ( a "a((er +!r h" %&a/# &! h
*e&(#. F!r &h )ha& )e "ea( )he( )e a# &ha& &h(, are %&a/e &!
%0 a &he )!r3"e( a# !+ $%are* &!(e ( )a !r &he p#ra"*0 &ha&
&he# are %&a/e0 )he( &he# +& &he" &! !(e a(!&her ( !"e 3(* !+
-!((e-&!(. F!r &here a&!,e&her !(e +&(e har"!(#. A(* a &he
%(1ere "a*e %p !%& !+ a /!*e &! /e %-h a /!*# a & 0 ! !%&
!+ a e6&(, -a%e (e-e&# *e&(# "a*e %p &! /e %-h a -a%e
a & . A(* e1e( &h!e )h! are -!"pe&e# ,(!ra(& %(*er&a(* )ha& I"ea(8 +!r &he# a#0 I& (e-e� *e&(# /r!%,h& &h &! %-h a
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 35/111
per!(.22Th &he( )a /r!%,h& a(* &h )a pre-r/e* &! h". Le& %
&he( re-e1e &hee &h(,0 a )e a &h!e )h-h Ae-%ap% pre-r/e.
Ma(# a a "a&&er !+ -!%re e1e( a"!(, h pre-rp&!( are *a,reea/e0
/%& )e0 a--ep& &he" ( &he h!pe !+ hea&h. Le& &he per+e-&(, a(*
a--!"ph"e(& !+ &he &h(, )h-h &he -!""!( (a&%re 5%*,e &! /e ,!!*0
/e 5%*,e* /# &hee &! /e !+ &he a"e 3(* a &h# hea&h. A(* ! a--ep&e1er#&h(, )h-h happe(0 e1e( + & ee" *a,reea/e0 /e-a%e & ea*
&! &h0 &! &he hea&h !+ &he %(1ere a(* &! &he pr!per&# a(* +e-&#
!+ Je% &he %(1ere. F!r he )!%* (!& ha1e /r!%,h& !( a(# "a( )ha& he
ha /r!%,h&0 + & )ere (!& %e+% +!r &he )h!e. Ne&her *!e &he (a&%re
!+ a(#&h(,0 )ha&e1er & "a# /e0 -a%e a(#&h(, )h-h (!& %&a/e &!
&ha& )h-h *re-&e* /# &. F!r &)! rea!( &he( & r,h& &! /e
-!(&e(& )&h &ha& )h-h happe( &! &hee0 &he !(e0 /e-a%e & )a *!(e +!r
&hee a(* pre-r/e* +!r &hee0 a(* ( a "a((er ha* re+ere(-e &! &hee0
!r,(a# +r!" &he "!& a(-e(& -a%e p%( )&h &h# *e&(#8 a(* &he
!&her0 /e-a%e e1e( &ha& )h-h -!"e e1era# &! e1er# "a( &! &he
p!)er )h-h a*"(&er &he %(1ere a -a%e !+ +e-&# a(* per+e-&!(0(a# e1e( !+ & 1er# -!(&(%a(-e. F!r &he (&e,r&# !+ &he )h!e
"%&a&e*0 + &h!% -%&&e& !++ a(#&h(, )ha&e1er +r!" &he -!(5%(-&!( a(*
&he -!(&(%&# e&her !+ &he par& !r !+ &he -a%e. A(* &h!% *!& -%&
!++0 a +ar a & ( &h# p!)er0 )he( &h!% ar& *a&+e*0 a(* ( a
"a((er &re& &! p%& a(#&h(, !%& !+ &he )a#.
@. Be (!& *,%&e*0 (!r *-!%ra,e*0 (!r *a&+e*0 + &h!% *!& (!&
%--ee* ( *!(, e1er#&h(, a--!r*(, &! r,h& pr(-pe0 /%& )he( &h!%
ha& +ae*0 re&%r( /a-3 a,a(0 a(* /e -!(&e(& + &he ,rea&er par& !+
)ha& &h!% *!& -!(&e(& )&h "a(' (a&%re0 a(* !1e &h &! )h-h
&h!% re&%r(e&8 a(* *! (!& re&%r( &! ph!!ph# a + he )ere a "a&er0
/%& a-& 3e &h!e )h! ha1e !re e#e a(* app# a /& !+ p!(,e a(* e,,0
!r a a(!&her appe a pa&er0 !r *re(-h(, )&h )a&er. F!r &h% &h!%
)& (!& +a &! !/e# rea!(0 a(* &h!% )& rep!e ( &. A(* re"e"/er
&ha& ph!!ph# re$%re !(# &he &h(, )h-h &h# (a&%re re$%re8 /%&
&h!% )!%*& ha1e !"e&h(, ee )h-h (!& a--!r*(, &! (a&%re.22I&
"a# /e !/5e-&e*0 Wh#0 )ha& "!re a,reea/e &ha( &h )h-h I a"
*!(,722B%& (!& &h &he 1er# rea!( )h# pea%re *e-e1e %7 A(*
-!(*er + "a,(a("� +ree*!"0 "p-� e$%a("� pe� are (!&
"!re a,reea/e. F!r )ha& "!re a,reea/e &ha( )*!" &e+0 )he( &h!%
&h(3e& !+ &he e-%r&# a(* &he happ# -!%re !+ a &h(, )h-h *epe(*!( &he +a-%&# !+ %(*er&a(*(, a(* 3(!)e*,e7
>=. Th(, are ( %-h a 3(* !+ e(1e!p"e(& &ha& &he# ha1e ee"e* &!
ph!!pher0 (!& a +e) (!r &h!e -!""!( ph!!pher0 a&!,e&her
%((&e,/e8 (a# e1e( &! &he S&!- &he"e1e &he# ee" *++-%& &!
%(*er&a(*. A(* a !%r ae(& -ha(,ea/e8 +!r )here &he "a( )h!
(e1er -ha(,e7 Carr# &h# &h!%,h& &he( &! &he !/5e-& &he"e1e0 a(*
-!(*er h!) h!r&21e* &he# are a(* )!r&he0 a(* &ha& &he# "a# /e (
&he p!e!( !+ a +&h# )re&-h !r a r!//er. The( &%r( &! &he "!ra !+
&h!e )h! 1e )&h &hee0 a(* & har*# p!/e &! e(*%re e1e( &he
"!& a,reea/e !+ &he"0 &! a# (!&h(, !+ a "a( /e(, har*# a/e &!e(*%re h"e+. I( %-h *ar3(e &he( a(* *r&0 a(* ( ! -!(&a(& a +%6
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 36/111
/!&h !+ %/&a(-e a(* !+ &"e0 a(* !+ "!&!( a(* !+ &h(, "!1e*0 )ha&
&here )!r&h /e(, h,h# pr9e*0 !r e1e( a( !/5e-& !+ er!% p%r%&0
I -a((!& "a,(e. B%& !( &he -!(&rar# & a "a(' *%&# &! -!"+!r&
h"e+0 a(* &! )a& +!r &he (a&%ra *!%&!(0 a(* (!& &! /e 1e6e* a&
&he *ea#0 /%& &! re& ( &hee pr(-pe !(#: &he !(e0 &ha& (!&h(,
) happe( &! "e )h-h (!& -!(+!r"a/e &! &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere8a(* &he !&her0 &ha& & ( "# p!)er (e1er &! a-& -!(&rar# &! "# ,!* a(*
*ae"!(: +!r &here (! "a( )h! ) -!"pe "e &! &h.
>>. A/!%& )ha& a" I (!) e"p!#(, "# !)( !%7 O( e1er# !--a!( I "%&
a3 "#e+ &h $%e&!(0 a(* ($%re0 Wha& ha1e I (!) ( &h par& !+ "e
)h-h &he# -a &he r%(, pr(-pe7 a(* )h!e !% ha1e I (!)022&ha& !+
a -h*0 !r !+ a #!%(, "a(0 !r !+ a +ee/e )!"a(0 !r !+ a &#ra(&0 !r !+ a
*!"e&- a("a0 !r !+ a )* /ea&7
><. Wha& 3(* !+ &h(, &h!e are )h-h appear ,!!* &! &he "a(#0 )e "a#
ear( e1e( +r!" &h. F!r + a(# "a( h!%* -!(-e1e -er&a( &h(, a /e(, rea# ,!!*0 %-h a pr%*e(-e0 &e"pera(-e0 5%&-e0 +!r&&%*e0 he
)!%* (!& a+&er ha1(, +r& -!(-e1e* &hee e(*%re &! &e( &! a(#&h(,
)h-h h!%* (!& /e ( har"!(# )&h )ha& rea# ,!!*. B%& + a "a( ha
+r& -!(-e1e* a ,!!* &he &h(, )h-h appear &! &he "a(# &! /e ,!!*0
he ) &e( a(* rea*# re-e1e a 1er# app-a/e &ha& )h-h )a a*
/# &he -!"- )r&er. Th% e1e( &he "a(# per-e1e &he *++ere(-e. F!r )ere
& (!& !0 &h a#(, )!%* (!& !++e(* a(* )!%* (!& /e re5e-&e* ( &he
+r& -ae0 )he )e re-e1e & )he( & a* !+ )ea&h0 a(* !+ &he
"ea( )h-h +%r&her %6%r# a(* +a"e0 a a* +&# a(* )&&#. G! !(
&he( a(* a3 + )e h!%* 1a%e a(* &h(3 &h!e &h(, &! /e ,!!*0 &!
)h-h a+&er &her +r& -!(-ep&!( ( &he "(* &he )!r* !+ &he -!"-
)r&er ",h& /e ap&# appe*022&ha& he )h! ha &he"0 &hr!%,h p%re
a/%(*a(-e ha (!& a pa-e &! eae h"e+ (.
>. I a" -!"p!e* !+ &he +!r"a a(* &he "a&era8 a(* (e&her !+ &he"
) perh (&! (!(2e6&e(-e0 a (e&her !+ &he" -a"e (&! e6&e(-e
!%& !+ (!(2e6&e(-e. E1er# par& !+ "e &he( ) /e re*%-e* /# -ha(,e
(&! !"e par& !+ &he %(1ere0 a(* &ha& a,a( ) -ha(,e (&! a(!&her
par& !+ &he %(1ere0 a(* ! !( +!re1er. A(* /# -!(e$%e(-e !+ %-h a
-ha(,e I &!! e6&0 a(* &h!e )h! /e,!& "e0 a(* ! !( +!re1er ( &he
!&her *re-&!(. F!r (!&h(, h(*er % +r!" a#(, !0 e1e( + &he%(1ere a*"(&ere* a--!r*(, &! *e+(&e per!* !+ re1!%&!(.
>. Rea!( a(* &he rea!((, ar& ph!!ph# are p!)er )h-h are
%++-e(& +!r &he"e1e a(* +!r &her !)( )!r3. The# "!1e &he( +r!" a
+r& pr(-pe )h-h &her !)(0 a(* &he# "a3e &her )a# &! &he e(*
)h-h pr!p!e* &! &he"8 a(* &h &he rea!( )h# %-h a-& are (a"e*
Ca&!r&h!e !r r,h& a-&0 )h-h )!r* ,(+e &ha& &he# pr!-ee* /# &he
r,h& r!a*.
>. N!(e !+ &hee &h(, !%,h& &! /e -ae* a "a(' )h-h *! (!& /e!(,
&! a "a(0 a "a(. The# are (!& re$%re* !+ a "a(0 (!r *!e "a(' (a&%re pr!"e &he"0 (!r are &he# &he "ea( !+ "a(' (a&%re a&&a((, & e(*.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 37/111
Ne&her &he( *!e &he e(* !+ "a( e ( &hee &h(,0 (!r #e& &ha& )h-h
a* &! &he a--!"ph"e(& !+ &h e(*0 a(* &ha& )h-h a* &!)ar* &h
e(* &ha& )h-h ,!!*. Be*e0 + a(# !+ &hee &h(, ** /e!(, &!
"a(0 & )!%* (!& /e r,h& +!r a "a( &! *epe &he" a(* &! e& h"e+
a,a(& &he"8 (!r )!%* a "a( /e )!r&h# !+ prae )h! h!)e* &ha& he **
(!& )a(& &hee &h(,0 (!r )!%* he )h! &(&e* h"e+ ( a(# !+ &he" /e,!!*0 + (*ee* &hee &h(, )ere ,!!*. B%& (!) &he "!re !+ &hee &h(,
a "a( *epr1e h"e+ !+0 !r !+ !&her &h(, 3e &he"0 !r e1e( )he( he
*epr1e* !+ a(# !+ &he"0 &he "!re pa&e(&# he e(*%re &he !0 5%&
( &he a"e *e,ree he a /e&&er "a(.
>. S%-h a are &h# ha/&%a &h!%,h&0 %-h a! ) /e &he -hara-&er !+
&h# "(*8 +!r &he !% *#e* /# &he &h!%,h&. D#e & &he( )&h a
-!(&(%!% ere !+ %-h &h!%,h& a &hee: +!r (&a(-e0 &ha& )here a
"a( -a( 1e0 &here he -a( a! 1e )e. B%& he "%& 1e ( a paa-e8
)e &he(0 he -a( a! 1e )e ( a paa-e. A(* a,a(0 -!(*er &ha&
+!r )ha&e1er p%rp!e ea-h &h(, ha /ee( -!(&&%&e*0 +!r &h & ha /ee( -!(&&%&e*0 a(* &!)ar* &h & -arre*8 a(* & e(* ( &ha&
&!)ar* )h-h & -arre*8 a(* )here &he e(* 0 &here a! &he
a*1a(&a,e a(* &he ,!!* !+ ea-h &h(,. N!) &he ,!!* +!r &he rea!(a/e
a("a !-e +!r &ha& )e are "a*e +!r !-e&# ha /ee( h!)( a/!1e.
I & (!& pa( &ha& &he (+er!r e6& +!r &he a3e !+ &he %per!r7
B%& &he &h(, )h-h ha1e +e are %per!r &! &h!e )h-h ha1e (!& +e0
a(* !+ &h!e )h-h ha1e +e &he %per!r are &h!e )h-h ha1e rea!(.
>. T! ee3 )ha& "p!/e "a*(e: a(* & "p!/e &ha& &he
/a* h!%* (!& *! !"e&h(, !+ &h 3(*.
>?. N!&h(, happe( &! a(# "a( )h-h he (!& +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! /ear.
The a"e &h(, happe( &! a(!&her0 a(* e&her /e-a%e he *!e (!& ee
&ha& &he# ha1e happe(e*0 !r /e-a%e he )!%* h!) a ,rea& pr&0 he
+r" a(* re"a( %(har"e*. I& a ha"e &he( &ha& ,(!ra(-e a(* -!(-e&
h!%* /e &r!(,er &ha( )*!".
>@. Th(, &he"e1e &!%-h (!& &he !%0 (!& ( &he ea& *e,ree8 (!r
ha1e &he# a*"!( &! &he !%0 (!r -a( &he# &%r( !r "!1e &he !%: /%&
&he !% &%r( a(* "!1e &e+ a!(e0 a(* )ha&e1er 5%*,"e(& & "a#
&h(3 pr!per &! "a3e0 %-h & "a3e +!r &e+ &he &h(, )h-h pree(&&he"e1e &! &.
<=. I( !(e repe-& "a( &he (eare& &h(, &! "e0 ! +ar a I "%& *!
,!!* &! "e( a(* e(*%re &he". B%& ! +ar a !"e "e( "a3e &he"e1e
!/&a-e &! "# pr!per a-&0 "a( /e-!"e &! "e !(e !+ &he &h(, )h-h
are (*++ere(&0 (! e &ha( &he %( !r )(* !r a )* /ea&. N!) &
&r%e &ha& &hee "a# "pe*e "# a-&!(0 /%& &he# are (! "pe*"e(& &! "#
e++e-& a(* *p!&!(0 )h-h ha1e &he p!)er !+ a-&(, -!(*&!(a# a(*
-ha(,(,: +!r &he "(* -!(1er& a(* -ha(,e e1er# h(*ra(-e &! &
a-&1&# (&! a( a*8 a(* ! &ha& )h-h a h(*ra(-e "a*e a
+%r&hera(-e &! a( a-&8 a(* &ha& )h-h a( !/&a-e !( &he r!a* hep %!( &h r!a*.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 38/111
<>. Re1ere(-e &ha& )h-h /e& ( &he %(1ere8 a(* &h &ha& )h-h
"a3e %e !+ a &h(, a(* *re-& a &h(,. A(* ( 3e "a((er a!
re1ere(-e &ha& )h-h /e& ( &h#e+8 a(* &h !+ &he a"e 3(* a
&ha&. F!r ( &h#e+ a!0 &ha& )h-h "a3e %e !+ e1er#&h(, ee
&h0 a(* &h# +e *re-&e* /# &h.
<<. Tha& )h-h *!e (! har" &! &he &a&e0 *!e (! har" &! &he -&9e(. I(
&he -ae !+ e1er# appeara(-e !+ har" app# &h r%e: + &he &a&e (!&
har"e* /# &h0 (e&her a" I har"e*. B%& + &he &a&e har"e*0 &h!%
"%& (!& /e a(,r# )&h h" )h! *!e har" &! &he &a&e. Sh!) h" )here h
err!r .
<. O+&e( &h(3 !+ &he rap*&# )&h )h-h &h(, pa /# a(* *appear0
/!&h &he &h(, )h-h are a(* &he &h(, )h-h are pr!*%-e*. F!r
%/&a(-e 3e a r1er ( a -!(&(%a +!)0 a(* &he a-&1&e !+
&h(, are ( -!(&a(& -ha(,e0 a(* &he -a%e )!r3 ( (+(&e 1are&e8a(* &here har*# a(#&h(, )h-h &a(* &. A(* -!(*er &h )h-h
(ear &! &hee0 &h /!%(*e a/# !+ &he pa& a(* !+ &he +%&%re (
)h-h a &h(, *appear. H!) &he( he (!& a +!! )h! p%++e* %p
)&h %-h &h(, !r pa,%e* a/!%& &he" a(* "a3e h"e+ "era/e7 +!r
&he# 1e6 h" !(# +!r a &"e0 a(* a h!r& &"e.
<. Th(3 !+ &he %(1era %/&a(-e0 !+ )h-h &h!% ha& a 1er# "a
p!r&!(8 a(* !+ %(1era &"e0 !+ )h-h a h!r& a(* (*1/e (&er1a
ha /ee( a,(e* &! &hee8 a(* !+ &ha& )h-h +6e* /# *e&(#0 a(* h!)
"a a par& !+ & &h!% ar&.
<. D!e a(!&her *! "e )r!(,7 Le& h" !!3 &! &. He ha h !)(
*p!&!(0 h !)( a-&1&#. I (!) ha1e )ha& &he %(1era (a&%re )
"e &! ha1e8 a(* I *! )ha& "# (a&%re (!) ) "e &! *!.
<. Le& &he par& !+ &h# !% )h-h ea* a(* ,!1er( /e %(*&%r/e* /#
&he "!1e"e(& ( &he +eh0 )he&her !+ pea%re !r !+ pa(8 a(* e& &
(!& %(&e )&h &he"0 /%& e& & -r-%"-r/e &e+ a(* "& &h!e
a++e-& &! &her par&. B%& )he( &hee a++e-& re %p &! &he "(* /#
1r&%e !+ &ha& !&her #"pa&h# &ha& (a&%ra# e6& ( a /!*# )h-h
a !(e0 &he( &h!% "%& (!& &r1e &! re& &he e(a&!(0 +!r & (a&%ra: /%& e& (!& &he r%(, par& !+ &e+ a** &! &he e(a&!( &he
!p(!( &ha& & e&her ,!!* !r /a*.
<. L1e )&h &he ,!*. A(* he *!e 1e )&h &he ,!* )h! -!(&a(&#
h!) &! &he" &ha& h !)( !% a&+e* )&h &ha& )h-h a,(e*
&! h"0 a(* &ha& & *!e a &ha& &he *ae"!( )he0 )h-h Je% ha&h
,1e( &! e1er# "a( +!r h ,%ar*a( a(* ,%*e0 a p!r&!( !+ h"e+. A(*
&h e1er# "a(' %(*er&a(*(, a(* rea!(.
<?. Ar& &h!% a(,r# )&h h" )h!e ar"p& &(37 ar& &h!% a(,r# )&h h"
)h!e "!%&h "e +!%7 Wha& ,!!* ) &h a(,er *! &hee7 He ha %-h a"!%&h0 he ha %-h ar"p&: & (e-ear# &ha& %-h a( e"a(a&!( "%&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 39/111
-!"e +r!" %-h &h(,8 /%& &he "a( ha rea!(0 & ) /e a*0 a(* he
a/e0 + he &a3e pa(0 &! *-!1er )here( he !++e(*8 I )h &hee )e
!+ &h# *-!1er#. We &he(0 a(* &h!% ha& rea!(: /# &h# ra&!(a
+a-%&# &r %p h ra&!(a +a-% h!) h" h err!r0 a*"!(h h".
F!r + he &e(0 &h!% )& -%re h"0 a(* &here (! (ee* !+ a(,er.
<@. A &h!% (&e(*e& &! 1e )he( &h!% ar& ,!(e !%&0 ... ! & ( &h#
p!)er &! 1e here. B%& + "e( *! (!& per"& &hee0 &he( ,e& a)a# !%& !+
+e0 #e& ! a + &he" )er& %++er(, (! har". The h!%e "!3#0 a(* I
$%& &. Wh# *!& &h!% &h(3 &ha& &h a(# &r!%/e7 B%& ! !(, a
(!&h(, !+ &he 3(* *r1e "e !%&0 I re"a(0 a" +ree0 a(* (! "a( ha
h(*er "e +r!" *!(, )ha& I -h!!e8 a(* I -h!!e &! *! )ha& a--!r*(,
&! &he (a&%re !+ &he ra&!(a a(* !-a a("a.
=. The (&e,e(-e !+ &he %(1ere !-a. A--!r*(,# & ha "a*e
&he (+er!r &h(, +!r &he a3e !+ &he %per!r0 a(* & ha +&&e* &he
%per!r &! !(e a(!&her. Th!% ee& h!) & ha %/!r*(a&e*0 -!2!r*(a&e*0a(* a,(e* &! e1er#&h(, & pr!per p!r&!(0 a(* ha /r!%,h&
&!,e&her (&! -!(-!r* )&h !(e a(!&her &he &h(, )h-h are &he /e&.
>. H!) ha& &h!% /eha1e* h&her&! &! &he ,!*0 &h# pare(&0 /re&hre(0
-h*re(0 &ea-her0 &! &h!e )h! !!3e* a+&er &h# (+a(-#0 &! &h#
+re(*0 3(+!30 &! &h# a1e7 C!(*er + &h!% ha& h&her&! /eha1e*
&! a ( %-h a )a# &ha& &h "a# /e a* !+ &hee022
4Ne1er ha )r!(,e* a "a( ( *ee* !r )!r*.4
A(* -a &! re-!e-&!( /!&h h!) "a(# &h(, &h!% ha& pae* &hr!%,h0
a(* h!) "a(# &h(, &h!% ha& /ee( a/e &! e(*%re a(* &ha& &he h&!r# !+
&h# +e (!) -!"pe&e a(* &h# er1-e e(*e*8 a(* h!) "a(# /ea%&+%
&h(, &h!% ha& ee(8 a(* h!) "a(# pea%re a(* pa( &h!% ha&
*epe*8 a(* h!) "a(# &h(, -ae* h!(!ra/e &h!% ha& p%r(e*8 a(* &!
h!) "a(# 2"(*e* +!3 &h!% ha& h!)( a 3(* *p!&!(.
<. Wh# *! %(3e* a(* ,(!ra(& !% *&%r/ h" )h! ha 3 a(*
3(!)e*,e7 Wha& !% &he( ha 3 a(* 3(!)e*,e7 Tha& )h-h 3(!)
/e,(((, a(* e(*0 a(* 3(!) &he rea!( )h-h per1a*e a %/&a(-e0 a(*
&hr!%,h a &"e /# +6e* per!* re1!%&!( a*"(&er &he %(1ere.
. S!!(0 1er# !!(0 &h!% )& /e ahe0 !r a 3ee&!(0 a(* e&her a (a"e
!r (!& e1e( a (a"e8 /%& (a"e !%(* a(* e-h!. A(* &he &h(, )h-h are
"%-h 1a%e* ( +e are e"p&# a(* r!&&e( a(* &r+(,0 a(* 3e &&e
*!, /&(, !(e a(!&her0 a(* &&e -h*re( $%arre(,0 a%,h(,0 a(*
&he( &ra,h&)a# )eep(,. B%& +*e&# a(* "!*e&# a(* 5%&-e a(* &r%&h
are +e*
Up &! O#"p% +r!" &he )*e2prea* ear&h.
HESIOD0 W!r30 e&-. . >@.
Wha& &he( &here )h-h & *e&a( &hee here0 + &he !/5e-& !+ e(e
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 40/111
are ea# -ha(,e* a(* (e1er &a(* &0 a(* &he !r,a( !+ per-ep&!(
are *% a(* ea# re-e1e +ae "pre!(0 a(* &he p!!r !% &e+
a( e6haa&!( +r!" /!!*7 B%& &! ha1e ,!!* rep%&e a"* %-h a )!r* a
&h a( e"p&# &h(,. Wh# &he( *!& &h!% (!& )a& ( &ra($%&# +!r
&h# e(*0 )he&her & e6&(-&!( !r re"!1a &! a(!&her &a&e7 A(* %(&
&ha& &"e -!"e0 )ha& %++-e(&7 Wh#0 )ha& ee &ha( &! 1e(era&e &he,!* a(* /e &he"0 a(* &! *! ,!!* &! "e(0 a(* &! pra-&-e &!era(-e a(*
e+2re&ra(&8 /%& a &! e1er#&h(, )h-h /e#!(* &he "& !+ &he
p!!r +eh a(* /rea&h0 &! re"e"/er &ha& &h (e&her &h(e (!r ( &h#
p!)er.
. Th!% -a(& pa &h# +e ( a( e$%a/e +!) !+ happ(e0 + &h!%
-a(& ,! /# &he r,h& )a#0 a(* &h(3 a(* a-& ( &he r,h& )a#. Thee &)!
&h(, are -!""!( /!&h &! &he !% !+ G!* a(* &! &he !% !+ "a(0 a(* &!
&he !% !+ e1er# ra&!(a /e(,: (!& &! /e h(*ere* /# a(!&her8 a(* &!
h!* ,!!* &! -!(& ( &he *p!&!( &! 5%&-e a(* &he pra-&-e !+
&0 a(* ( &h &! e& &h# *ere +(* & &er"(a&!(.
. I+ &h (e&her "# !)( /a*(e0 (!r a( e++e-& !+ "# !)( /a*(e0
a(* &he -!""!( )ea (!& (5%re*0 )h# a" I &r!%/e* a/!%& &0 a(* )ha&
&he har" &! &he -!""!( )ea7
. D! (!& /e -arre* a!(, (-!(*era&e# /# &he appeara(-e !+ &h(,0
/%& ,1e hep &! a a--!r*(, &! &h# a/&# a(* &her +&(e8 a(* +
&he# h!%* ha1e %&a(e* ! ( "a&&er )h-h are (*++ere(&0 *! (!&
"a,(e &h &! /e a *a"a,e8 +!r & a /a* ha/&. B%& a &he !* "a(0
)he( he )e(& a)a#0 a3e* /a-3 h +!&er2-h*' &!p0 re"e"/er(, &ha& &
)a a &!p0 ! *! &h!% ( &h -ae a!.
Whe( &h!% ar& -a(, !%& !( &he R!&ra0 ha& &h!% +!r,!&&e(0 "a(0 )ha&
&hee &h(, are722Ye8 /%& &he# are !/5e-& !+ ,rea& -!(-er( &! &hee
pe!pe22)& &h!% &!! &he( /e "a*e a +!! +!r &hee &h(,7 I )a !(-e a
+!r&%(a&e "a(0 /%& I !& &0 I 3(!) (!& h!).22B%& +!r&%(a&e "ea( &ha& a
"a( ha a,(e* &! h"e+ a ,!!* +!r&%(e: a(* a ,!!* +!r&%(e ,!!*
*p!&!( !+ &he !%0 ,!!* e"!&!(0 ,!!* a-&!(.
BOOK I.
>. The %/&a(-e !+ &he %(1ere !/e*e(& a(* -!"pa(&8 a(* &he
rea!( )h-h ,!1er( & ha ( &e+ (! -a%e +!r *!(, e10 +!r & ha
(! "a-e0 (!r *!e & *! e1 &! a(#&h(,0 (!r a(#&h(, har"e* /# &.
B%& a &h(, are "a*e a(* per+e-&e* a--!r*(, &! &h rea!(.
<. Le& & "a3e (! *++ere(-e &! &hee )he&her &h!% ar& -!* !r )ar"0 +
&h!% ar& *!(, &h# *% a(* )he&her &h!% ar& *r!)# !r a&+e* )&heep8 a(* )he&her 2p!3e( !+ !r prae*8 a(* )he&her *#(, !r *!(,
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 41/111
!"e&h(, ee. F!r & !(e !+ &he a-& !+ +e0 &h a-& /# )h-h )e
*e: & %++-e(& &he( ( &h a-& a! &! *! )e )ha& )e ha1e (
ha(* 1. <<0 <?.
. L!!3 )&h(. Le& (e&her &he pe-%ar $%a&# !+ a(#&h(, (!r &
1a%e e-ape &hee.
. A e6&(, &h(, !!( -ha(,e0 a(* &he# ) e&her /e re*%-e* &!
1ap!r0 + (*ee* a %/&a(-e !(e0 !r &he# ) /e *pere*.
. The rea!( )h-h ,!1er( 3(!) )ha& & !)( *p!&!( 0 a(* )ha&
& *!e0 a(* !( )ha& "a&era & )!r3.
. The /e& )a# !+ a1e(,(, &h#e+ (!& &! /e-!"e 3e &he )r!(,2
*!er.
. Ta3e pea%re ( !(e &h(, a(* re& ( &0 ( pa(, +r!" !(e !-aa-& &! a(!&her !-a a-&0 &h(3(, !+ G!*.
?. The r%(, pr(-pe &ha& )h-h r!%e a(* &%r( &e+0 a(* )he
& "a3e &e+ %-h a & a(* %-h a & ) &! /e0 & a! "a3e
e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( appear &! &e+ &! /e %-h a & ).
@. I( -!(+!r"&# &! &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere e1er# (,e &h(,
a--!"phe*8 +!r -er&a(# & (!& ( -!(+!r"&# &! a(# !&her (a&%re
&ha& ea-h &h(, a--!"phe*0 e&her a (a&%re )h-h e6&er(a#
-!"prehe(* &h0 !r a (a&%re )h-h -!"prehe(*e* )&h( &h (a&%re0
!r a (a&%re e6&er(a a(* (*epe(*e(& !+ &h XL >8 I. =8 III. =.
>=. The %(1ere e&her a -!(+%!(0 a(* a "%&%a (1!%&!( !+
&h(,0 a(* a *per!(0 !r & %(&# a(* !r*er a(* pr!1*e(-e. I+
&he( & &he +!r"er0 )h# *! I *ere &! &arr# ( a +!r&%&!%
-!"/(a&!( !+ &h(, a(* %-h a *!r*er7 a(* )h# *! I -are a/!%&
a(#&h(, ee &ha( h!) I ha a& a& /e-!"e ear&h7 a(* )h# a" I
*&%r/e*0 +!r &he *per!( !+ "# ee"e(& ) happe( )ha&e1er I *!7
B%& + &he !&her %pp!&!( &r%e0 I 1e(era&e0 a(* I a" +r"0 a(* I
&r%& ( h" )h! ,!1er( I. <.
>>. Whe( &h!% ha& /ee( -!"pee* /# -r-%"&a(-e &! /e *&%r/e* ( a
"a((er0 $%-3# re&%r( &! &h#e+0 a(* *! (!& -!(&(%e !%& !+ &%(e !(,er
&ha( &he -!"p%!( a&8 +!r &h!% )& ha1e "!re "a&er# !1er &he
har"!(# /# -!(&(%a# re-%rr(, &! &.
><. I+ &h!% ha*& a &ep2"!&her a(* a "!&her a& &he a"e &"e0 &h!%
)!%*& /e *%&+% &! &h# &ep2"!&her0 /%& & &h!% )!%*& -!(&a(&#
re&%r( &! &h# "!&her. Le& &he -!%r& a(* ph!!ph# (!) /e &! &hee
&ep"!&her a(* "!&her: re&%r( &! ph!!ph# +re$%e(&# a(* rep!e (
her0 &hr!%,h )h!" )ha& &h!% "ee&e& )&h ( &he -!%r& appear &! &hee
&!era/e0 a(* &h!% appeare& &!era/e ( &he -!%r&.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 42/111
>. Whe( )e ha1e "ea& /e+!re % a(* %-h ea&a/e0 )e re-e1e &he
"pre!( &ha& &h &he *ea* /!*# !+ a +h0 a(* &h &he *ea*
/!*# !+ a /r* !r !+ a p,8 a(* a,a(0 &ha& &h Faer(a( !(# a
&&e ,rape25%-e0 a(* &h p%rpe r!/e !"e heep' )!! *#e* )&h &he
/!!* !+ a he2+h: %-h &he( are &hee "pre!(0 a(* &he# rea-h
&he &h(, &he"e1e a(* pe(e&ra&e &he"0 a(* ! )e ee )ha& 3(* !+ &h(, &he# are. ;%& ( &he a"e )a# !%,h& )e &! a-& a &hr!%,h +e0
a(* )here &here are &h(, )h-h appear "!& )!r&h# !+ !%r appr!/a&!(0
)e !%,h& &! a# &he" /are a(* !!3 a& &her )!r&he(e a(* &rp &he"
!+ a &he )!r* /# )h-h &he# are e6a&e*. F!r !%&)ar* h!) a
)!(*er+% per1er&er !+ &he rea!(0 a(* )he( &h!% ar& "!& %re &ha& &h!%
ar& e"p!#e* a/!%& &h(, )!r&h &h# pa(0 & &he( &ha& & -hea& &hee
"!&. C!(*er &he( )ha& Cra&e a# !+ Xe(!-ra&e h"e+.
>. M!& !+ &he &h(, )h-h &he "%&&%*e a*"re are re+erre* &! !/5e-&
!+ &he "!& ,e(era 3(*0 &h!e )h-h are he* &!,e&her /# -!he!( !r
(a&%ra !r,a(9a&!(0 %-h a &!(e0 )!!*0 +,2&ree0 1(e0 !1e. B%&&h!e )h-h are a*"re* /# "e(0 )h! are a &&e "!re rea!(a/e0 are
re+erre* &! &he &h(, )h-h are he* &!,e&her /# a 1(, pr(-pe0 a
+!-30 her*. Th!e )h-h are a*"re* /# "e( )h! are & "!re
(&r%-&e* are &he &h(, )h-h are he* &!,e&her /# a ra&!(a !%0 (!&
h!)e1er a %(1era !%0 /%& ra&!(a ! +ar a & a !% 3e* (
!"e ar&0 !r e6per& ( !"e !&her )a#0 !r "p# ra&!(a ! +ar a &
p!ee a (%"/er !+ a1e. B%& he )h! 1a%e a ra&!(a !%0 a !%
%(1era a(* +&&e* +!r p!&-a +e0 re,ar* (!&h(, ee e6-ep&
&h8 a(* a/!1e a &h(, he 3eep h !% ( a -!(*&!( a(* ( a(
a-&1&# -!"+!r"a/e &! rea!( a(* !-a +e0 a(* he -!2!pera&e &!
&h e(* )&h &h!e )h! are !+ &he a"e 3(* a h"e+.
>. S!"e &h(, are h%rr#(, (&! e6&e(-e0 a(* !&her are h%rr#(, !%&
!+ &8 a(* !+ &ha& )h-h -!"(, (&! e6&e(-e par& area*#
e6&(,%he*. M!&!( a(* -ha(,e are -!(&(%a# re(e)(, &he )!r*0
5%& a &he %((&err%p&e* -!%re !+ &"e a)a# re(e)(, &he (+(&e
*%ra&!( !+ a,e. I( &h +!)(, &rea" &he(0 !( )h-h &here (!
a/*(,0 )ha& &here !+ &he &h(, )h-h h%rr# /# !( )h-h a "a( )!%*
e& a h,h pr-e7 I& )!%* /e 5%& a + a "a( h!%* +a ( !1e )&h
!(e !+ &he parr!) )h-h +# /#0 /%& & ha area*# pae* !%& !+ ,h&.
S!"e&h(, !+ &h 3(* &he 1er# +e !+ e1er# "a(0 3e &he e6haa&!(!+ &he /!!* a(* &he repra&!( !+ &he ar. F!r %-h a & &! ha1e
!(-e *ra)( ( &he ar a(* &! ha1e ,1e( & /a-30 )h-h )e *! e1er#
"!"e(&0 5%& &he a"e & )&h &he )h!e repra&!r# p!)er0 )h-h &h!%
**& re-e1e a& &h# /r&h #e&er*a# a(* &he *a# /e+!re0 &! ,1e & /a-3
&! &he ee"e(& +r!" )h-h &h!% **& +r& *ra) &.
>. Ne&her &ra(pra&!(0 a ( pa(&0 a &h(, &! /e 1a%e*0 (!r
repra&!(0 a ( *!"e&-a&e* a("a a(* )* /ea&0 (!r &he
re-e1(, !+ "pre!( /# &he appeara(-e !+ &h(,0 (!r /e(, "!1e* /#
*ere a p%ppe& /# &r(,0 (!r ae"/(, ( her*0 (!r /e(,
(!%rhe* /# +!!*8 +!r &h 5%& 3e &he a-& !+ epara&(, a(* par&(, )&h &he %ee par& !+ !%r +!!*. Wha& &he( )!r&h /e(,
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 43/111
1a%e*7 T! /e re-e1e* )&h -app(, !+ ha(*7 N!. Ne&her "%& )e 1a%e
&he -app(, !+ &!(,%e8 +!r &he prae )h-h -!"e +r!" &he "a(# a
-app(, !+ &!(,%e. S%pp!e &he( &ha& &h!% ha& ,1e( %p &h )!r&he
&h(, -ae* +a"e0 )ha& re"a( &ha& )!r&h 1a%(,7 Th0 ( "#
!p(!(: &! "!1e &h#e+ a(* &! re&ra( &h#e+ ( -!(+!r"&# &! &h#
pr!per -!(&&%&!(0 &! )h-h e(* /!&h a e"p!#"e(& a(* ar& ea*. F!r e1er# ar& a" a& &h0 &ha& &he &h(, )h-h ha /ee( "a*e h!%* /e
a*ap&e* &! &he )!r3 +!r )h-h & ha /ee( "a*e8 a(* /!&h &he 1(e pa(&er
)h! !!3 a+&er &he 1(e0 a(* &he h!re/rea3er0 a(* he )h! &ra( &he
*!,0 ee3 &h e(*. B%& &he e*%-a&!( a(* &he &ea-h(, !+ #!%&h a" a&
!"e&h(,. I( &h &he( &he 1a%e !+ &he e*%-a&!( a(* &he &ea-h(,.
A(* + &h )e0 &h!% )& (!& ee3 a(#&h(, ee. W& &h!% (!&
-eae &! 1a%e "a(# !&her &h(, &!!7 The( &h!% )& /e (e&her +ree0 (!r
%++-e(& +!r &h# !)( happ(e0 (!r )&h!%& pa!(. F!r !+ (e-e&#
&h!% "%& /e e(1!%0 5ea!%0 a(* %p-!% !+ &h!e )h! -a( &a3e a)a#
&h!e &h(,0 a(* p!& a,a(& &h!e )h! ha1e &ha& )h-h 1a%e* /#
&hee. O+ (e-e&# a "a( "%& /e a&!,e&her ( a &a&e !+ per&%r/a&!()h! )a(& a(# !+ &hee &h(,8 a(* /e*e0 he "%& !+&e( +(* +a%& )&h
&he ,!*. B%& &! re1ere(-e a(* h!(!r &h# !)( "(* ) "a3e &hee -!(&e(&
)&h &h#e+0 a(* ( har"!(# )&h !-e� a(* ( a,ree"e(& )&h &he
,!*0 &ha& 0 pra(, a &ha& &he# ,1e a(* ha1e !r*ere*.
>. A/!1e0 /e!)0 a ar!%(* are &he "!1e"e(& !+ &he ee"e(&. B%& &he
"!&!( !+ 1r&%e ( (!(e !+ &hee: & !"e&h(, "!re *1(e0 a(*
a*1a(-(, /# a )a# har*# !/er1e*0 & ,!e happ# !( & r!a*.
>?. H!) &ra(,e# "e( a-& The# ) (!& prae &h!e )h! are 1(, a&
&he a"e &"e a(* 1(, )&h &he"e1e8 /%& &! /e &he"e1e prae* /#
p!&er� /# &h!e )h!" &he# ha1e (e1er ee( !r e1er ) ee0 &h &he#
e& "%-h 1a%e !(. B%& &h 1er# "%-h &he a"e a + &h!% h!%*& /e
,re1e* /e-a%e &h!e )h! ha1e 1e* /e+!re &hee ** (!& prae &hee.
>@. I+ a &h(, *++-%& &! /e a--!"phe* /# &h#e+0 *! (!& &h(3
&ha& & "p!/e +!r "a(: /%& + a(#&h(, p!/e +!r "a( a(*
-!(+!r"a/e &! h (a&%re0 &h(3 &ha& &h -a( /e a&&a(e* /# &h#e+
&!!.
<=. I( &he ,#"(a&- e6er-e %pp!e &ha& a "a( ha &!r( &hee )&h h(a0 a(* /# *ah(, a,a(& &h# hea* ha (+-&e* a )!%(*. We0 )e
(e&her h!) a(# ,( !+ 1e6a&!(0 (!r are )e !++e(*e*0 (!r *! )e
%pe-& h" a+&er)ar* a a &rea-her!% +e!)8 a(* #e& )e are !( !%r
,%ar* a,a(& h"0 (!& h!)e1er a a( e(e"#0 (!r #e& )&h %p-!(0 /%&
)e $%e&# ,e& !%& !+ h )a#. S!"e&h(, 3e &h e& &h# /eha1!r /e (
a &he !&her par& !+ +e8 e& % !1er!!3 "a(# &h(, ( &h!e )h! are
3e a(&a,!(& ( &he ,#"(a%". F!r & ( !%r p!)er0 a I a*0 &!
,e& !%& !+ &he )a#0 a(* &! ha1e (! %p-!( (!r ha&re*.
<>. I+ a(# "a( a/e &! -!(1(-e "e a(* h!) "e &ha& I *! (!& &h(3 !r
a-& r,h� I ) ,a*# -ha(,e8 +!r I ee3 &he &r%&h0 /# )h-h (! "a()a e1er (5%re*. B%& he (5%re* )h! a/*e ( h err!r a(*
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 44/111
,(!ra(-e.
<<. I *! "# *%&#: !&her &h(, &r!%/e "e (!&8 +!r &he# are e&her &h(,
)&h!%& +e0 !r &h(, )&h!%& rea!(0 !r &h(, &ha& ha1e ra"/e* a(*
3(!) (!& &he )a#.
<. A &! &he a("a )h-h ha1e (! rea!(0 a(* ,e(era# a &h(, a(*
!/5e-&0 *! &h!%0 (-e &h!% ha& rea!( a(* &he# ha1e (!(e0 "a3e %e !+
&he" )&h a ,e(er!% a(* /era pr&. B%& &!)ar* h%"a( /e(,0 a
&he# ha1e rea!(0 /eha1e ( a !-a pr&. A(* !( a !--a!( -a !(
&he ,!*0 a(* *! (!& perpe6 &h#e+ a/!%& &he e(,&h !+ &"e ( )h-h
&h!% ha& *! &h8 +!r e1e( &hree h!%r ! pe(& are %++-e(&.
<. Ae6a(*er &he Ma-e*!(a( a(* h ,r!!" /# *ea&h )ere /r!%,h& &! &he
a"e &a&e8 +!r e&her &he# )ere re-e1e* a"!(, &he a"e e"(a
pr(-pe !+ &he %(1ere0 !r &he# )ere a3e *pere* a"!(, &he a&!".
<. C!(*er h!) "a(# &h(, ( &he a"e (*1/e &"e &a3e pa-e (
ea-h !+ %022&h(, )h-h -!(-er( &he /!*# a(* &h(, )h-h -!(-er( &he
!%: a(* ! &h!% )& (!& )!(*er + "a(# "!re &h(,0 !r ra&her a
&h(, )h-h -!"e (&! e6&e(-e ( &ha& )h-h &he !(e a(* a0 )h-h
)e -a C!"!0 e6& ( & a& &he a"e &"e.
<. I+ a(# "a( h!%* pr!p!e &! &hee &he $%e&!(0 h!) &he (a"e
A(&!((% )r&&e(0 )!%*& &h!% )&h a &ra((, !+ &he 1!-e %&&er
ea-h e&&er7 Wha& &he( + &he# ,r!) a(,r#0 )& &h!% /e a(,r# &!!7 W&
&h!% (!& ,! !( )&h -!"p!%re a(* (%"/er e1er# e&&er7 ;%& ! &he( (
&h +e a! re"e"/er &ha& e1er# *%&# "a*e %p !+ -er&a( par&.
Thee & &h# *%&# &! !/er1e0 a(* )&h!%& /e(, *&%r/e* !r h!)(,
a(,er &!)ar* &h!e )h! are a(,r# )&h &hee &! ,! !( &h# )a# a(* +(h
&ha& )h-h e& /e+!re &hee.
<. H!) -r%e & (!& &! a!) "e( &! &r1e a+&er &he &h(, )h-h
appear &! &he" &! /e %&a/e &! &her (a&%re a(* pr!+&a/e A(* #e& (
a "a((er &h!% *!& (!& a!) &he" &! *! &h0 )he( &h!% ar& 1e6e* /e-a%e
&he# *! )r!(,. F!r &he# are -er&a(# "!1e* &!)ar* &h(, /e-a%e &he#
%pp!e &he" &! /e %&a/e &! &her (a&%re a(* pr!+&a/e &! &he".22B%&
& (!& !.22Tea-h &he" &he(0 a(* h!) &he" )&h!%& /e(, a(,r#.
<?. Dea&h a -ea&!( !+ &he "pre!( &hr!%,h &he e(e0 a(* !+
&he p%(, !+ &he &r(, )h-h "!1e &he appe&&e0 a(* !+ &he
*-%r1e "!1e"e(& !+ &he &h!%,h&0 a(* !+ &he er1-e &! &he +eh
II. ><.
<@. I& a ha"e +!r &he !% &! /e +r& &! ,1e )a# ( &h +e0 )he(
&h# /!*# *!e (!& ,1e )a#.
=. Ta3e -are &ha& &h!% ar& (!& "a*e (&! a Caear0 &ha& &h!% ar& (!&
*#e* )&h &h *#e8 +!r %-h &h(, happe(. Keep &h#e+ &he( "pe0,!!*0 p%re0 er!%0 +ree +r!" a++e-&a&!(0 a +re(* !+ 5%&-e0 a
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 45/111
)!rhpper !+ &he ,!*0 3(*0 a++e-&!(a&e0 &re(%!% ( a pr!per a-&.
S&r1e &! -!(&(%e &! /e %-h a ph!!ph# )he* &! "a3e &hee.
Re1ere(-e &he ,!*0 a(* hep "e(. Sh!r& +e. There !(# !(e +r%&
!+ &h &erre(e +e022a p!% *p!&!( a(* !-a a-&. D! e1er#&h(,
a a *-pe !+ A(&!((%. Re"e"/er h -!(&a(-# ( e1er# a-& )h-h )a
-!(+!r"a/e &! rea!(0 a(* h e1e((e ( a &h(,0 a(* h pe� a(*&he ere(&# !+ h -!%(&e(a(-e0 a(* h )ee&(e0 a(* h *re,ar* !+
e"p&# +a"e0 a(* h e++!r& &! %(*er&a(* &h(,8 a(* h!) he )!%* (e1er
e& a(#&h(, pa )&h!%& ha1(, +r& "!& -are+%# e6a"(e* & a(*
-ear# %(*er&!!* &8 a(* h!) he /!re )&h &h!e )h! /a"e* h" %(5%&#
)&h!%& /a"(, &he" ( re&%r(8 h!) he ** (!&h(, ( a h%rr#8 a(* h!) he
&e(e* (!& &! -a%"(e0 a(* h!) e6a-& a( e6a"(er !+ "a((er a(*
a-&!( he )a8 a(* (!& ,1e( &! repr!a-h pe!pe0 (!r &"*0 (!r
%p-!%0 (!r a !ph&8 a(* )&h h!) &&e he )a a&+e*0 %-h a
!*,(,0 /e*0 *re0 +!!*0 er1a(&8 a(* h!) a/!r!% a(* pa&e(&8 a(*
h!) he )a a/e !( a--!%(& !+ h par(, *e& &! h!* !%& &! &he
e1e((,8 a(* h +r"(e a(* %(+!r"&# ( h +re(*hp8 a(* h!) he&!era&e* +ree*!" !+ pee-h ( &h!e )h! !pp!e* h !p(!(8 a(* &he
pea%re &ha& he ha* )he( a(# "a( h!)e* h" a(#&h(, /e&&er8 a(* h!)
re,!% he )a )&h!%& %per&&!(. I"&a&e a &h0 &ha& &h!% "a#e&
ha1e a ,!!* a -!(-e(-e0 )he( &h# a& h!%r -!"e0 a he ha*.
>. Re&%r( &! &h# !/er e(e a(* -a &h#e+ /a-38 a(* )he( &h!% ha&
r!%e* &h#e+ +r!" eep a(* ha& per-e1e* &ha& &he# )ere !(# *rea"
)h-h &r!%/e* &hee0 (!) ( &h# )a3(, h!%r !!3 a& &hee &he &h(,
a/!%& &hee a &h!% **& !!3 a& &h!e &he *rea".
<. I -!(& !+ a &&e /!*# a(* a !%. N!) &! &h &&e /!*# a
&h(, are (*++ere(&0 +!r & (!& a/e &! per-e1e *++ere(-e. B%&
&! &he %(*er&a(*(, &h!e &h(, !(# are (*++ere(& )h-h are (!& &he
)!r3 !+ & !)( a-&1&#. B%& )ha&e1er &h(, are &he )!r3 !+ & !)(
a-&1� a &hee are ( & p!)er. A(* !+ &hee h!)e1er !(# &h!e
)h-h are *!(e )&h re+ere(-e &! &he pree(&8 +!r a &! &he +%&%re a(*
&he pa& a-&1&e !+ &he "(*0 e1e( &hee are +!r &he pree(&
(*++ere(&.
. Ne&her &he a/!r )h-h &he ha(* *!e (!r &ha& !+ &he +!!&
-!(&rar# &! (a&%re0 ! !(, a &he +!!& *!e &he +!!&' )!r3 a(* &he ha(*&he ha(*'. S! &he( (e&her &! a "a( a a "a( h a/!r -!(&rar# &!
(a&%re0 ! !(, a & *!e &he &h(, !+ a "a(. B%& + &he a/!r (!&
-!(&rar# &! h (a&%re0 (e&her & a( e1 &! h".
. H!) "a(# pea%re ha1e /ee( e(5!#e* /# r!//er0 pa&r-*e0 &#ra(&.
. D!& &h!% (!& ee h!) &he ha(*-ra+&"e( a--!""!*a&e &he"e1e %p &!
a -er&a( p!(& &! &h!e )h! are (!& 3e* ( &her -ra+&022
(e1er&hee &he# -(, &! &he rea!( &he pr(-pe !+ &her ar&0 a(*
*! (!& e(*%re &! *epar& +r!" &7 I & (!& &ra(,e + &he ar-h&e-& a(*
&he ph#-a( ha ha1e "!re repe-& &! &he rea!( &he pr(-pe !+ &her !)( ar& &ha( "a( &! h !)( rea!(0 )h-h -!""!( &! h" a(* &he
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 46/111
,!*7
. Aa0 E%r!pe0 are -!r(er !+ &he %(1ere8 a &he ea a *r!p ( &he
%(1ere8 A&h! a &&e -!* !+ &he %(1ere: a &he pree(& &"e a
p!(& ( e&er(&#. A &h(, are &&e0 -ha(,ea/e0 perha/e. A
&h(, -!"e +r!" &he(-e0 +r!" &ha& %(1era r%(, p!)er e&her *re-&# pre-e*(, !r /# )a# !+ e$%e(-e. A(* a--!r*(,# &he !(' ,ap(, 5a)0
a(* &ha& )h-h p!!(!%0 a(* e1er# har"+% &h(,0 a a &h!r(0 a "%*0
are a+&er2pr!*%-& !+ &he ,ra(* a(* /ea%&+%. D! (!& &he( "a,(e &ha&
&he# are !+ a(!&her 3(* +r!" &ha& )h-h &h!% *!& 1e(era&e0 /%& +!r" a
5%& !p(!( !+ &he !%r-e !+ a II. .
. He )h! ha ee( pree(& &h(, ha ee( a0 /!&h e1er#&h(, )h-h
ha &a3e( pa-e +r!" a e&er(&# a(* e1er#&h(, )h-h ) /e +!r &"e
)&h!%& e(*8 +!r a &h(, are !+ !(e 3( a(* !+ !(e +!r".
?. Fre$%e(&# -!(*er &he -!((e-&!( !+ a &h(, ( &he %(1ere a(*&her rea&!( &! !(e a(!&her. F!r ( a "a((er a &h(, are "p-a&e*
)&h !(e a(!&her0 a(* a ( &h )a# are +re(*# &! !(e a(!&her8 +!r
!(e &h(, -!"e ( !r*er a+&er a(!&her0 a(* &h /# 1r&%e !+ &he
a-&1e "!1e"e(& a(* "%&%a -!(pra&!( a(* &he %(&# !+ &he %/&a(-e
6. >.
@. A*ap& &h#e+ &! &he &h(, )&h )h-h &h# !& ha /ee( -a&: a(* &he
"e( a"!(, )h!" &h!% ha& re-e1e* &h# p!r&!(0 !1e &he"0 /%& *! & &r%#
(-ere#.
=. E1er# (&r%"e(&0 &!!0 1ee0 + & *!e &ha& +!r )h-h & ha /ee(
"a*e0 )e0 a(* #e& he )h! "a*e & (!& &here. B%& ( &he &h(,
)h-h are he* &!,e&her /# (a&%re &here )&h(0 a(* &here a/*e (0
&he" &he p!)er )h-h "a*e &he"8 )here+!re &he "!re & +& &! re1ere(-e
&h p!)er0 a(* &! &h(30 &ha&0 + &h!% *!& 1e a(* a-& a--!r*(, &!
& )0 e1er#&h(, ( &hee ( -!(+!r"&# &! (&e,e(-e. A(* &h%
a! ( &he %(1ere &he &h(, )h-h /e!(, &! & are ( -!(+!r"&# &!
(&e,e(-e.
>. Wha&e1er !+ &he &h(, )h-h are (!& )&h( &h# p!)er &h!% ha&
%pp!e &! /e ,!!* +!r &hee !r e10 & "%& !+ (e-e&# /e &ha&0 + %-h a /a* &h(, /e+a &hee0 !r &he ! !+ %-h a ,!!* &h(,0 &h!% )&
(!& /a"e &he ,!*0 a(* ha&e "e( &!!0 &h!e )h! are &he -a%e !+ &he
"+!r&%(e !r &he !0 !r &h!e )h! are %pe-&e* !+ /e(, 3e# &! /e
&he -a%e8 a(* (*ee* )e *! "%-h (5%&-e /e-a%e )e "a3e a *++ere(-e
/e&)ee( &hee &h(, /e-a%e )e *! (!& re,ar* &hee &h(, a
(*++ere(&. B%& + )e 5%*,e !(# &h!e &h(, )h-h are ( !%r p!)er &!
/e ,!!* !r /a*0 &here re"a( (! rea!( e&her +!r +(*(, +a%& )&h G!*
!r &a(*(, ( a h!&e a&&&%*e &! "a(.
<. We are a )!r3(, &!,e&her &! !(e e(*0 !"e )&h 3(!)e*,e a(*
*e,(0 a(* !&her )&h!%& 3(!)(, )ha& &he# *!8 a "e( a! )he( &he#are aeep0 !+ )h!" & Hera-&%0 I &h(30 )h! a# &ha& &he# are
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 47/111
a/!rer a(* -!2!pera&!r ( &he &h(, )h-h &a3e pa-e ( &he %(1ere.
B%& "e( -!2!pera&e a+&er *++ere(& +ah!(: a(* e1e( &h!e -!2!pera&e
a/%(*a(� )h! +(* +a%& )&h )ha& happe( a(* &h!e )h! &r# &! !pp!e
& a(* &! h(*er &8 +!r &he %(1ere ha* (ee* e1e( !+ %-h "e( a &hee.
I& re"a( &he( +!r &hee &! %(*er&a(* a"!(, )ha& 3(* !+ )!r3"e( &h!%
pa-e& &h#e+8 +!r he )h! r%e a &h(, ) -er&a(# "a3e a r,h&%e !+ &hee0 a(* he ) re-e1e &hee a"!(, !"e par& !+ &he -!2!pera&!r
a(* !+ &h!e )h!e a/!r -!(*%-e &! !(e e(*. B%& /e (!& &h!% %-h a par&
a &he "ea( a(* r*-%!% 1ere ( &he pa#0 )h-h Chr#pp% pea3 !+.
. D!e &he %( %(*er&a3e &! *! &he )!r3 !+ &he ra(0 !r Ae-%ap% &he
)!r3 !+ &he Fr%&2/earer &he ear&h7 A(* h!) & )&h repe-& &! ea-h
!+ &he &ar0 are &he# (!& *++ere(& a(* #e& &he# )!r3 &!,e&her &! &he
a"e e(*7
. I+ &he ,!* ha1e *e&er"(e* a/!%& "e a(* a/!%& &he &h(, )h-h "%&
happe( &! "e0 &he# ha1e *e&er"(e* )e0 +!r & (!& ea# e1e( &!"a,(e a *e&# )&h!%& +!re&h!%,h&8 a(* a &! *!(, "e har"0 )h# h!%*
&he# ha1e a(# *ere &!)ar* &ha&7 +!r )ha& a*1a(&a,e )!%* re%& &!
&he" +r!" &h !r &! &he )h!e0 )h-h &he pe-a !/5e-& !+ &her
pr!1*e(-e7 B%& + &he# ha1e (!& *e&er"(e* a/!%& "e (*1*%a#0 &he#
ha1e -er&a(# *e&er"(e* a/!%& &he )h!e a& ea&0 a(* &he &h(, )h-h
happe( /# )a# !+ e$%e(-e ( &h ,e(era arra(,e"e(& I !%,h& &! a--ep&
)&h pea%re a(* &! /e -!(&e(& )&h &he". B%& + &he# *e&er"(e a/!%&
(!&h(,022)h-h & )-3e* &! /ee1e0 !r + )e *! /ee1e &0 e& %
(e&her a-r+-e (!r pra# (!r )ear /# &he"0 (!r *! a(#&h(, ee )h-h
)e *! a + &he ,!* )ere pree(& a(* 1e* )&h %022/%& + h!)e1er &he
,!* *e&er"(e a/!%& (!(e !+ &he &h(, )h-h -!(-er( %0 I a" a/e &!
*e&er"(e a/!%& "#e+0 a(* I -a( ($%re a/!%& &ha& )h-h %e+%8 a(*
&ha& %e+% &! e1er# "a( )h-h -!(+!r"a/e &! h !)( -!(&&%&!(
a(* (a&%re. B%& "# (a&%re ra&!(a a(* !-a8 a(* "# -&# a(*
-!%(&r#0 ! +ar a I a" A(&!((%0 R!"e0 /%& ! +ar a I a" a "a(0 &
&he )!r*. The &h(, &he( )h-h are %e+% &! &hee -&e are a!(e
%e+% &! "e.
. Wha&e1er happe( &! e1er# "a(0 &h +!r &he (&ere& !+ &he
%(1era: &h ",h& /e %++-e(&. B%& +%r&her &h!% )& !/er1e &h
a! a a ,e(era &r%&h0 + &h!% *!& !/er1e0 &ha& )ha&e1er pr!+&a/e &! a(# "a( pr!+&a/e a! &! !&her "e(. B%& e& &he )!r*
pr!+&a/e /e &a3e( here ( &he -!""!( e(e a a* !+ &h(, !+ &he
"**e 3(* (e&her ,!!* (!r /a*.
. A & happe( &! &hee ( &he a"ph&hea&re a(* %-h pa-e0 &ha& &he
-!(&(%a ,h& !+ &he a"e &h(,0 a(* &he %(+!r"&# "a3e &he pe-&a-e
)ear!"e0 ! & ( &he )h!e !+ +e8 +!r a &h(, a/!1e0 /e!)0
are &he a"e a(* +r!" &he a"e. H!) !(, &he(7
. Th(3 -!(&(%a# &ha& a 3(* !+ "e( a(* "e( !+ a 3(* !+
p%r%& a(* !+ a (a&!( are *ea*0 ! &ha& &h# &h!%,h& -!"e *!)( e1e(&! Ph&!( a(* Ph!e/% a(* Or,a(!(. N!) &%r( &h# &h!%,h& &! &he
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 48/111
!&her 3(* !+ "e(. T! &ha& pa-e &he( )e "%& re"!1e0 )here &here are
! "a(# ,rea& !ra&!r0 a(* ! "a(# (!/e ph!!pher0 Hera-&%0
P#&ha,!ra0 S!-ra&e8 ! "a(# her!e !+ +!r"er *a#0 a(* ! "a(# ,e(era
a+&er &he"0 a(* &#ra(&8 /e*e &hee0 E%*!6%0 Hppar-h%0 Ar-h"e*e0
a(* !&her "e( !+ a-%&e (a&%ra &ae(&0 ,rea& "(*0 !1er !+ a/!r0
1era&e0 -!(+*e(&0 "!-3er e1e( !+ &he perha/e a(* ephe"era +e!+ "a(0 a Me(pp% a(* %-h a are 3e h". A &! a &hee -!(*er
&ha& &he# ha1e !(, /ee( ( &he *%&. Wha& har" &he( &h &! &he"8 a(*
)ha& &! &h!e )h!e (a"e are a&!,e&her %(3(!)(7 O(e &h(, here )!r&h
a ,rea& *ea0 &! pa &h# +e ( &r%&h a(* 5%&-e0 )&h a /e(e1!e(&
*p!&!( e1e( &! ar a(* %(5%& "e(.
?. Whe( &h!% )he& &! *e,h& &h#e+0 &h(3 !+ &he 1r&%e !+ &h!e
)h! 1e )&h &hee8 +!r (&a(-e0 &he a-&1&# !+ !(e0 a(* &he "!*e&# !+
a(!&her0 a(* &he /era&# !+ a &hr*0 a(* !"e !&her ,!!* $%a&# !+ a
+!%r&h. F!r (!&h(, *e,h& ! "%-h a &he e6a"pe !+ &he 1r&%e0 )he(
&he# are e6h/&e* ( &he "!ra !+ &h!e )h! 1e )&h % a(* pree(&&he"e1e ( a/%(*a(-e0 a +ar a p!/e. Where+!re )e "%& 3eep
&he" /e+!re %.
@. Th!% ar& (!& *a&+e*0 I %pp!e0 /e-a%e &h!% )e,he& !(# !
"a(# &rae a(* (!& &hree h%(*re*. Be (!& *a&+e* &he( &ha& &h!%
"%& 1e !(# ! "a(# #ear a(* (!& "!re8 +!r a &h!% ar& a&+e* )&h
&he a"!%(& !+ %/&a(-e )h-h ha /ee( a,(e* &! &hee0 ! /e -!(&e(&
)&h &he &"e.
=. Le& % &r# &! per%a*e &he" "e(. B%& a-& e1e( a,a(& &her )0
)he( &he pr(-pe !+ 5%&-e ea* &ha& )a#. I+ h!)e1er a(# "a( /# %(,
+!r-e &a(* ( &h# )a#0 /e&a3e &h#e+ &! -!(&e(&"e(& a(* &ra($%�
a(* a& &he a"e &"e e"p!# &he h(*ra(-e &!)ar* &he e6er-e !+ !"e
!&her 1r&%e8 a(* re"e"/er &ha& &h# a&&e"p& )a )&h a reer1a&!(
-!(*&!(a#0 &ha& &h!% **& (!& *ere &! *! "p!/&e. Wha&
&he( **& &h!% *ere722S!"e %-h e++!r& a &h.22B%& &h!% a&&a(e&
&h# !/5e-&0 + &he &h(, &! )h-h &h!% )a& "!1e* are (!&
a--!"phe*.
>. He )h! !1e +a"e -!(*er a(!&her "a(' a-&1&# &! /e h !)(
,!!*8 a(* he )h! !1e pea%re0 h !)( e(a&!(8 /%& he )h! ha%(*er&a(*(, -!(*er h !)( a-& &! /e h !)( ,!!*.
<. I& ( !%r p!)er &! ha1e (! !p(!( a/!%& a &h(,0 a(* (!& &! /e
*&%r/e* ( !%r !%8 +!r &h(, &he"e1e ha1e (! (a&%ra p!)er &!
+!r" !%r 5%*,"e(&.
. A--%&!" &h#e+ &! a&&e(* -are+%# &! )ha& a* /# a(!&her0 a(*
a "%-h a & p!/e0 /e ( &he pea3er' "(*.
. Tha& )h-h (!& ,!!* +!r &he )ar"0 (e&her & ,!!* +!r &he /ee.
. I+ a!r a/%e* &he he""a(0 !r &he -3 &he *!-&!r0 )!%* &he#
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 49/111
&e( &! a(#/!*# ee8 !r h!) -!%* &he he""a( e-%re &he a+e&# !+
&h!e ( &he hp0 !r &he *!-&!r &he hea&h !+ &h!e )h!" he a&&e(*7
. H!) "a(# &!,e&her )&h )h!" I -a"e (&! &he )!r* are area*# ,!(e
!%& !+ &.
. T! &he 5a%(*-e* h!(e# &a&e /&&er0 a(* &! &h!e /&&e( /# "a* *!,
)a&er -a%e +ear8 a(* &! &&e -h*re( &he /a a +(e &h(,. Wh#
&he( a" I a(,r#7 D!& &h!% &h(3 &ha& a +ae !p(!( ha e p!)er &ha(
&he /e ( &he 5a%(*-e* !r &he p!!( ( h" )h! /&&e( /# a "a*
*!,7
?. N! "a( ) h(*er &hee +r!" 1(, a--!r*(, &! &he rea!( !+ &h#
!)( (a&%re: (!&h(, ) happe( &! &hee -!(&rar# &! &he rea!( !+ &he
%(1era (a&%re.
@. Wha& 3(* !+ pe!pe are &h!e )h!" "e( )h &! peae0 a(* +!r )ha&!/5e-&0 a(* /# )ha& 3(* !+ a-&7 H!) !!( ) &"e -!1er a &h(,0
a(* h!) "a(# & ha -!1ere* area*#.
BOOK II.
>. Wha& /a*(e7 I& &ha& )h-h &h!% ha& !+&e( ee(. A(* !( &he
!--a!( !+ e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( 3eep &h ( "(*0 &ha& & &ha&
)h-h &h!% ha& !+&e( ee(. E1er#)here %p a(* *!)( &h!% )& +(* &he
a"e &h(,0 )&h )h-h &he !* h&!re are +e*0 &h!e !+ &he "**e
a,e a(* &h!e !+ !%r !)( *a#8 )&h )h-h -&e a(* h!%e are +e*
(!). There (!&h(, (e): a &h(, are /!&h +a"ar a(* h!r&21e*.
<. H!) -a( !%r pr(-pe /e-!"e *ea*0 %(e &he "pre!( &h!%,h&
)h-h -!rrep!(* &! &he" are e6&(,%he*7 B%& & ( &h# p!)er
-!(&(%!%# &! +a( &hee &h!%,h& (&! a +a"e. I -a( ha1e &ha& !p(!(
a/!%& a(#&h(, )h-h I !%,h& &! ha1e. I+ I -a(0 )h# a" I *&%r/e*7 The
&h(, )h-h are e6&er(a &! "# "(* ha1e (! rea&!( a& a &! "# "(*.22Le& &h /e &he &a&e !+ &h# a++e-&0 a(* &h!% &a(*e& ere-&. T!
re-!1er &h# +e ( &h# p!)er. L!!3 a& &h(, a,a( a &h!% **& %e
&! !!3 a& &he"8 +!r ( &h -!(& &he re-!1er# !+ &h# +e.
. The *e /%(e !+ h!)0 pa# !( &he &a,e0 +!-3 !+ heep0 her*0
e6er-e )&h pear0 a /!(e -a& &! &&e *!,0 a /& !+ /rea* (&!
+hp!(*0 a/!r(, !+ a(& a(* /%r*e(2-arr#(,0 r%(((, a/!%& !+
+r,h&e(e* &&e "-e0 p%ppe& p%e* /# &r(,22a a3e. I& &h#
*%&# &he( ( &he "*& !+ %-h &h(, &! h!) ,!!* h%"!r a(* (!& a pr!%*
ar8 &! %(*er&a(* h!)e1er &ha& e1er# "a( )!r&h 5%& ! "%-h a &he
&h(, are )!r&h a/!%& )h-h he /%e h"e+.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 50/111
. I( *-!%re &h!% "%& a&&e(* &! )ha& a*0 a(* ( e1er# "!1e"e(&
&h!% "%& !/er1e )ha& *!(,. A(* ( &he !(e &h!% h!%*& ee
""e*a&e# &! )ha& e(* & re+er0 /%& ( &he !&her )a&-h -are+%# )ha&
&he &h(, ,(+e*.
. I "# %(*er&a(*(, %++-e(& +!r &h !r (!&7 I+ & %++-e(&0 I%e & +!r &he )!r3 a a( (&r%"e(& ,1e( /# &he %(1era (a&%re. B%&
+ & (!& %++-e(&0 &he( e&her I re&re +r!" &he )!r3 a(* ,1e )a#
&! h" )h! a/e &! *! & /e&&er0 %(e &here /e !"e rea!( )h# I
!%,h& (!& &! *! !8 !r I *! & a )e a I -a(0 &a3(, &! hep "e &he
"a( )h! )&h &he a* !+ "# r%(, pr(-pe -a( *! )ha& (!) +& a(*
%e+% +!r &he ,e(era ,!!*. F!r )ha&!e1er e&her /# "#e+ !r )&h
a(!&her I -a( *!0 !%,h& &! /e *re-&e* &! &h !(#0 &! &ha& )h-h
%e+% a(* )e %&e* &! !-e&#.
. H!) "a(# a+&er /e(, -ee/ra&e* /# +a"e ha1e /ee( ,1e( %p &!
!/1!(8 a(* h!) "a(# )h! ha1e -ee/ra&e* &he +a"e !+ !&her ha1e !(, /ee( *ea*.
. Be (!& aha"e* &! /e hepe*8 +!r & &h# /%(e &! *! &h# *%&#
3e a !*er ( &he aa%& !( a &!)(. H!) &he(0 + /e(, a"e &h!%
-a(& (!& "!%(& %p !( &he /a&&e"e(& a!(e0 /%& )&h &he hep !+ a(!&her
& p!/e7
?. Le& (!& +%&%re &h(, *&%r/ &hee0 +!r &h!% )& -!"e &! &he"0 + &
ha /e (e-ear#0 ha1(, )&h &hee &he a"e rea!( )h-h (!) &h!% %e&
+!r pree(& &h(,.
@. A &h(, are "p-a&e* )&h !(e a(!&her0 a(* &he /!(* h!#8 a(*
&here har*# a(#&h(, %(-!((e-&e* )&h a(# !&her &h(,. F!r &h(,
ha1e /ee( -!2!r*(a&e*0 a(* &he# -!"/(e &! +!r" &he a"e %(1ere
!r*er. F!r &here !(e %(1ere "a*e %p !+ a &h(,0 a(* !(e ,!* )h!
per1a*e a &h(,0 a(* !(e %/&a(-e0 a(* !(e a)0 !(e -!""!( rea!(
( a (&e,e(& a("a0 a(* !(e &r%&h8 + (*ee* &here a! !(e
per+e-&!( +!r a a("a )h-h are !+ &he a"e &!-3 a(* par&-pa&e (
&he a"e rea!(.
>=. E1er#&h(, "a&era !!( *appear ( &he %/&a(-e !+ &he )h!e8a(* e1er#&h(, +!r"a -a%a 1er# !!( &a3e( /a-3 (&! &he %(1era
rea!(8 a(* &he "e"!r# !+ e1er#&h(, 1er# !!( !1er)he"e* ( &"e.
>>. T! &he ra&!(a a("a &he a"e a-& a--!r*(, &! (a&%re a(*
a--!r*(, &! rea!(.
><. Be &h!% ere-&0 !r /e "a*e ere-& III. .
>. ;%& a & )&h &he "e"/er ( &h!e /!*e )h-h are %(&e* (
!(e0 ! & )&h ra&!(a /e(, )h-h e6& epara&e0 +!r &he# ha1e
/ee( -!(&&%&e* +!r !(e -!2!pera&!(. A(* &he per-ep&!( !+ &h ) /e"!re appare(& &! &hee + &h!% !+&e( a#e& &! &h#e+ &ha& I a" a "e"/er
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 51/111
!+ &he #&e" !+ ra&!(a /e(,. B%& + &h!% a#e& &ha& &h!% ar& a
par&0 &h!% *!& (!& #e& !1e "e( +r!" &h# hear&8 /e(e+-e(-e *!e (!& #e&
*e,h& &hee +!r & !)( a3e8 &h!% & *!& & /are# a a &h(, !+
pr!pre� a(* (!& #e& a *!(, ,!!* &! &h#e+.
>. Le& &here +a e6&er(a# )ha& ) !( &he par& )h-h -a( +ee &hee++e-& !+ &h +a. F!r &h!e par& )h-h ha1e +e& ) -!"pa(0 +
&he# -h!!e. B%& I0 %(e I &h(3 &ha& )ha& ha happe(e* a( e10 a"
(!& (5%re*. A(* & ( "# p!)er (!& &! &h(3 !.
>. Wha&e1er a(# !(e *!e !r a#0 I "%& /e ,!!*8 5%& a + &he ,!*0
!r &he e"era*0 !r &he p%rpe )ere a)a# a#(, &h0 Wha&e1er a(# !(e
*!e !r a#0 I "%& /e e"era* a(* 3eep "# -!!r.
>. The r%(, +a-%&# *!e (!& *&%r/ &e+8 I "ea(0 *!e (!& +r,h&e(
&e+ !r -a%e &e+ pa(. B%& + a(# !(e ee -a( +r,h&e( !r pa( &0
e& h" *! !. F!r &he +a-%&# &e+ ) (!& /# & !)( !p(!( &%r(&e+ (&! %-h )a#. Le& &he /!*# &e+ &a3e -are0 + & -a(0 &ha& &
%++er (!&h(,0 a(* e& & pea30 + & %++er. B%& &he !% &e+0
&ha& )h-h %/5e-& &! +ear0 &! pa(0 )h-h ha -!"pe&e# &he p!)er !+
+!r"(, a( !p(!( a/!%& &hee &h(,0 ) %++er (!&h(,0 +!r & )
(e1er *e1a&e (&! %-h a 5%*,"e(&. The ea*(, pr(-pe ( &e+ )a(&
(!&h(,0 %(e & "a3e a )a(& +!r &e+8 a(* &here+!re & /!&h +ree
+r!" per&%r/a&!( a(* %("pe*e*0 + & *!e (!& *&%r/ a(* "pe*e
&e+.
>. E%*ae"!(a happ(e a ,!!* *ae"!(0 !r a ,!!* &h(,. Wha& &he(
ar& &h!% *!(, here0 O "a,(a&!(7 G! a)a#0 I e(&rea& &hee /# &he ,!*0
a &h!% **& -!"e0 +!r I )a(& &hee (!&. B%& &h!% ar& -!"e a--!r*(, &!
&h# !* +ah!(. I a" (!& a(,r# )&h &hee: !(# ,! a)a#.
>?. I a(# "a( a+ra* !+ -ha(,e7 Wh#0 )ha& -a( &a3e pa-e )&h!%& -ha(,e7
Wha& &he( "!re pea(, !r "!re %&a/e &! &he %(1era (a&%re7 A(*
-a(& &h!% &a3e a /a&h %(e &he )!!* %(*er,!e a -ha(,e7 a(* -a(& &h!%
/e (!%rhe*0 %(e &he +!!* %(*er,!e a -ha(,e7 A(* -a( a(#&h(, ee
&ha& %e+% /e a--!"phe* )&h!%& -ha(,e7 D!& &h!% (!& ee &he(
&ha& +!r &h#e+ a! &! -ha(,e 5%& &he a"e0 a(* e$%a# (e-ear#
+!r &he %(1era (a&%re7
>@. Thr!%,h &he %(1era %/&a(-e a &hr!%,h a +%r!% &!rre(& a
/!*e are -arre*0 /e(, /# &her (a&%re %(&e* )&h a(* -!2!pera&(,
)&h &he )h!e0 a &he par& !+ !%r /!*# )&h !(e a(!&her. H!) "a(# a
Chr#pp%0 h!) "a(# a S!-ra&e0 h!) "a(# a( Ep-&e&% ha &"e area*#
)a!)e* %p A(* e& &he a"e &h!%,h& !--%r &! &hee )&h re+ere(-e &!
e1er# "a( a(* &h(, . <8 I. >.
<=. O(e &h(, !(# &r!%/e "e0 e& I h!%* *! !"e&h(, )h-h &he
-!(&&%&!( !+ "a( *!e (!& a!)0 !r ( &he )a# )h-h & *!e (!&
a!)0 !r )ha& & *!e (!& a!) (!).
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 52/111
<>. Near &h# +!r,e&+%(e !+ a &h(,8 a(* (ear &he +!r,e&+%(e
!+ &hee /# a.
<<. I& pe-%ar &! "a( &! !1e e1e( &h!e )h! *! )r!(,. A(* &h
happe(0 + )he( &he# *! )r!(, & !--%r &! &hee &ha& &he# are 3("e(0
a(* &ha& &he# *! )r!(, &hr!%,h ,(!ra(-e a(* %((&e(&!(a#0 a(* &ha&!!( /!&h !+ #!% ) *e8 a(* a/!1e a0 &ha& &he )r!(,2*!er ha *!(e
&hee (! har"0 +!r he ha (!& "a*e &h# r%(, +a-%&# )!re &ha( & )a
/e+!re.
<. The %(1era (a&%re !%& !+ &he %(1era %/&a(-e0 a + & )ere
)a60 (!) "!%* a h!re0 a(* )he( & ha /r!3e( &h %p0 & %e &he
"a&era +!r a &ree0 &he( +!r a "a(0 &he( +!r !"e&h(, ee8 a(* ea-h !+
&hee &h(, %/& +!r a 1er# h!r& &"e. B%& & (! har*hp +!r
&he 1ee &! /e /r!3e( %p0 5%& a &here )a (!(e ( & /e(, +a&e(e*
&!,e&her III. =.
<. A -!)(, !!3 a&!,e&her %((a&%ra8 )he( & !+&e( a%"e*0
F!!&(!&e: &he re%& &ha& a -!"e(e *e a)a#0 a(* a& a&
! -!"pe&e# e6&(,%he* &ha& & -a((!& /e a,a( ,h&e* %p a& a. Tr#
&! -!(-%*e +r!" &h 1er# +a-& &ha& & -!(&rar# &! rea!(. F!r +
e1e( &he per-ep&!( !+ *!(, )r!(, ha *epar&0 )ha& rea!( &here +!r
1(, a(# !(,er7
<. Na&%re )h-h ,!1er( &he )h!e ) !!( -ha(,e a &h(, )h-h &h!%
ee&0 a(* !%& !+ &her %/&a(-e ) "a3e !&her &h(,0 a(* a,a( !&her
&h(, +r!" &he %/&a(-e !+ &he"0 ( !r*er &ha& &he )!r* "a# /e e1er
(e) XII. <.
<. Whe( a "a( ha *!(e &hee a(# )r!(,0 ""e*a&e# -!(*er )&h )ha&
!p(!( a/!%& ,!!* !r e1 he ha *!(e )r!(,. F!r )he( &h!% ha& ee(
&h0 &h!% )& p&# h"0 a(* )& (e&her )!(*er (!r /e a(,r#. F!r
e&her &h!% &h#e+ &h(3e& &he a"e &h(, &! /e ,!!* &ha& he *!e !r
a(!&her &h(, !+ &he a"e 3(*. I& &h# *%&# &he( &! par*!( h". B%& +
&h!% *!& (!& &h(3 %-h &h(, &! /e ,!!* !r e10 &h!% )& "!re
rea*# /e )e *p!e* &! h" )h! ( err!r.
<. Th(3 (!& ! "%-h !+ )ha& &h!% ha& (!& a !+ )ha& &h!% ha&: /%& !+ &he &h(, )h-h &h!% ha& ee-& &he /e&0 a(* &he( re+e-& h!) ea,er#
&he# )!%* ha1e /ee( !%,h&0 + &h!% ha*& &he" (!&. A& &he a"e &"e0
h!)e1er0 &a3e -are &ha& &h!% *!& (!& &hr!%,h /e(, ! peae* )&h &he"
a--%&!" &h#e+ &! !1er1a%e &he"0 ! a &! /e *&%r/e* + e1er &h!%
h!%*& (!& ha1e &he".
<?. Re&re (&! &h#e+. The ra&!(a pr(-pe )h-h r%e ha &h
(a&%re0 &ha& & -!(&e(& )&h &e+ )he( & *!e )ha& 5%&0 a(* !
e-%re &ra($%&#.
<@. Wpe !%& &he "a,(a&!(. S&!p &he p%(, !+ &he &r(,. C!(+(e&h#e+ &! &he pree(&. U(*er&a(* )e )ha& happe( e&her &! &hee !r &!
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 53/111
a(!&her. D1*e a(* *&r/%&e e1er# !/5e-& (&! &he -a%a +!r"a a(*
&he "a&era. Th(3 !+ &h# a& h!%r. Le& &he )r!(, )h-h *!(e /# a
"a( &a# &here )here &he )r!(, )a *!(e III. <@.
=. Dre-& &h# a&&e(&!( &! )ha& a*. Le& &h# %(*er&a(*(, e(&er
(&! &he &h(, &ha& are *!(, a(* &he &h(, )h-h *! &he" II. .
>. A*!r( &h#e+ )&h "p-&# a(* "!*e� a(* )&h (*++ere(-e
&!)ar* &he &h(, )h-h e /e&)ee( 1r&%e a(* 1-e. L!1e "a(3(*.
F!!) G!*. The p!e& a# &ha& a) r%e a22A(* & e(!%,h &!
re"e"/er &ha& a) r%e a.
<. A/!%& *ea&h: )he&her & a *per!(0 !r a re!%&!( (&! a&!"0
!r a((ha&!(0 & e&her e6&(-&!( !r -ha(,e.
. A/!%& pa(: &he pa( )h-h (&!era/e -arre % !++8 /%& &ha&
)h-h a& a !(, &"e &!era/e8 a(* &he "(* "a(&a( & !)(&ra($%&# /# re&r(, (&! &e+0 a(* &he r%(, +a-%&# (!& "a*e
)!re. B%& &he par& )h-h are har"e* /# pa(0 e& &he"0 + &he# -a(0
,1e &her !p(!( a/!%& &.
. A/!%& +a"e: !!3 a& &he "(* !+ &h!e )h! ee3 +a"e0 !/er1e )ha&
&he# are0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ &h(, &he# a1!*0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ &h(,
&he# p%r%e. A(* -!(*er &ha& a &he heap !+ a(* pe* !( !(e a(!&her
h*e &he +!r"er a(*0 ! ( +e &he e1e(& )h-h ,! /e+!re are !!(
-!1ere* /# &h!e )h-h -!"e a+&er.
. Fr!" Pa&!: The "a( )h! ha a( ee1a&e* "(* a(* &a3e a 1e) !+ a
&"e a(* !+ a %/&a(-e0 *!& &h!% %pp!e & p!/e +!r h" &! &h(3
&ha& h%"a( +e a(#&h(, ,rea&7 I& (!& p!/e0 he a*.22S%-h a
"a( &he( ) &h(3 &ha& *ea&h a! (! e1.22Cer&a(# (!&.
. Fr!" A(&&he(e: I& r!#a &! *! ,!!* a(* &! /e a/%e*.
. I& a /ae &h(, +!r &he -!%(&e(a(-e &! /e !/e*e(& a(* &! re,%a&e
a(* -!"p!e &e+ a &he "(* -!""a(*0 a(* +!r &he "(* (!& &! /e
re,%a&e* a(* -!"p!e* /# &e+.
?. I& (!& r,h& &! 1e6 !%re1e a& &h(,0 F!r &he# -are (!%,h&
a/!%& &.
@. T! &he ""!r&a ,!* a(* % ,1e 5!#.
=. L+e "%& /e reape* 3e &he rpe ear !+ -!r(. O(e "a( /!r(8
a(!&her *e.
>. I+ ,!* -are (!& +!r "e a(* +!r "# -h*re(0 There a rea!( +!r
&.
<. F!r &he ,!!* )&h "e0 a(* &he 5%&.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 54/111
. N! 5!((, !&her ( &her )a(,0 (! 1!e(& e"!&!(.
. Fr!" Pa&!: B%& I )!%* "a3e &h "a( a %++-e(& a()er0 )h-h
&h: Th!% a#e& (!& )e0 + &h!% &h(3e& &ha& a "a( )h! ,!!* +!r
a(#&h(, a& a !%,h& &! -!"p%&e &he ha9ar* !+ +e !r *ea&h0 a(* h!%*(!& ra&her !!3 &! &h !(# ( a &ha& he *!e0 )he&her he *!(,
)ha& 5%& !r %(5%&0 a(* &he )!r3 !+ a ,!!* !r /a* "a(.
. F!r &h% & 0 "e( !+ A&he(0 ( &r%&h: )here1er a "a( ha pa-e*
h"e+ &h(3(, & &he /e& pa-e +!r h"0 !r ha /ee( pa-e* /# a
-!""a(*er0 &here ( "# !p(!( he !%,h& &! &a# a(* &! a/*e &he ha9ar*0
&a3(, (!&h(, (&! &he re-3!((,0 e&her *ea&h !r a(#&h(, ee0 /e+!re
&he /ae(e !+ *eer&(, h p!&.
. B%&0 "# ,!!* +re(*0 re+e-& )he&her &ha& )h-h (!/e a(* ,!!*
(!& !"e&h(, *++ere(& +r!" a1(, a(* /e(, a1e*8 +!r a &! a "a(1(, %-h !r %-h a &"e0 a& ea& !(e )h! rea# a "a(0 -!(*er +
&h (!& a &h(, &! /e *"e* +r!" &he &h!%,h&: a(* &here "%& /e
(! !1e !+ +e: /%& a &! &hee "a&&er a "a( "%& (&r%& &he" &! &he
De&# a(* /ee1e )ha& &he )!"e( a#0 &ha& (! "a( -a( e-ape h *e&(#0
&he (e6& ($%r# /e(, h!) he "a# /e& 1e &he &"e &ha& he ha &! 1e.
. L!!3 ar!%(* a& &he -!%re !+ &he &ar0 a + &h!% )er& ,!(, a!(,
)&h &he"8 a(* -!(&a(&# -!(*er &he -ha(,e !+ &he ee"e(& (&! !(e
a(!&her0 +!r %-h &h!%,h& p%r,e a)a# &he +&h !+ &he &erre(e +e.
?. Th a +(e a#(, !+ Pa&!: Tha& he )h! *-!%r(, a/!%& "e(
h!%* !!3 a! a& ear&h# &h(, a + he 1e)e* &he" +r!" !"e h,her
pa-e8 h!%* !!3 a& &he" ( &her ae"/e0 ar"e0 a,r-%&%ra
a/!r0 "arra,e0 &rea&e0 /r&h0 *ea&h0 (!e !+ &he -!%r& !+
5%&-e0 *eer& pa-e0 1ar!% (a&!( !+ /ar/ara(0 +ea&0
a"e(&a&!(0 "ar3e&0 a "6&%re !+ a &h(, a(* a( !r*er# -!"/(a&!(
!+ -!(&rare.
@. C!(*er &he pa&022%-h ,rea& -ha(,e !+ p!&-a %pre"a-e8 &h!%
"a#e& +!reee a! &he &h(, )h-h ) /e. F!r &he# ) -er&a(# /e
!+ 3e +!r"0 a(* & (!& p!/e &ha& &he# h!%* *e1a&e +r!" &he!r*er !+ &he &h(, )h-h &a3e pa-e (!)8 a--!r*(,# &! ha1e
-!(&e"pa&e* h%"a( +e +!r +!r&# #ear &he a"e a &! ha1e
-!(&e"pa&e* & +!r &e( &h!%a(* #ear. F!r )ha& "!re )& &h!% ee7
=.
Tha& )h-h ha ,r!)( +r!" &he ear&h &! &he ear&h0
B%& &ha& )h-h ha pr%(, +r!" hea1e(# ee*0
Ba-3 &! &he hea1e(# rea" re&%r(.
Th e&her a *!%&!( !+ &he "%&%a (1!%&!( !+ &he a&!"0 !r a"ar *per!( !+ &he %(e(&e(& ee"e(&.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 55/111
>.
W&h +!!* a(* *r(3 a(* -%(((, "a,- ar&
T%r((, &he -ha((e' -!%re &! '-ape +r!" *ea&h.
The /ree9e )h-h hea1e( ha e(& We "%& e(*%re0 a(* &! )&h!%& -!"pa((,.
<. A(!&her "a# /e "!re e6per& ( -a&(, h !pp!(e(&8 /%& he (!&
"!re !-a0 (!r "!re "!*e&0 (!r /e&&er *-p(e* &! "ee& a &ha&
happe(0 (!r "!re -!(*era&e )&h repe-& &! &he +a%& !+ h
(e,h/!r.
. Where a(# )!r3 -a( /e -!(e -!(+!r"a/# &! &he rea!( )h-h -!""!(
&! ,!* a(* "e(0 &here )e ha1e (!&h(, &! +ear8 +!r )here )e are a/e &!
,e& pr!+& /# "ea( !+ &he a-&1&# )h-h %--e+% a(* pr!-ee*
a--!r*(, &! !%r -!(&&%&!(0 &here (! har" &! /e %pe-&e*.
. E1er#)here a(* a& a &"e & ( &h# p!)er p!%# &! a-$%e-e
( &h# pree(& -!(*&!(0 a(* &! /eha1e 5%&# &! &h!e )h! are a/!%&
&hee0 a(* &! e6er& &h# 3 %p!( &h# pree(& &h!%,h&0 &ha& (!&h(,
ha &ea (&! &he" )&h!%& /e(, )e e6a"(e*.
. D! (!& !!3 ar!%(* &hee &! *-!1er !&her "e(' r%(, pr(-pe0
/%& !!3 &ra,h& &! &h0 &! )ha& (a&%re ea* &hee0 /!&h &he %(1era
(a&%re &hr!%,h &he &h(, )h-h happe( &! &hee0 a(* &h# !)( (a&%re
&hr!%,h &he a-& )h-h "%& /e *!(e /# &hee. B%& e1er# /e(, !%,h& &! *!
&ha& )h-h a--!r*(, &! & -!(&&%&!(8 a(* a !&her &h(, ha1e
/ee( -!(&&%&e* +!r &he a3e !+ ra&!(a /e(,0 5%& a a"!(,
rra&!(a &h(, &he (+er!r +!r &he a3e !+ &he %per!r0 /%& &he
ra&!(a +!r &he a3e !+ !(e a(!&her.
The pr"e pr(-pe &he( ( "a(' -!(&&%&!( &he !-a. A(* &he
e-!(* (!& &! #e* &! &he per%a!( !+ &he /!*#022+!r & &he
pe-%ar !++-e !+ &he ra&!(a a(* (&e,e(& "!&!( &! -r-%"-r/e
&e+0 a(* (e1er &! /e !1erp!)ere* e&her /# &he "!&!( !+ &he e(e !r
!+ &he appe&&e0 +!r /!&h are a("a8 /%& &he (&e,e(& "!&!( -a"
%per!r� a(* *!e (!& per"& &e+ &! /e !1erp!)ere* /# &he !&her.A(* )&h ,!!* rea!(0 +!r & +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! %e a !+ &he". The
&hr* &h(, ( &he ra&!(a -!(&&%&!( +ree*!" +r!" err!r a(* +r!"
*e-ep&!(. Le& &he( &he r%(, pr(-pe h!*(, +a& &! &hee &h(, ,!
&ra,h& !(0 a(* & ha )ha& & !)(.
. C!(*er &h#e+ &! /e *ea*0 a(* &! ha1e -!"pe&e* &h# +e %p &! &he
pree(& &"e8 a(* 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re &he re"a(*er )h-h a!)e*
&hee.
. L!1e &ha& !(# )h-h happe( &! &hee a(* p%( )&h &he &hrea* !+
&h# *e&(#. F!r )ha& "!re %&a/e7
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 56/111
?. I( e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( 3eep /e+!re &h# e#e &h!e &! )h!" &he
a"e &h(, happe(e*0 a(* h!) &he# )ere 1e6e*0 a(* &rea&e* &he" a
&ra(,e &h(,0 a(* +!%(* +a%& )&h &he": a(* (!) )here are &he#7
N!)here. Wh# &he( *!& &h!% &!! -h!!e &! a-& ( &he a"e )a#8 a(* )h#
*!& &h!% (!& ea1e &hee a,&a&!( )h-h are +!re,( &! (a&%re &! &h!e
)h! -a%e &he" a(* &h!e )h! are "!1e* /# &he"8 a(* )h# ar& &h!% (!&a&!,e&her (&e(& %p!( &he r,h& )a# !+ "a3(, %e !+ &he &h(, )h-h
happe( &! &hee7 F!r &he( &h!% )& %e &he" )e0 a(* &he# ) /e a
"a&era +!r &hee &! )!r3 !(. O(# a&&e(* &! &h#e+0 a(* re!1e &! /e
a ,!!* "a( ( e1er# a-& )h-h &h!% *!&: a(* re"e"/er....
@. L!!3 )&h(. W&h( &he +!%(&a( !+ ,!!*0 a(* & ) e1er /%//e
%p0 + &h!% )& e1er *,.
=. The /!*# !%,h& &! /e -!"pa-&0 a(* &! h!) (! rre,%ar&# e&her (
"!&!( !r a&&&%*e. F!r )ha& &he "(* h!) ( &he +a-e /# "a(&a((, (
& &he e6pre!( !+ (&e,e(-e a(* pr!pre� &ha& !%,h& &! /ere$%re* a! ( &he )h!e /!*#. B%& a &hee &h(, h!%* /e !/er1e*
)&h!%& a++e-&a&!(.
>. The ar& !+ +e "!re 3e &he )re&er' ar& &ha( &he *a(-er'0 (
repe-& !+ &h0 &ha& & h!%* &a(* rea*# a(* +r" &! "ee& !(e& )h-h
are %**e( a(* %(e6pe-&e*.
<. C!(&a(&# !/er1e )h! &h!e are )h!e appr!/a&!( &h!% )he& &!
ha1e0 a(* )ha& r%(, pr(-pe &he# p!e. F!r &he( &h!% )& (e&her
/a"e &h!e )h! !++e(* (1!%(&ar#0 (!r )& &h!% )a(& &her
appr!/a&!(0 + &h!% !!3e& &! &he !%r-e !+ &her !p(!( a(*
appe&&e.
. E1er# !%0 &he ph!!pher a#0 (1!%(&ar# *epr1e* !+ &r%&h8
-!(e$%e(&# ( &he a"e )a# & *epr1e* !+ 5%&-e a(* &e"pera(-e a(*
/e(e1!e(-e a(* e1er#&h(, !+ &he 3(*. I& "!& (e-ear# &! /ear &h
-!(&a(&# ( "(*0 +!r &h% &h!% )& /e "!re ,e(&e &!)ar* a.
. I( e1er# pa( e& &h &h!%,h& /e pree(&0 &ha& &here (! *h!(!r
( &0 (!r *!e & "a3e &he ,!1er((, (&e,e(-e )!re0 +!r & *!e (!&
*a"a,e &he (&e,e(-e e&her ! +ar a &he (&e,e(-e ra&!(a !r ! +ar a & !-a. I(*ee* ( &he -ae !+ "!& pa( e& &h re"ar3
!+ Ep-%r% a* &hee0 &ha& pa( (e&her (&!era/e (!r e1era&(,0
+ &h!% /eare& ( "(* &ha& & ha & "&0 a(* + &h!% a**e&
(!&h(, &! & ( "a,(a&!(: a(* re"e"/er &h &!!0 &ha& )e *! (!&
per-e1e &ha& "a(# &h(, )h-h are *a,reea/e &! % are &he a"e a
pa(0 %-h a e6-e1e *r!)(e0 a(* &he /e(, -!r-he* /# hea&0 a(*
&he ha1(, (! appe&&e. Whe( &he( &h!% ar& *-!(&e(&e* a/!%& a(# !+
&hee &h(,0 a# &! &h#e+ &ha& &h!% ar& #e*(, &! pa(.
. Ta3e -are (!& &! +ee &!)ar* &he (h%"a( a &he# +ee &!)ar* "e(.
. H!) *! )e 3(!) + Tea%,e )a (!& %per!r ( -hara-&er &! S!-ra&e7
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 57/111
F!r & (!& e(!%,h &ha& S!-ra&e *e* a "!re (!/e *ea&h0 a(* *p%&e*
"!re 3+%# )&h &he S!ph&0 a(* pae* &he (,h& ( &he -!* )&h
"!re e(*%ra(-e0 a(* &ha& )he( he )a /* &! arre& Le!( !+ Saa"0 he
-!(*ere* & "!re (!/e &! re+%e0 a(* &ha& he )a3e* ( a )a,,er(,
)a# ( &he &ree&22&h!%,h a &! &h +a-& !(e "a# ha1e ,rea& *!%/& +
& )a &r%e. B%& )e !%,h& &! ($%re )ha& 3(* !+ a !% & )a &ha&S!-ra&e p!ee*0 a(* + he )a a/e &! /e -!(&e(& )&h /e(, 5%&
&!)ar* "e( a(* p!% &!)ar* &he ,!*0 (e&her *# 1e6e* !( a--!%(& !+
"e(' 1a(#0 (!r #e& "a3(, h"e+ a a1e &! a(# "a(' ,(!ra(-e0
(!r re-e1(, a &ra(,e a(#&h(, &ha& +e &! h hare !%& !+ &he
%(1era0 (!r e(*%r(, & a (&!era/e0 (!r a!)(, h %(*er&a(*(,
&! #"pa&h9e )&h &he a++e-& !+ &he "era/e +eh.
. Na&%re ha (!& ! "(,e* &he (&e,e(-e )&h &he -!"p!&!( !+
&he /!*#0 a (!& &! ha1e a!)e* &hee &he p!)er !+ -r-%"-r/(, &h#e+
a(* !+ /r(,(, %(*er %/5e-&!( &! &h#e+ a &ha& &h# !)(8 +!r &
1er# p!/e &! /e a *1(e "a( a(* &! /e re-!,(9e* a %-h /# (!!(e. A)a# /ear &h ( "(*8 a(* a(!&her &h(, &!!0 &ha& 1er# &&e
(*ee* (e-ear# +!r 1(, a happ# +e. A(* /e-a%e &h!% ha&
*epare* !+ /e-!"(, a *ae-&-a( a(* 3e* ( &he 3(!)e*,e !+
(a&%re0 *! (!& +!r &h rea!( re(!%(-e &he h!pe !+ /e(, /!&h +ree a(*
"!*e&0 a(* !-a a(* !/e*e(& &! G!*.
?. I& ( &h# p!)er &! 1e +ree +r!" a -!"p%!( ( &he ,rea&e&
&ra($%&# !+ "(*0 e1e( + a &he )!r* -r# !%& a,a(& &hee a "%-h
a &he# -h!!e0 a(* e1e( + )* /ea& &ear ( pe-e &he "e"/er !+
&h 3(ea*e* "a&&er )h-h ha ,r!)( ar!%(* &hee. F!r )ha& h(*er &he
"(* ( &he "*& !+ a &h +r!" "a(&a((, &e+ ( &ra($%&# a(*
( a 5%& 5%*,"e(& !+ a %rr!%(*(, &h(, a(* ( a rea*# %e !+ &he
!/5e-& )h-h are pree(&e* &! &0 ! &ha& &he 5%*,"e(& "a# a# &! &he
&h(, )h-h +a %(*er & !/er1a&!(: Th &h!% ar& ( %/&a(-e
rea� &h!%,h ( "e(' !p(!( &h!% "a#e& appear &! /e !+ a
*++ere(& 3(*8 a(* &he %e ha a# &! &ha& )h-h +a %(*er &he ha(*:
Th!% ar& &he &h(, &ha& I )a ee3(,8 +!r &! "e &ha& )h-h pree(&
&e+ a)a# a "a&era +!r 1r&%e /!&h ra&!(a a(* p!&-a0 a(*
( a )!r*0 +!r &he e6er-e !+ ar&0 )h-h /e!(, &! "a( !r G!*. F!r
e1er#&h(, )h-h happe( ha a rea&!(hp e&her &! G!* !r "a(0 a(*
(e&her (e) (!r *++-%& &! ha(*e0 /%& %%a a(* ap& "a&&er &! )!r3 !(.
@. The per+e-&!( !+ "!ra -hara-&er -!(& ( &h0 ( pa(, e1er#
*a# a &he a&0 a(* ( /e(, (e&her 1!e(&# e6-&e* (!r &!rp* (!r
pa#(, &he h#p!-r&e.
=. The ,!* )h! are ""!r&a are (!& 1e6e* /e-a%e *%r(, ! !(, a &"e
&he# "%& &!era&e -!(&(%a# "e( %-h a &he# are a(* ! "a(# !+ &he"
/a*8 a(* /e*e &h0 &he# a! &a3e -are !+ &he" ( a )a#. B%& &h!%0
)h! ar& *e&(e* &! e(* ! !!(0 ar& &h!% )eare* !+ e(*%r(, &he /a*0
a(* &h &!! )he( &h!% ar& !(e !+ &he"7
>. I& a r*-%!% &h(, +!r a "a( (!& &! +# +r!" h !)( /a*(e0
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 58/111
)h-h (*ee* p!/e0 /%& &! +# +r!" !&her "e(' /a*(e0 )h-h
"p!/e.
<. Wha&e1er &he ra&!(a a(* p!&-a !-a +a-%&# +(* &! /e
(e&her (&e,e(& (!r !-a0 & pr!per# 5%*,e &! /e (+er!r &!
&e+.
. Whe( &h!% ha& *!(e a ,!!* a-& a(* a(!&her ha re-e1e* &0 )h# *!&
&h!% & !!3 +!r a &hr* &h(, /e*e &hee0 a +!! *!0 e&her &!
ha1e &he rep%&a&!( !+ ha1(, *!(e a ,!!* a-& !r &! !/&a( a re&%r(7
. N! "a( &re* !+ re-e1(, )ha& %e+%. B%& & %e+% &! a-&
a--!r*(, &! (a&%re. D! (!& &he( /e &re* !+ re-e1(, )ha& %e+% /#
*!(, & &! !&her.
. The (a&%re !+ &he A "!1e* &! "a3e &he %(1ere. B%& (!) e&her
e1er#&h(, &ha& &a3e pa-e -!"e /# )a# !+ -!(e$%e(-e !r -!(&(%!r e1e( &he -he+ &h(, &!)ar* )h-h &he r%(, p!)er !+ &he %(1ere
*re-& & !)( "!1e"e(& are ,!1er(e* /# (! ra&!(a pr(-pe. I+ &h
re"e"/ere*0 & ) "a3e &hee "!re &ra($% ( "a(# &h(, 1. 8
6. <?.
BOOK III.
>. Th re+e-&!( a! &e(* &! &he re"!1a !+ &he *ere !+ e"p&# +a"e0
&ha& & (! !(,er ( &h# p!)er &! ha1e 1e* &he )h!e !+ &h# +e0 !r
a& ea& &h# +e +r!" &h# #!%&h %p)ar*0 3e a ph!!pher8 /%& /!&h &!
"a(# !&her a(* &! &h#e+ & pa( &ha& &h!% ar& +ar +r!" ph!!ph#.
Th!% ha& +ae( (&! *!r*er &he(0 ! &ha& & (! !(,er ea# +!r
&hee &! ,e& &he rep%&a&!( !+ a ph!!pher8 a(* &h# pa( !+ +e a!
!pp!e &. I+ &he( &h!% ha& &r%# ee( )here &he "a&&er e0 &hr!)
a)a# &he &h!%,h&0 H!) &h!% ha& ee" &! !&her0 a(* /e -!(&e(& + &h!%
ha& 1e &he re& !+ &h# +e ( %-h )e a &h# (a&%re ). O/er1e
&he( )ha& & )0 a(* e& (!&h(, ee *&ra-& &hee8 +!r &h!% ha& ha*e6pere(-e !+ "a(# )a(*er(, )&h!%& ha1(, +!%(* happ(e a(#)here022
(!& ( #!,"0 (!r ( )ea&h0 (!r ( rep%&a&!(0 (!r ( e(5!#"e(&0
(!r a(#)here. Where & &he(7 I( *!(, )ha& "a(' (a&%re re$%re. H!)
&he( ha a "a( *! &h7 I+ he ha pr(-pe +r!" )h-h -!"e h
a++e-& a(* h a-&. Wha& pr(-pe7 Th!e )h-h rea&e &! ,!!* a(*
/a*: &he /ee+ &ha& &here (!&h(, ,!!* +!r "a( )h-h *!e (!& "a3e
h" 5%&0 &e"pera&e0 "a(#0 +ree8 a(* &ha& &here (!&h(, /a* )h-h
*!e (!& *! &he -!(&rar# &! )ha& ha /ee( "e(&!(e*.
<. O( &he !--a!( !+ e1er# a-& a3 &h#e+0 H!) &h )&h repe-& &!
"e7 Sha I repe(& !+ &7 A &&e &"e a(* I a" *ea*0 a(* a ,!(e.Wha& "!re *! I ee30 + )ha& I a" (!) *!(, &he )!r3 !+ a( (&e,e(&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 59/111
1(, /e(,0 a(* a !-a /e(,0 a(* !(e )h! %(*er &he a"e a) )&h
G!*7
. Ae6a(*er a(* Ca% a(* P!"pe%0 )ha& are &he# ( -!"par!( )&h
D!,e(e a(* Hera-&% a(* S!-ra&e7 F!r &he# )ere a-$%a(&e* )&h
&h(,0 a(* &her -a%e +!r"0 a(* &her "a&&er0 a(* &he r%(, pr(-pe !+ &hee "e( )ere &he a"e !r -!(+!r"a/e &! &her p%r%&.
B%& a &! &he !&her0 h!) "a(# &h(, ha* &he# &! -are +!r0 a(* &! h!)
"a(# &h(, )ere &he# a1e
. C!(*er &ha& "e( ) *! &he a"e &h(, (e1er&hee0 e1e( &h!%,h
&h!% h!%*& /%r&.
. Th &he -he+ &h(,: Be (!& per&%r/e*0 +!r a &h(, are
a--!r*(, &! &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1era8 a(* ( a &&e &"e &h!% )&
/e (!/!*# a(* (!)here0 3e Ha*ra(% a(* A%,%&%. I( &he (e6& pa-e0
ha1(, +6e* &h# e#e &ea*# !( &h# /%(e !!3 a& &0 a(* a& &hea"e &"e re"e"/er(, &ha& & &h# *%&# &! /e a ,!!* "a(0 a(* )ha&
"a(' (a&%re *e"a(*0 *! &ha& )&h!%& &%r((, a*e8 a(* pea3 a &
ee" &! &hee "!& 5%&0 !(# e& & /e )&h a ,!!* *p!&!( a(* )&h
"!*e&# a(* )&h!%& h#p!-r#.
. The (a&%re !+ &he %(1era ha &h )!r3 &! *!022&! re"!1e &! &ha&
pa-e &he &h(, )h-h are ( &h0 &! -ha(,e &he"0 &! &a3e &he" a)a#
he(-e0 a(* &! -arr# &he" &here. A &h(, are -ha(,e0 #e& )e (ee* (!&
+ear a(#&h(, (e). A &h(, are +a"ar &! %8 /%& &he *&r/%&!(
!+ &he" & re"a( &he a"e.
. E1er# (a&%re -!(&e(&e* )&h &e+ )he( & ,!e !( & )a# )e8
a(* a ra&!(a (a&%re ,!e !( & )a# )e )he( ( & &h!%,h& &
ae(& &! (!&h(, +ae !r %(-er&a(0 a(* )he( & *re-& & "!1e"e(&
&! !-a a-& !(#0 a(* )he( & -!(+(e & *ere a(* a1er!( &!
&he &h(, )h-h are ( & p!)er0 a(* )he( & a&+e* )&h
e1er#&h(, &ha& a,(e* &! & /# &he -!""!( (a&%re. F!r !+ &h
-!""!( (a&%re e1er# par&-%ar (a&%re a par&0 a &he (a&%re !+ &he
ea+ a par& !+ &he (a&%re !+ &he pa(&8 e6-ep& &ha& ( &he pa(& &he
(a&%re !+ &he ea+ par& !+ a (a&%re )h-h ha (!& per-ep&!( !r
rea!(0 a(* %/5e-& &! /e "pe*e*8 /%& &he (a&%re !+ "a( par& !+ a(a&%re )h-h (!& %/5e-& &! "pe*"e(&0 a(* (&e,e(& a(* 5%&0
(-e & ,1e &! e1er#&h(, ( e$%a p!r&!( a(* a--!r*(, &! &
)!r&h0 &"e0 %/&a(-e0 -a%e +!r"0 a-&1&# a(* (-*e(&. B%&
e6a"(e0 (!& &! *-!1er &ha& a(# !(e &h(, -!"pare* )&h a(# !&her
(,e &h(, e$%a ( a repe-&0 /%& /# &a3(, a &he par&
&!,e&her !+ !(e &h(, a(* -!"par(, &he" )&h a &he par& &!,e&her !+
a(!&her.
?. Th!% ha& (!& e%re !r a/&# &! rea*. B%& &h!% ha& e%re !r
a/&# &! -he-3 arr!,a(-e: &h!% ha& e%re &! /e %per!r &! pea%re
a(* pa(: &h!% ha& e%re &! /e %per!r &! !1e !+ +a"e0 a(* (!& &! /e1e6e* a& &%p* a(* %(,ra&e+% pe!pe0 (a# e1e( &! -are +!r &he".
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 60/111
@. Le& (! "a( a(# !(,er hear &hee +(*(, +a%& )&h &he -!%r& +e !r
)&h &h# !)( . >.
>=. Repe(&a(-e a 3(* !+ e+2repr!!+ +!r ha1(, (e,e-&e* !"e&h(,
%e+%8 /%& &ha& )h-h ,!!* "%& /e !"e&h(, %e+%0 a(* &he per+e-&,!!* "a( h!%* !!3 a+&er &. B%& (! %-h "a( )!%* e1er repe(& !+
ha1(, re+%e* a(# e(%a pea%re. Pea%re &he( (e&her ,!!* (!r
%e+%.
>>. Th &h(,0 )ha& & ( &e+0 ( & !)( -!(&&%&!( Wha&
& %/&a(-e a(* "a&era7 A(* )ha& & -a%a (a&%re !r +!r"7 A(*
)ha& & *!(, ( &he )!r*7 A(* h!) !(, *!e & %/&7
><. Whe( &h!% re& +r!" eep )&h re%-&a(-e0 re"e"/er &ha& &
a--!r*(, &! &h# -!(&&%&!( a(* a--!r*(, &! h%"a( (a&%re &! per+!r"
!-a a-&0 /%& eep(, -!""!( a! &! rra&!(a a("a. B%& &ha&)h-h a--!r*(, &! ea-h (*1*%a' (a&%re a! "!re pe-%ar#
& !)(0 a(* "!re %&a/e &! & (a&%re0 a(* (*ee* a! "!re a,reea/e
. >.
>. C!(&a(&# a(*0 + & /e p!/e0 !( &he !--a!( !+ e1er#
"pre!( !( &he !%0 app# &! & &he pr(-pe !+ Ph#-0 !+ E&h-0
a(* !+ Dae-&-.
>. Wha&e1er "a( &h!% "ee&e& )&h0 ""e*a&e# a# &! &h#e+: Wha&
!p(!( ha &h "a( a/!%& ,!!* a(* /a*7 F!r + )&h repe-& &! pea%re
a(* pa( a(* &he -a%e !+ ea-h0 a(* )&h repe-& &! +a"e a(* ,(!"(#0
*ea&h a(* +e0 he ha %-h a(* %-h !p(!(0 & ) ee" (!&h(,
)!(*er+% !r &ra(,e &! "e + he *!e %-h a(* %-h &h(,8 a(* I ha
/ear ( "(* &ha& he -!"pee* &! *! !.
>. Re"e"/er &ha& a & a ha"e &! /e %rpre* + &he +,2&ree
pr!*%-e +,0 ! & &! /e %rpre* + &he )!r* pr!*%-e %-h a(*
%-h &h(, !+ )h-h & pr!*%-&1e8 a(* +!r &he ph#-a( a(* &he
he""a( & a ha"e &! /e %rpre* + a "a( ha a +e1er0 !r + &he
)(* %(+a1!ra/e.
>. Re"e"/er &ha& &! -ha(,e &h# !p(!( a(* &! +!!) h" )h! -!rre-&
&h# err!r a -!(&e(& )&h +ree*!" a & &! per& ( &h# err!r.
F!r & &h# !)(0 &he a-&1&# )h-h e6er&e* a--!r*(, &! &h# !)(
"!1e"e(& a(* 5%*,"e(&0 a(* (*ee* a--!r*(, &! &h# !)( %(*er&a(*(, &!!.
>. I+ a &h(, ( &h# !)( p!)er0 )h# *!& &h!% *! &7 /%& + & (
&he p!)er !+ a(!&her0 )h!" *!& &h!% /a"e022&he a&!" -ha(-e !r &he
,!*7 B!&h are +!!h. Th!% "%& /a"e (!/!*#. F!r + &h!% -a(&0
-!rre-& &ha& )h-h &he -a%e8 /%& + &h!% -a(& (!& *! &h0 -!rre-&
a& ea& &he &h(, &e+8 /%& + &h!% -a(& (!& *! e1e( &h0 !+ )ha&
%e & &! &hee &! +(* +a%&7 +!r (!&h(, h!%* /e *!(e )&h!%& a p%rp!e.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 61/111
>?. Tha& )h-h ha *e* +a (!& !%& !+ &he %(1ere. I+ & &a# here0
& a! -ha(,e here0 a(* *!1e* (&! & pr!per par&0 )h-h are
ee"e(& !+ &he %(1ere a(* !+ &h#e+. A(* &hee &!! -ha(,e0 a(* &he#
"%r"%r (!&.
>@. E1er#&h(, e6& +!r !"e e(*022a h!re0 a 1(e. Wh# *!& &h!%
)!(*er7 E1e( &he %( ) a#0 I a" +!r !"e p%rp!e0 a(* &he re& !+ &he
,!* ) a# &he a"e. F!r )ha& p%rp!e &he( ar& &h!%022&! e(5!#
pea%re7 See + -!""!( e(e a!) &h.
<=. Na&%re ha ha* re,ar* ( e1er#&h(, (! e &! &he e(* &ha( &! &he
/e,(((, a(* &he -!(&(%a(-e0 5%& 3e &he "a( )h! &hr!) %p a /a.
Wha& ,!!* & &he( +!r &he /a &! /e &hr!)( %p0 !r har" +!r & &! -!"e
*!)(0 !r e1e( &! ha1e +ae(7 a(* )ha& ,!!* & &! &he /%//e )he &
h!* &!,e&her0 !r )ha& har" )he( & /%r&7 The a"e "a# /e a* !+ a
,h& a!.
<>. T%r( & &he /!*# (*e !%&0 a(* ee )ha& 3(* !+ &h(, & 8 a(*
)he( & ha ,r!)( !*0 )ha& 3(* !+ &h(, & /e-!"e0 a(* )he( &
*eae*.
Sh!r& 1e* are /!&h &he praer a(* &he prae*0 a(* &he re"e"/erer a(*
&he re"e"/ere*: a(* a &h ( a (!!3 !+ &h par& !+ &he )!r*8 a(* (!&
e1e( here *! a a,ree0 (!0 (!& a(# !(e )&h h"e+: a(* &he )h!e ear&h
&!! a p!(&.
<<. A&&e(* &! &he "a&&er )h-h /e+!re &hee0 )he&her & a( !p(!(
!r a( a-& !r a )!r*. Th!% %++ere& &h 5%&#: +!r &h!% -h!!e& ra&her
&! /e-!"e ,!!* &!2"!rr!) &ha( &! /e ,!!* &!2*a#.
<. A" I *!(, a(#&h(,7 I *! & )&h re+ere(-e &! &he ,!!* !+ "a(3(*.
D!e a(#&h(, happe( &! "e7 I re-e1e & a(* re+er & &! &he ,!*0 a(*
&he !%r-e !+ a &h(,0 +r!" )h-h a &ha& happe( *er1e*.
<. S%-h a /a&h(, appear &! &hee022!0 )ea&0 *r&0 +&h# )a&er0 a
&h(, *,%&(,022! e1er# par& !+ +e a(* e1er#&h(,.
<. L%-a a) er% *e0 a(* &he( L%-a *e*. Se-%(*a a) Ma6"%
*e0 a(* &he( Se-%(*a *e*. Ep&#(-ha(% a) D!&"% *e0 a(* &he(
Ep&#(-ha(% *e*. A(&!((% a) Fa%&(a *e0 a(* &he( A(&!((% *e*.
S%-h e1er#&h(,. Ceer a) Ha*ra(% *e0 a(* &he( Ceer *e*. A(*
&h!e harp2)&&e* "e(0 e&her eer !r "e( (+a&e* )&h pr*e0 )here
are &he#022+!r (&a(-e &he harp2)&&e* "e(0 Chara6 a(* De"e&r% &he
Pa&!(& a(* E%*ae"!(0 a(* a(# !(e ee 3e &he"7 A ephe"era0 *ea*
!(, a,!. S!"e (*ee* ha1e (!& /ee( re"e"/ere* e1e( +!r a h!r& &"e0 a(*
!&her ha1e /e-!"e &he her!e !+ +a/e0 a(* a,a( !&her ha1e
*appeare* e1e( +r!" +a/e. Re"e"/er &h &he(0 &ha& &h &&e
-!"p!%(*0 &h#e+0 "%& e&her /e *!1e*0 !r &h# p!!r /rea&h "%& /ee6&(,%he*0 !r /e re"!1e* a(* pa-e* ee)here.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 62/111
<. I& a&+a-&!( &! a "a( &! *! &he pr!per )!r3 !+ a "a(. N!) &
a pr!per )!r3 !+ a "a( &! /e /e(e1!e(& &! h !)( 3(*0 &! *epe
&he "!1e"e(& !+ &he e(e0 &! +!r" a 5%& 5%*,"e(& !+ pa%/e
appeara(-e0 a(* &! &a3e a %r1e# !+ &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere a(* !+
&he &h(, )h-h happe( ( &.
<. There are &hree rea&!( /e&)ee( &hee a(* !&her &h(,: &he !(e &!
&he /!*# )h-h %rr!%(* &hee8 &he e-!(* &! &he *1(e -a%e +r!" )h-h
a &h(, -!"e &! a8 a(* &he &hr* &! &h!e )h! 1e )&h &hee.
<?. Pa( e&her a( e1 &! &he /!*#22&he( e& &he /!*# a# )ha& &
&h(3 !+ &22!r &! &he !%8 /%& & ( &he p!)er !+ &he !% &!
"a(&a( & !)( ere(&# a(* &ra($%� a(* (!& &! &h(3 &ha& pa(
a( e1. F!r e1er# 5%*,"e(& a(* "!1e"e(& a(* *ere a(* a1er!(
)&h(0 a(* (! e1 a-e(* ! h,h.
<@. Wpe !%& &h# "a,(a&!( /# !+&e( a#(, &! &h#e+: N!) & ( "#
p!)er &! e& (! /a*(e /e ( &h !%0 (!r *ere0 (!r a(# per&%r/a&!(
a& a8 /%& !!3(, a& a &h(, I ee )ha& &her (a&%re0 a(* I %e
ea-h a--!r*(, &! & 1a%e.22Re"e"/er &h p!)er )h-h &h!% ha& +r!"
(a&%re.
=. Spea3 /!&h ( &he e(a&e a(* &! e1er# "a(0 )h!e1er he "a# /e0
appr!pra&e#0 (!& )&h a(# a++e-&a&!(: %e pa( *-!%re.
>. A%,%&%' -!%r&0 )+e0 *a%,h&er0 *e-e(*a(&0 a(-e&!r0 &er0
A,rppa0 3("e(0 (&"a&e0 +re(*0 Are%0 Mae-e(a0 ph#-a(0 a(*
a-r+-(, pre&022&he )h!e -!%r& *ea*. The( &%r( &! &he re&0 (!&
-!(*er(, &he *ea&h !+ a (,e "a( /%& !+ a )h!e ra-e0 a !+ &he
P!"pe8 a(* &ha& )h-h (-r/e* !( &he &!"/022The a& !+ h ra-e.
The( -!(*er )ha& &r!%/e &h!e /e+!re &he" ha1e ha* &ha& &he# ",h&
ea1e a %--e!r8 a(* &he(0 &ha& !+ (e-e&# !"e !(e "%& /e &he a&.
A,a(0 here -!(*er &he *ea&h !+ a )h!e ra-e.
<. I& &h# *%&# &! !r*er &h# +e )e ( e1er# (,e a-&8 a(* +
e1er# a-& *!e & *%&# a +ar a p!/e0 /e -!(&e(&8 a(* (! !(e
a/e &! h(*er &hee ! &ha& ea-h a-& ha (!& *! & *%&#.22B%&!"e&h(, e6&er(a ) &a(* ( &he )a#.22N!&h(, ) &a(* ( &he )a#
!+ &h# a-&(, 5%&# a(* !/er# a(* -!(*era&e#.22B%& perhap !"e
!&her a-&1e p!)er ) /e h(*ere*.22We0 /%& /# a-$%e-(, ( &he
h(*ra(-e a(* /# /e(, -!(&e(& &! &ra(+er &h# e++!r& &! &ha& )h-h
a!)e*0 a(!&her !pp!r&%(&# !+ a-&!( ""e*a&e# p%& /e+!re &hee (
pa-e !+ &ha& )h-h )a h(*ere*0 a(* !(e )h-h ) a*ap& &e+ &! &h
!r*er(, !+ )h-h )e are pea3(,.
. Re-e1e )ea&h !r pr!per&# )&h!%& arr!,a(-e8 a(* /e rea*# &! e&
& ,!.
. I+ &h!% **& e1er ee a ha(* -%& !++0 !r a +!!&0 !r a hea*0 #(,
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 63/111
a(#)here apar& +r!" &he re& !+ &he /!*#0 %-h *!e a "a( "a3e h"e+0
a +ar a he -a(0 )h! (!& -!(&e(& )&h )ha& happe(0 a(* epara&e
h"e+ +r!" !&her0 !r *!e a(#&h(, %(!-a. S%pp!e &ha& &h!% ha&
*e&a-he* &h#e+ +r!" &he (a&%ra %(+!r &h!% )a& "a*e /# (a&%re a
par&0 /%& (!) &h!% ha& -%& &h#e+ !++022#e& here &here &h
/ea%&+% pr!1!(0 &ha& & ( &h# p!)er a,a( &! %(&e &h#e+. G!*ha a!)e* &h &! (! !&her par&0 a+&er & ha /ee( epara&e* a(* -%&
a%(*er0 &! -!"e &!,e&her a,a(. B%& -!(*er &he 3(*(e /# )h-h he
ha *&(,%he* "a(0 +!r he ha p%& & ( h p!)er (!& &! /e epara&e*
a& a +r!" &he %(1era8 a(* )he( he ha /ee( epara&e*0 he ha a!)e*
h" &! re&%r( a(* &! /e %(&e* a(* &! re%"e h pa-e a a par&.
. A &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1era ha ,1e( &! e1er# ra&!(a /e(, a
&he !&her p!)er &ha& & ha0 ! )e ha1e re-e1e* +r!" & &h p!)er
a!. F!r a &he %(1era (a&%re -!(1er& a(* +6e ( & pre*e&(e*
pa-e e1er#&h(, )h-h &a(* ( &he )a# a(* !pp!e &0 a(* "a3e %-h
&h(, a par& !+ &e+0 ! a! &he ra&!(a a("a a/e &! "a3ee1er# h(*ra(-e & !)( "a&era0 a(* &! %e & +!r %-h p%rp!e a &
"a# ha1e *e,(e*.
. D! (!& *&%r/ &h#e+ /# &h(3(, !+ &he )h!e !+ &h# +e. Le& (!&
&h# &h!%,h& a& !(-e e"/ra-e a &he 1ar!% &r!%/e )h-h &h!% "a#e&
e6pe-& &! /e+a &hee: /%& !( e1er# !--a!( a3 &h#e+0 Wha& &here
( &h )h-h (&!era/e a(* pa& /ear(,7 +!r &h!% )& /e aha"e*
&! -!(+e. I( &he (e6& pa-e re"e"/er &ha& (e&her &he +%&%re (!r &he
pa& pa( &hee0 /%& !(# &he pree(&. B%& &h re*%-e* &! a 1er#
&&e0 + &h!% !(# -r-%"-r/e& &0 a(* -h*e& &h# "(* + &
%(a/e &! h!* !%& a,a(& e1e( &h.
. D!e Pa(&hea !r Per,a"% (!) & /# &he &!"/ !+ er%7 D!e Cha%ra
!r D!&"% & /# &he &!"/ !+ Ha*ra(%7 Tha& )!%* /e r*-%!%. We0
%pp!e &he# ** & &here0 )!%* &he *ea* /e -!(-!% !+ &7 a(* + &he
*ea* )ere -!(-!% )!%* &he# /e peae*7 a(* + &he# )ere peae*0
)!%* &ha& "a3e &he" ""!r&a7 Wa & (!& ( &he !r*er !+ *e&(# &ha&
&hee per!( &!! h!%* +r& /e-!"e !* )!"e( a(* !* "e( a(* &he( *e7
Wha& &he( )!%* &h!e *! a+&er &hee )ere *ea*7 A &h +!% "e
a(* /!!* ( a /a,.
?. I+ &h!% -a(& ee harp0 !!3 a(* 5%*,e )e#0 a# &he ph!!pher.
@. I( &he -!(&&%&!( !+ &he ra&!(a a("a I ee (! 1r&%e )h-h
!pp!e* &! 5%&-e8 /%& I ee a 1r&%e )h-h !pp!e* &! !1e !+
pea%re0 a(* &ha& &e"pera(-e.
=. I+ &h!% &a3e& a)a# &h# !p(!( a/!%& &ha& )h-h appear &! ,1e &hee
pa(0 &h!% &h#e+ &a(*e& ( per+e-& e-%r&#.22Wh! &h e+722The
rea!(.22B%& I a" (!& rea!(.22Be & !. Le& &he( &he rea!( &e+ (!&
&r!%/e &e+. B%& + a(# !&her par& !+ &hee %++er0 e& & ha1e &
!)( !p(!( a/!%& &e+ II. >.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 64/111
>. H(*ra(-e &! &he per-ep&!( !+ e(e a( e1 &! &he a("a
(a&%re. H(*ra(-e &! &he "!1e"e(& *ere e$%a# a( e1 &! &he
a("a (a&%re. A(* !"e&h(, ee a! e$%a# a( "pe*"e(& a(* a(
e1 &! &he -!(&&%&!( !+ pa(&. S! &he( &ha& )h-h a h(*ra(-e &!
&he (&e,e(-e a( e1 &! &he (&e,e(& (a&%re. App# a &hee
&h(, &he( &! &h#e+. D!e pa( !r e(%!% pea%re e++e-& &hee7 Thee(e ) !!3 &! &ha&. Ha a(# !/&a-e !pp!e* &hee ( &h# e++!r&
&!)ar* a( !/5e-&7 I+ (*ee* &h!% )a& "a3(, &h e++!r& a/!%&e#
%(-!(*&!(a#0 !r )&h!%& a(# reer1a&!(0 -er&a(# &h !/&a-e
a( e1 &! &hee -!(*ere* a a ra&!(a a("a. B%& + &h!% &a3e& (&!
-!(*era&!( &he %%a -!%re !+ &h(,0 &h!% ha& (!& #e& /ee( (5%re*
(!r e1e( "pe*e*. The &h(, h!)e1er )h-h are pr!per &! &he
%(*er&a(*(, (! !&her "a( %e* &! "pe*e0 +!r (e&her +re0 (!r r!(0
(!r &#ra(&0 (!r a/%e0 &!%-he & ( a(# )a#. Whe( & ha /ee( "a*e a
phere0 & -!(&(%e a phere XI0 ><.
<. I& (!& +& &ha& I h!%* ,1e "#e+ pa(0 +!r I ha1e (e1er (&e(&!(a# ,1e( pa( e1e( &! a(!&her.
. D++ere(& &h(, *e,h& *++ere(& pe!pe8 /%& & "# *e,h& &!
3eep &he r%(, +a-%&# !%(* )&h!%& &%r((, a)a# e&her +r!" a(# "a( !r
+r!" a(# !+ &he &h(, )h-h happe( &! "e(0 /%& !!3(, a& a(* re-e1(,
a )&h )e-!"e e#e a(* %(, e1er#&h(, a--!r*(, &! & 1a%e.
. See &ha& &h!% e-%re &h pree(& &"e &! &h#e+: +!r &h!e )h!
ra&her p%r%e p!&h%"!% +a"e *! (!& -!(*er &ha& &he "e( !+ a+&er &"e
) /e e6a-&# %-h a &hee )h!" &he# -a((!& /ear (!)8 a(* /!&h are
"!r&a. A(* )ha& & ( a(# )a# &! &hee + &hee "e( !+ a+&er &"e
%&&er &h !r &ha& !%(*0 !r ha1e &h !r &ha& !p(!( a/!%& &hee7
. Ta3e "e a(* -a& "e )here &h!% )&8 +!r &here I ha 3eep "# *1(e
par& &ra($%0 &ha& 0 -!(&e(&0 + & -a( +ee a(* a-& -!(+!r"a/# &!
& pr!per -!(&&%&!(. I &h -ha(,e !+ pa-e %++-e(& rea!( )h#
"# !% h!%* /e %(happ# a(* )!re &he( & )a0 *epree*0 e6pa(*e*0
hr(3(,0 a++r,h&e*7 a(* )ha& )& &h!% +(* )h-h %++-e(& rea!(
+!r &h7
. N!&h(, -a( happe( &! a(# "a( )h-h (!& a h%"a( a--*e(&0 (!r &!a( !6 )h-h (!& a--!r*(, &! &he (a&%re !+ a( !60 (!r &! a 1(e )h-h
(!& a--!r*(, &! &he (a&%re !+ a 1(e0 (!r &! a &!(e )h-h (!&
pr!per &! a &!(e. I+ &he( &here happe( &! ea-h &h(, /!&h )ha& %%a
a(* (a&%ra0 )h# h!%*& &h!% -!"pa(7 F!r &he -!""!( (a&%re /r(,
(!&h(, )h-h "a# (!& /e /!r(e /# &hee.
. I+ &h!% ar& pa(e* /# a(# e6&er(a &h(,0 & (!& &h &h(, &ha&
*&%r/ &hee0 /%& &h# !)( 5%*,"e(& a/!%& &. A(* & ( &h# p!)er &!
)pe !%& &h 5%*,"e(& (!). B%& + a(#&h(, ( &h# !)( *p!&!( ,1e
&hee pa(0 )h! h(*er &hee +r!" -!rre-&(, &h# !p(!(7 A(* e1e( + &h!%
ar& pa(e* /e-a%e &h!% ar& (!& *!(, !"e par&-%ar &h(, )h-h ee"&! &hee &! /e r,h&0 )h# *!& &h!% (!& ra&her a-& &ha( -!"pa(722B%&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 65/111
!"e (%pera/e !/&a-e ( &he )a#722D! (!& /e ,re1e* &he(0 +!r &he
-a%e !+ & (!& /e(, *!(e *epe(* (!& !( &hee.22B%& & (!& )!r&h
)he &! 1e0 + &h -a((!& /e *!(e.22Ta3e &h# *epar&%re &he( +r!"
+e -!(&e(&e*#0 5%& a he *e )h! ( +% a-&1� a(* )e
peae* &!! )&h &he &h(, )h-h are !/&a-e.
?. Re"e"/er &ha& &he r%(, +a-%&# (1(-/e0 )he( e+2-!e-&e*
& a&+e* )&h &e+0 + & *!e (!&h(, )h-h & *!e (!& -h!!e
&! *!0 e1e( + & re& +r!" "ere !/&(a-#. Wha& &he( ) & /e )he(
& +!r" a 5%*,"e(& a/!%& a(#&h(, a*e* /# rea!( a(* *e/era&e#7
There+!re &he "(* )h-h +ree +r!" pa!( a -&a*e0 +!r "a( ha
(!&h(, "!re e-%re &! )h-h he -a( +# +!r re+%,e a(* +!r &he +%&%re /e
(e6p%,(a/e. He &he( )h! ha (!& ee( &h a( ,(!ra(& "a(8 /%& he
)h! ha ee( & a(* *!e (!& +# &! &h re+%,e %(happ#.
@. Sa# (!&h(, "!re &! &h#e+ &ha( )ha& &he +r& appeara(-e rep!r&.
S%pp!e &ha& & ha /ee( rep!r&e* &! &hee &ha& a -er&a( per!( pea3 !+ &hee. Th ha /ee( rep!r&e*8 /%& &ha& &h!% ha& /ee( (5%re*0
&ha& ha (!& /ee( rep!r&e*. I ee &ha& "# -h* -3. I *! ee8 /%&
&ha& he ( *a(,er0 I *! (!& ee. Th% &he( a)a# a/*e /# &he +r&
appeara(-e0 a(* a** (!&h(, &h#e+ +r!" )&h(0 a(* &he( (!&h(,
happe( &! &hee. Or ra&her a** !"e&h(, 3e a "a( )h! 3(!) e1er#&h(,
&ha& happe( ( &he )!r*.
=. A -%-%"/er /&&er22Thr!) & a)a#.22There are /rer ( &he r!a*22
T%r( a*e +r!" &he".22Th e(!%,h. D! (!& a**0 A(* )h# )ere %-h
&h(, "a*e ( &he )!r*7 F!r &h!% )& /e r*-%e* /# a "a( )h!
a-$%a(&e* )&h (a&%re0 a &h!% )!%*& /e r*-%e* /# a -arpe(&er a(*
h!e"a3er + &h!% **& +(* +a%& /e-a%e &h!% ee& ( &her )!r3h!p
ha1(, a(* -%&&(, +r!" &he &h(, )h-h &he# "a3e. A(* #e& &he# ha1e
pa-e (&! )h-h &he# -a( &hr!) &hee ha1(, a(* -%&&(,0 a(* &he
%(1era (a&%re ha (! e6&er(a pa-e8 /%& &he )!(*r!% par& !+ her ar&
&ha& &h!%,h he ha -r-%"-r/e* here+0 e1er#&h(, )&h( her )h-h
appear &! *e-a# a(* &! ,r!) !* a(* &! /e %ee he -ha(,e (&!
here+0 a(* a,a( "a3e !&her (e) &h(, +r!" &hee 1er# a"e0 ! &ha&
he re$%re (e&her %/&a(-e +r!" )&h!%& (!r )a(& a pa-e (&! )h-h
he "a# -a& &ha& )h-h *e-a#. She -!(&e(& &he( )&h her !)( pa-e0
a(* her !)( "a&&er0 a(* her !)( ar&.
>. Ne&her ( &h# a-&!( /e %,,h (!r ( &h# -!(1era&!( )&h!%&
"e&h!*0 (!r )a(*er(, ( &h# &h!%,h&0 (!r e& &here /e ( &h# !%
()ar* -!(&e(&!( (!r e6&er(a e++%!(0 (!r ( +e /e ! /%# a &!
ha1e (! e%re.
S%pp!e &ha& "e( 3 &hee0 -%& &hee ( pe-e0 -%re &hee. Wha& &he( -a(
&hee &h(, *! &! pre1e(& &h# "(* +r!" re"a((, p%re0 )e0 !/er0
5%&7 F!r (&a(-e0 + a "a( h!%* &a(* /# a "p* p%re pr(,0 a(*
-%re &0 &he pr(, (e1er -eae e(*(, %p p!&a/e )a&er8 a(* + he
h!%* -a& -a# (&! & !r +&h0 & ) pee*# *pere &he" a(*)ah &he" !%&0 a(* ) (!& /e a& a p!%&e*. H!) &he( ha& &h!%
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 66/111
p!e a perpe&%a +!%(&a( a(* (!& a "ere )e7 B# +!r"(, &h#e+
h!%r# &! +ree*!" -!(5!(e* )&h -!(&e(&"e(&0 "p-� a(* "!*e&#.
<. He )h! *!e (!& 3(!) )ha& &he )!r* 0 *!e (!& 3(!) )here he .
A(* he )h! *!e (!& 3(!) +!r )ha& p%rp!e &he )!r* e6&0 *!e (!& 3(!)
)h! he 0 (!r )ha& &he )!r* . B%& he )h! ha +ae* ( a(# !(e !+ &hee &h(, -!%* (!& e1e( a# +!r )ha& p%rp!e he e6& h"e+. Wha&
&he( *!& &h!% &h(3 !+ h" )h! a1!* !r ee3 &he prae !+ &h!e )h!
appa%*0 !+ "e( )h! 3(!) (!& e&her )here &he# are !r )h! &he# are7
. D!& &h!% )h &! /e prae* /# a "a( )h! -%re h"e+ &hr-e e1er#
h!%r7 W!%*& &h!% )h &! peae a "a( )h! *!e (!& peae h"e+7 D!e
a "a( peae h"e+ )h! repe(& !+ (ear# e1er#&h(, &ha& he *!e7
. N! !(,er e& &h# /rea&h(, !(# a-& ( -!(-er& )&h &he ar )h-h
%rr!%(* &hee0 /%& e& &h# (&e,e(-e a! (!) /e ( har"!(# )&h &he
(&e,e(-e )h-h e"/ra-e a &h(,. F!r &he (&e,e(& p!)er (!e *++%e* ( a par& a(* per1a*e a &h(, +!r h" )h! )(,
&! *ra) & &! h" &ha( &he aera p!)er +!r h" )h! a/e &! repre
&.
. Ge(era#0 )-3e*(e *!e (! har" a& a &! &he %(1ere8 a(*
par&-%ar# &he )-3e*(e !+ !(e "a( *!e (! har" &! a(!&her. I&
!(# har"+% &! h" )h! ha & ( h p!)er &! /e reeae* +r!" & a
!!( a he ha -h!!e.
. T! "# !)( +ree ) &he +ree ) !+ "# (e,h/!r 5%& a
(*++ere(& a h p!!r /rea&h a(* +eh. F!r &h!%,h )e are "a*e
epe-a# +!r &he a3e !+ !(e a(!&her0 & &he r%(, p!)er !+ ea-h !+
% ha & !)( !++-e0 +!r !&her)e "# (e,h/!r' )-3e*(e )!%* /e "#
har"0 )h-h G!* ha (!& )e* ( !r*er &ha& "# %(happ(e "a# (!&
*epe(* !( a(!&her.
. The %( appear &! /e p!%re* *!)(0 a(* ( a *re-&!( (*ee* &
*++%e*0 #e& & (!& e++%e*. F!r &h *++%!( e6&e(!(:
A--!r*(,# & ra# are -ae* E6&e(!( /e-a%e &he# are e6&e(*e*. B%&
!(e "a# 5%*,e )ha& 3(* !+ a &h(, a ra# 0 + he !!3 a& &he %('
,h& pa(, &hr!%,h a (arr!) !pe((, (&! a *ar3e(e* r!!"0 +!r & e6&e(*e* ( a r,h& (e0 a(* a & )ere *1*e* )he( & "ee& )&h
a(# !* /!*# )h-h &a(* ( &he )a# a(* (&er-ep& &he ar /e#!(*8 /%&
&here &he ,h& re"a( +6e* a(* *!e (!& ,*e !r +a !++. S%-h &he(
!%,h& &! /e &he !%&p!%r(, a(* *++%!( !+ &he %(*er&a(*(,0 a(* &
h!%* ( (! )a# /e a( e++%!(0 /%& a( e6&e(!(0 a(* & h!%* "a3e (!
1!e(& !r "pe&%!% -!!( )&h &he !/&a-e )h-h are ( & )a#8
(!r #e& +a *!)(0 /%& /e +6e*0 a(* e(,h&e( &ha& )h-h re-e1e &.
F!r a /!*# ) *epr1e &e+ !+ &he %"(a&!(0 + & *!e (!& a*"&
&.
?. He )h! +ear *ea&h e&her +ear &he ! !+ e(a&!( !r a *++ere(&3(* !+ e(a&!(. B%& + &h!% ha& ha1e (! e(a&!(0 (e&her )& &h!%
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 67/111
+ee a(# har"8 a(* + &h!% ha& a-$%re a(!&her 3(* !+ e(a&!(0 &h!%
)& /e a *++ere(& 3(* !+ 1(, /e(, a(* &h!% )& (!& -eae &! 1e.
@. Me( e6& +!r &he a3e !+ !(e a(!&her. Tea-h &he" &he( !r /ear )&h
&he".
=. I( !(e )a# a( arr!) "!1e0 ( a(!&her )a# &he "(*. The "(* (*ee*0
/!&h )he( & e6er-e -a%&!( a(* )he( & e"p!#e* a/!%& ($%r#0
"!1e &ra,h& !()ar* (!& &he e0 a(* &! & !/5e-&.
>. E(&er (&! e1er# "a(' r%(, +a-% a(* a! e& e1er# !&her "a(
e(&er (&! &h(e.
BOOK IX.
>. He )h! a-& %(5%&# a-& "p!%#. F!r (-e &he %(1era (a&%re
ha "a*e ra&!(a a("a +!r &he a3e !+ !(e a(!&her &! hep !(e a(!&her
a--!r*(, &! &her *eer&0 /%& ( (! )a# &! (5%re !(e a(!&her0 he )h!
&ra(,ree her ) -ear# ,%&# !+ "pe&# &!)ar* &he h,he&
*1(&#. A(* he &!! )h! e ,%&# !+ "pe&# &! &he a"e *1(
+!r &he %(1era (a&%re &he (a&%re !+ &h(, &ha& are8 a(* &h(,
&ha& are ha1e a rea&!( &! a &h(, &ha& -!"e (&! e6&e(-e. A(*
+%r&her0 &h %(1era (a&%re (a"e* &r%&h0 a(* &he pr"e -a%e !+
a &h(, &ha& are &r%e. He &he( )h! e (&e(&!(a# ,%&# !+
"pe&# (a"%-h a he a-& %(5%&# /# *e-e1(,8 a(* he a! )h! e
%((&e(&!(a#0 (a"%-h a he a& 1ara(-e )&h &he %(1era (a&%re0
a(* (a"%-h a he *&%r/ &he !r*er /# +,h&(, a,a(& &he (a&%re !+
&he )!r*8 +!r he +,h& a,a(& &0 )h! "!1e* !+ h"e+ &! &ha&
)h-h -!(&rar# &! &r%&h0 +!r he ha* re-e1e* p!)er +r!" (a&%re
&hr!%,h &he (e,e-& !+ )h-h he (!& a/e (!) &! *&(,%h +aeh!!*
+r!" &r%&h. A(* (*ee* he )h! p%r%e pea%re a ,!!*0 a(* a1!* pa(
a e10 ,%&# !+ "pe&#. F!r !+ (e-e&# %-h a "a( "%& !+&e(
+(* +a%& )&h &he %(1era (a&%re0 ae,(, &ha& & a,( &h(, &!
&he /a* a(* &he ,!!* -!(&rar# &! &her *eer&0 /e-a%e +re$%e(&# &he /a* are ( &he e(5!#"e(& !+ pea%re a(* p!e &he &h(, )h-h pr!-%re
pea%re0 /%& &he ,!!* ha1e pa( +!r &her hare a(* &he &h(, )h-h
-a%e pa(. A(* +%r&her0 he )h! a+ra* !+ pa( ) !"e&"e a! /e
a+ra* !+ !"e !+ &he &h(, )h-h ) happe( ( &he )!r*0 a(* e1e(
&h "pe&#. A(* he )h! p%r%e pea%re ) (!& a/&a( +r!"
(5%&-e0 a(* &h pa(# "pe&#. N!) )&h repe-& &! &he &h(,
&!)ar* )h-h &he %(1era (a&%re e$%a# a++e-&e*022+!r & )!%* (!&
ha1e "a*e /!&h0 %(e & )a e$%a# a++e-&e* &!)ar* /!&h022&!)ar*
&hee &he# )h! )h &! +!!) (a&%re h!%* /e !+ &he a"e "(* )&h &0
a(* e$%a# a++e-&e*. W&h repe-& &! pa(0 &he(0 a(* pea%re0 !r *ea&h
a(* +e0 !r h!(!r a(* *h!(!r0 )h-h &he %(1era (a&%re e"p!#e$%a#0 )h!e1er (!& e$%a# a++e-&e* "a(+e&# a-&(, "p!%#.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 68/111
A(* I a# &ha& &he %(1era (a&%re e"p!# &he" e$%a#0 (&ea* !+
a#(, &ha& &he# happe( a3e &! &h!e )h! are pr!*%-e* ( -!(&(%!%
ere a(* &! &h!e )h! -!"e a+&er &he" /# 1r&%e !+ a -er&a( !r,(a
"!1e"e(& !+ Pr!1*e(-e0 a--!r*(, &! )h-h & "!1e* +r!" a -er&a(
/e,(((, &! &h !r*er(, !+ &h(,0 ha1(, -!(-e1e* -er&a( pr(-pe
!+ &he &h(, )h-h )ere &! /e0 a(* ha1(, *e&er"(e* p!)er pr!*%-&1e!+ /e(, a(* !+ -ha(,e a(* !+ %-h 3e %--e!( II. .
<. I& )!%* /e a "a(' happe& !& &! *epar& +r!" "a(3(* )&h!%& ha1(,
ha* a(# &a&e !+ #(, a(* h#p!-r# a(* %6%r# a(* pr*e. H!)e1er0 &!
/rea&he !%& !(e' +e )he( a "a( ha ha* e(!%,h !+ &hee &h(, &he
(e6& /e& 1!#a,e0 a &he a#(, . Ha& &h!% *e&er"(e* &! a/*e )&h
1-e0 a(* ha (!& e6pere(-e #e& (*%-e* &hee &! +# +r!" &h
pe&e(-e7 F!r &he *e&r%-&!( !+ &he %(*er&a(*(, a pe&e(-e0
"%-h "!re (*ee* &ha( a(# %-h -!rr%p&!( a(* -ha(,e !+ &h a&"!phere
)h-h %rr!%(* %. F!r &h -!rr%p&!( a pe&e(-e !+ a("a ! +ar
a &he# are a("a8 /%& &he !&her a pe&e(-e !+ "e( ! +ar a &he#are "e(.
. D! (!& *epe *ea&h0 /%& /e )e -!(&e(& )&h &0 (-e &h &!!
!(e !+ &h!e &h(, )h-h (a&%re ). F!r %-h a & &! /e #!%(, a(*
&! ,r!) !*0 a(* &! (-reae a(* &! rea-h "a&%r� a(* &! ha1e &ee&h a(*
/ear* a(* ,ra# har0 a(* &! /e,e& a(* &! /e pre,(a(& a(* &! /r(, +!r&h0
a(* a &he !&her (a&%ra !pera&!( )h-h &he ea!( !+ &h# +e /r(,0
%-h a! *!%&!(. Th0 &he(0 -!(&e(& )&h &he -hara-&er !+
a re+e-&(, "a(022&! /e (e&her -aree (!r "pa&e(& (!r -!(&e"p&%!%
)&h repe-& &! *ea&h0 /%& &! )a& +!r & a !(e !+ &he !pera&!( !+
(a&%re. A &h!% (!) )a&e& +!r &he &"e )he( &he -h* ha -!"e !%& !+
&h# )+e' )!"/0 ! /e rea*# +!r &he &"e )he( &h# !% ha +a !%& !+
&h e(1e!pe. B%& + &h!% re$%re& a! a 1%,ar 3(* !+ -!"+!r& )h-h
ha rea-h &h# hear&0 &h!% )& /e "a*e /e& re-!(-e* &! *ea&h /#
!/er1(, &he !/5e-& +r!" )h-h &h!% ar& ,!(, &! /e re"!1e*0 a(* &he
"!ra !+ &h!e )&h )h!" &h# !% ) (! !(,er /e "(,e*. F!r &
(! )a# r,h& &! /e !++e(*e* )&h "e(0 /%& & &h# *%&# &! -are +!r &he"
a(* &! /ear )&h &he" ,e( a(* #e& &! re"e"/er &ha& &h# *epar&%re )
(!& /e +r!" "e( )h! ha1e &he a"e pr(-pe a &h#e+. F!r &h &he
!(# &h(,0 + &here /e a(#0 )h-h -!%* *ra) % &he -!(&rar# )a# a(*
a&&a-h % &! +e022&! /e per"&&e* &! 1e )&h &h!e )h! ha1e &he a"e pr(-pe a !%re1e. B%& (!) &h!% ee& h!) ,rea& &he &r!%/e
ar(, +r!" &he *-!r*a(-e !+ &h!e )h! 1e &!,e&her0 ! &ha& &h!%
"a#e& a#0 C!"e $%-30 O *ea&h0 e& per-ha(-e I0 &!!0 h!%* +!r,e&
"#e+.
. He )h! *!e )r!(, *!e )r!(, a,a(& h"e+. He )h! a-& %(5%&#
a-& %(5%&# &! h"e+0 /e-a%e he "a3e h"e+ /a*.
. He !+&e( a-& %(5%&# )h! *!e (!& *! a -er&a( &h(,8 (!& !(# he
)h! *!e a -er&a( &h(,.
. Th# pree(& !p(!( +!%(*e* !( %(*er&a(*(,0 a(* &h# pree(& -!(*%-&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 69/111
*re-&e* &! !-a ,!!*0 a(* &h# pree(& *p!&!( !+ -!(&e(&"e(& )&h
e1er#&h(, )h-h happe(22&ha& e(!%,h.
. Wpe !%& "a,(a&!(: -he-3 *ere: e6&(,%h appe&&e: 3eep &he
r%(, +a-%&# ( & !)( p!)er.
?. A"!(, &he a("a )h-h ha1e (!& rea!( !(e +e *&r/%&e*8 /%&
a"!(, rea!(a/e a("a !(e (&e,e(& !% *&r/%&e*: 5%& a
&here !(e ear&h !+ a &h(, )h-h are !+ a( ear&h# (a&%re0 a(* )e
ee /# !(e ,h&0 a(* /rea&he !(e ar0 a !+ % &ha& ha1e &he +a-%&# !+
1!( a(* a &ha& ha1e +e.
@. A &h(, )h-h par&-pa&e ( a(#&h(, )h-h -!""!( &! &he" a
"!1e &!)ar* &ha& )h-h !+ &he a"e 3(* )&h &he"e1e. E1er#&h(,
)h-h ear&h# &%r( &!)ar* &he ear&h0 e1er#&h(, )h-h $%* +!)
&!,e&her0 a(* e1er#&h(, )h-h !+ a( aera 3(* *!e &he a"e0 !
&ha& &he# re$%re !"e&h(, &! 3eep &he" a%(*er0 a(* &he app-a&!( !+ +!r-e. Fre (*ee* "!1e %p)ar* !( a--!%(& !+ &he ee"e(&a +re0 /%& &
! rea*# &! /e 3(*e* &!,e&her )&h a &he +re )h-h here0 &ha&
e1e( e1er# %/&a(-e )h-h !"e)ha& *r# ea# ,(&e*0 /e-a%e
&here e "(,e* )&h & !+ &ha& )h-h a h(*ra(-e &! ,(&!(.
A--!r*(,#0 &he(0 e1er#&h(, a! )h-h par&-pa&e ( &he -!""!(
(&e,e(& (a&%re "!1e ( 3e "a((er &!)ar* &ha& )h-h !+ &he a"e
3(* )&h &e+0 !r "!1e e1e( "!re. F!r ! "%-h a & %per!r (
-!"par!( )&h a !&her &h(,0 ( &he a"e *e,ree a! & "!re
rea*# &! "(,e )&h a(* &! /e +%e* )&h &ha& )h-h a3( &! &.
A--!r*(,# a"!(, a("a *e1!* !+ rea!( )e +(* )ar" !+ /ee0 a(*
her* !+ -a&&e0 a(* &he (%r&%re !+ #!%(, /r*0 a(* ( a "a((er0 !1e8
+!r e1e( ( a("a &here are !%0 a(* &ha& p!)er )h-h /r(, &he"
&!,e&her ee( &! e6er& &e+ ( &he %per!r *e,ree0 a(* ( %-h a
)a# a (e1er ha /ee( !/er1e* ( pa(& (!r ( &!(e (!r ( &ree. B%&
( ra&!(a a("a &here are p!&-a -!""%(&e a(* +re(*hp0 a(*
+a"e a(* "ee&(, !+ pe!pe8 a(* ( )ar0 &rea&e0 a(* ar"&-e.
B%& ( &he &h(, )h-h are & %per!r0 e1e( &h!%,h &he# are
epara&e* +r!" !(e a(!&her0 %(&# ( a "a((er e6&0 a ( &he &ar.
Th% &he a-e(& &! &he h,her *e,ree a/e &! pr!*%-e a #"pa&h# e1e(
( &h(, )h-h are epara&e*. See0 &he(0 )ha& (!) &a3e pa-e8 +!r !(#
(&e,e(& a("a ha1e (!) +!r,!&&e( &h "%&%a *ere a(*(-(a&!(0 a(* ( &he" a!(e &he pr!per&# !+ +!)(, &!,e&her (!&
ee(. B%& &0 &h!%,h "e( &r1e &! a1!* &h %(!(0 &he# are -a%,h&
a(* he* /# &0 +!r &her (a&%re &!! &r!(, +!r &he"8 a(* &h!% )&
ee )ha& I a#0 + &h!% !(# !/er1e&. S!!(er0 &he(0 ) !(e +(*
a(#&h(, ear&h# )h-h -!"e ( -!(&a-& )&h (! ear&h# &h(,0 &ha( a "a(
a&!,e&her epara&e* +r!" !&her "e(.
>=. B!&h "a( a(* G!* a(* &he %(1ere pr!*%-e +r%&8 a& &he pr!per
ea!( ea-h pr!*%-e &. B%& a(* + %a,e ha epe-a# +6e* &hee
&er" &! &he 1(e a(* 3e &h(,0 &h (!&h(,. Rea!( pr!*%-e +r%&
/!&h +!r a a(* +!r &e+0 a(* &here are pr!*%-e* +r!" & !&her &h(,!+ &he a"e 3(* a rea!( &e+.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 70/111
>>. I+ &h!% ar& a/e0 -!rre-& /# &ea-h(, &h!e )h! *! )r!(,8 /%& + &h!%
-a(& (!&0 re"e"/er &ha& (*%,e(-e ,1e( &! &hee +!r &h p%rp!e.
A(* &he ,!*0 &!!0 are (*%,e(& &! %-h per!(8 a(* +!r !"e p%rp!e
&he# e1e( hep &he" &! ,e& hea&h0 )ea&h0 rep%&a&!(8 ! 3(* &he# are.
A(* & ( &h# p!)er a!8 !r a#0 )h! h(*er &hee7
><. La/!r (!& a !(e )h! )re&-he*0 (!r #e& a !(e )h! )!%* /e p&e*
!r a*"re*: /%& *re-& &h# ) &! !(e &h(, !(#022&! p%& &h#e+ (
"!&!( a(* &! -he-3 &h#e+0 a &he !-a rea!( re$%re.
>. T!2*a# I ha1e ,!& !%& !+ a &r!%/e0 !r ra&her I ha1e -a& !%& a
&r!%/e0 +!r & )a (!& !%&*e0 /%& )&h( a(* ( "# !p(!(.
>. A &h(, are &he a"e0 +a"ar ( e6pere(-e0 a(* ephe"era (
&"e0 a(* )!r&he ( &he "a&&er. E1er#&h(, (!) 5%& a & )a (
&he &"e !+ &h!e )h!" )e ha1e /%re*.
>. Th(, &a(* !%&*e !+ %0 &he"e1e /# &he"e1e0 (e&her 3(!)(,
a%,h& !+ &he"e1e0 (!r e6pre(, a(# 5%*,"e(&. Wha& &0 &he(0 )h-h
*!e 5%*,e a/!%& &he"7 The r%(, +a-%&#.
>. N!& ( pa1&# /%& ( a-&1&# e &he e1 a(* &he ,!!* !+ &he
ra&!(a !-a a("a0 5%& a h 1r&%e a(* h 1-e e (!& (
pa1&# /%& ( a-&1&#.
>. F!r &he &!(e )h-h ha /ee( &hr!)( %p & (! e1 &! -!"e *!)(0
(!r (*ee* a(# ,!!* &! ha1e /ee( -arre* %p III. <=.
>?. Pe(e&ra&e ()ar* (&! "e(' ea*(, pr(-pe0 a(* &h!% )& ee
)ha& 5%*,e &h!% ar& a+ra* !+0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ 5%*,e &he# are !+
&he"e1e.
>@. A &h(, are -ha(,(,: a(* &h!% &h#e+ ar& ( -!(&(%!% "%&a&!(
a(* ( a "a((er ( -!(&(%!% *e&r%-&!(0 a(* &he )h!e %(1ere &!!.
<=. I& &h# *%&# &! ea1e a(!&her "a(' )r!(,+% a-& &here )here &
II. <@8 IX. ?.
<>. Ter"(a&!( !+ a-&1� -ea&!( +r!" "!1e"e(& a(* !p(!(0 a(* (
a e(e &her *ea&h0 (! e1. T%r( &h# &h!%,h& (!) &! &he
-!(*era&!( !+ &h# +e0 &h# +e a a -h*0 a a #!%&h0 &h# "a(h!!*0
&h# !* a,e0 +!r ( &hee a! e1er# -ha(,e )a a *ea&h. I &h a(#&h(,
&! +ear7 T%r( &h# &h!%,h& (!) &! &h# +e %(*er &h# ,ra(*+a&her0 &he( &!
&h# +e %(*er &h# "!&her0 &he( &! &h# +e %(*er &h# +a&her8 a(* a &h!%
+(*e& "a(# !&her *++ere(-e a(* -ha(,e a(* &er"(a&!(0 a3 &h#e+0
I &h a(#&h(, &! +ear7 I( 3e "a((er0 &he(0 (e&her are &he
&er"(a&!( a(* -ea&!( a(* -ha(,e !+ &h# )h!e +e a &h(, &! /e
a+ra* !+.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 71/111
<<. Ha&e( &! e6a"(e &h# !)( r%(, +a-%&# a(* &ha& !+ &he %(1ere
a(* &ha& !+ &h# (e,h/!r: &h# !)( &ha& &h!% "a#& "a3e & 5%&8 a(* &ha&
!+ &he %(1ere0 &ha& &h!% "a#& re"e"/er !+ )ha& &h!% ar& a par&8 a(*
&ha& !+ &h# (e,h/!r0 &ha& &h!% "a#& 3(!) )he&her he ha a-&e*
,(!ra(&# !r )&h 3(!)e*,e0 a(* &ha& &h!% "a#& a! -!(*er &ha& h
r%(, +a-%&# a3( &! &h(e.
<. A &h!% &h#e+ ar& a -!"p!(e(& par& !+ a !-a #&e"0 ! e& e1er#
a-& !+ &h(e /e a -!"p!(e(& par& !+ !-a +e. Wha&e1er a-& !+ &h(e
&he( ha (! re+ere(-e e&her ""e*a&e# !r re"!&e# &! a !-a e(*0
&h &ear a%(*er &h# +e0 a(* *!e (!& a!) & &! /e !(e0 a(* &
!+ &he (a&%re !+ a "%&(#0 5%& a )he( ( a p!p%ar ae"/# a "a(
a-&(, /# h"e+ &a(* apar& +r!" &he ,e(era a,ree"e(&.
<. %arre !+ &&e -h*re( a(* &her p!r&0 a(* p!!r pr&
-arr#(, a/!%& *ea* /!*e %-h e1er#&h(,8 a(* ! )ha& e6h/&e*
( &he repree(&a&!( !+ &he "a(!( !+ &he *ea* &r3e !%r e#e "!re-ear#.
<. E6a"(e (&! &he $%a&# !+ &he +!r" !+ a( !/5e-&0 a(* *e&a-h &
a&!,e&her +r!" & "a&era par&0 a(* &he( -!(&e"pa&e &8 &he(
*e&er"(e &he &"e0 &he !(,e& )h-h a &h(, !+ &h pe-%ar +!r"
(a&%ra# "a*e &! e(*%re.
<. Th!% ha& e(*%re* (+(&e &r!%/e &hr!%,h (!& /e(, -!(&e(&e* )&h
&h# r%(, +a-%&# )he( & *!e &he &h(, )h-h & -!(&&%&e* /#
(a&%re &! *!. B%& e(!%,h !+ &h.
<. Whe( a(!&her /a"e &hee !r ha&e &hee0 !r )he( "e( a# a/!%& &hee
a(#&h(, (5%r!%0 appr!a-h &her p!!r !%0 pe(e&ra&e )&h(0 a(* ee
)ha& 3(* !+ "e( &he# are. Th!% )& *-!1er &ha& &here (! rea!( &!
&a3e a(# &r!%/e &ha& &hee "e( "a# ha1e &h !r &ha& !p(!( a/!%& &hee.
H!)e1er0 &h!% "%& /e )e *p!e* &!)ar* &he"0 +!r /# (a&%re &he# are
+re(*. A(* &he ,!* &!! a* &he" ( a )a#0 /# *rea"0 /# ,(0
&!)ar* &he a&&a("e(& !+ &h!e &h(, !( )h-h &he# e& a 1a%e.
<?. The per!*- "!1e"e(& !+ &he %(1ere are &he a"e0 %p a(* *!)( +r!"
a,e &! a,e. A(* e&her &he %(1era (&e,e(-e p%& &e+ ( "!&!(+!r e1er# epara&e e++e-&0 a(* + &h !0 /e &h!% -!(&e(& )&h &ha&
)h-h &he re%& !+ & a-&1&#: !r & p%& &e+ ( "!&!( !(-e0
a(* e1er#&h(, ee -!"e /# )a# !+ e$%e(-e ( a "a((er8 !r (*1/e
ee"e(& are &he !r,( !+ a &h(,.22I( a )!r*0 + &here a ,!*0 a
)e8 a(* + -ha(-e r%e0 *! (!& &h!% a! /e ,!1er(e* /# & I. 8
II. .
S!!( ) &he ear&h -!1er % a: &he( &he ear&h0 &!!0 ) -ha(,e0 a(*
&he &h(, a! )h-h re%& +r!" -ha(,e ) -!(&(%e &! -ha(,e +!re1er0
a(* &hee a,a( +!re1er. F!r + a "a( re+e-& !( &he -ha(,e a(*
&ra(+!r"a&!( )h-h +!!) !(e a(!&her 3e )a1e a+&er )a1e a(* &her rap*� he ) *epe e1er#&h(, )h-h perha/e XII. <>.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 72/111
<@. The %(1era -a%e 3e a )(&er &!rre(&: & -arre e1er#&h(,
a!(, )&h &. B%& h!) )!r&he are a &hee p!!r pe!pe )h! are
e(,a,e* ( "a&&er p!&-a0 a(*0 a &he# %pp!e0 are pa#(, &he
ph!!pher A *r1eer. We &he(0 "a(: *! )ha& (a&%re (!) re$%re.
Se& &h#e+ ( "!&!(0 + & ( &h# p!)er0 a(* *! (!& !!3 a/!%& &hee&! ee + a(# !(e ) !/er1e &8 (!r #e& e6pe-& Pa&!' Rep%/-: /%&
/e -!(&e(& + &he "ae& &h(, ,!e !( )e0 a(* -!(*er %-h a( e1e(&
&! /e (! "a "a&&er. F!r )h! -a( -ha(,e "e(' !p(!(7 a(* )&h!%& a
-ha(,e !+ !p(!( )ha& ee &here &ha( &he a1er# !+ "e( )h! ,r!a(
)he &he# pre&e(* &! !/e#7 C!"e (!) a(* &e "e !+ Ae6a(*er a(*
Phpp% a(* De"e&r% !+ Phaer%". The# &he"e1e ha 5%*,e )he&her
&he# *-!1ere* )ha& &he -!""!( (a&%re re$%re*0 a(* &ra(e* &he"e1e
a--!r*(,#. B%& + &he# a-&e* 3e &ra,e*# her!e0 (! !(e ha -!(*e"(e*
"e &! "&a&e &he". S"pe a(* "!*e& &he )!r3 !+ ph!!ph#. Dra) "e
(!& a*e &! (!e(-e a(* pr*e.
=. L!!3 *!)( +r!" a/!1e !( &he -!%(&e her* !+ "e( a(* &her
-!%(&e !e"(&e0 a(* &he (+(&e# 1are* 1!#a,(, ( &!r" a(*
-a"0 a(* &he *++ere(-e a"!(, &h!e )h! are /!r(0 )h! 1e &!,e&her0
a(* *e. A(* -!(*er0 &!!0 &he +e 1e* /# !&her ( !*e( &"e0 a(*
&he +e !+ &h!e )h! ) 1e a+&er &hee0 a(* &he +e (!) 1e* a"!(,
/ar/ar!% (a&!(0 a(* h!) "a(# 3(!) (!& e1e( &h# (a"e0 a(* h!) "a(# )
!!( +!r,e& &0 a(* h!) &he# )h! perhap (!) are pra(, &hee ) 1er#
!!( /a"e &hee0 a(* &ha& (e&her a p!&h%"!% (a"e !+ a(# 1a%e0 (!r
rep%&a&!(0 (!r a(#&h(, ee.
>. Le& &here /e +ree*!" +r!" per&%r/a&!( )&h repe-& &! &he &h(,
)h-h -!"e +r!" &he e6&er(a -a%e8 a(* e& &here /e 5%&-e ( &he
&h(, *!(e /# 1r&%e !+ &he (&er(a -a%e0 &ha& 0 e& &here /e
"!1e"e(& a(* a-&!( &er"(a&(, ( &h0 ( !-a a-&0 +!r &h
a--!r*(, &! &h# (a&%re.
<. Th!% -a(& re"!1e !%& !+ &he )a# "a(# %ee &h(, a"!(, &h!e
)h-h *&%r/ &hee0 +!r &he# e e(&re# ( &h# !p(!(8 a(* &h!% )&
&he( ,a( +!r &h#e+ a"pe pa-e /# -!"prehe(*(, &he )h!e %(1ere (
&h# "(*0 a(* /# -!(&e"pa&(, &he e&er(&# !+ &"e0 a(* !/er1(, &he
rap* -ha(,e !+ e1er# e1era &h(,0 h!) h!r& &he &"e +r!" /r&h &!*!%&!(0 a(* &he "&a/e &"e /e+!re /r&h a )e a &he e$%a#
/!%(*e &"e a+&er *!%&!(
. A &ha& &h!% ee& ) $%-3# perh0 a(* &h!e )h! ha1e /ee(
pe-&a&!r !+ & *!%&!( ) 1er# !!( perh &!!. A(* he )h! *e
a& &he e6&re"e& !* a,e ) /e /r!%,h& (&! &he a"e -!(*&!( )&h h"
)h! *e* pre"a&%re#.
. Wha& are &hee "e(' ea*(, pr(-pe0 a(* a/!%& )ha& 3(* !+
&h(, are &he# /%#0 a(* +!r )ha& 3(* !+ rea!( *! &he# !1e a(*
h!(!r7 I"a,(e &ha& &h!% ee& &her p!!r !% a* /are. Whe( &he#&h(3 &ha& &he# *! har" /# &her /a"e !r ,!!* /# &her prae0 )ha& a(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 73/111
*ea
. L! (!&h(, ee &ha( -ha(,e. B%& &he %(1era (a&%re *e,h&
( -ha(,e0 a(* ( !/e*e(-e &! her a &h(, are (!) *!(e )e0 a(* +r!"
e&er(&# ha1e /ee( *!(e ( 3e +!r"0 a(* ) /e %-h &! &"e )&h!%&
e(*. Wha&0 &he(0 *!& &h!% a#022&ha& a &h(, ha1e /ee( a(* a &h(,a)a# ) /e /a*0 a(* &ha& (! p!)er ha e1er /ee( +!%(* ( ! "a(# ,!*
&! re-&+# &hee &h(,0 /%& &he )!r* ha /ee( -!(*e"(e* &! /e /!%(* (
(e1er -ea(, e1 I. 8 II. ??7
. The r!&&e((e !+ &he "a&&er )h-h &he +!%(*a&!( !+ e1er#&h(,:
)a&er0 *%&0 /!(e0 +&h: !r a,a(0 "ar/e r!-30 &he -a!&e !+ &he
ear&h8 a(* ,!* a(* 1er0 &he e*"e(&8 a(* ,ar"e(&0 !(# /& !+
har8 a(* p%rpe *#e0 /!!*8 a(* e1er#&h(, ee !+ &he a"e 3(*. A(*
&ha& )h-h !+ &he (a&%re !+ /rea&h a! a(!&her &h(, !+ &he a"e
3(*0 -ha(,(, +r!" &h &! &ha&.
. E(!%,h !+ &h )re&-he* +e a(* "%r"%r(, a(* aph &r-3. Wh# ar&
&h!% *&%r/e*7 Wha& &here (e) ( &h7 Wha& %(e&&e &hee7 I & &he
+!r" !+ &he &h(,7 L!!3 a& &. Or & &he "a&&er7 L!!3 a& &. B%&
/e*e &hee &here (!&h(,. T!)ar* &he ,!* &he(0 (!) /e-!"e a& a&
"!re "pe a(* /e&&er. I& &he a"e )he&her )e e6a"(e &hee &h(,
+!r a h%(*re* #ear !r &hree.
?. I+ a(# "a( ha *!(e )r!(,0 &he har" h !)(. B%& perhap he ha
(!& *!(e )r!(,.
@. E&her a &h(, pr!-ee* +r!" !(e (&e,e(& !%r-e a(* -!"e
&!,e&her a ( !(e /!*#0 a(* &he par& !%,h& (!& &! +(* +a%& )&h )ha&
*!(e +!r &he /e(e+& !+ &he )h!e8 !r &here are !(# a&!"0 a(* (!&h(,
ee &ha( "6&%re a(* *per!(. Wh#0 &he(0 ar& &h!% *&%r/e*7 Sa# &!
&he r%(, +a-%� Ar& &h!% *ea*0 ar& &h!% -!rr%p&e*0 ar& &h!% pa#(,
&he h#p!-r&e0 ar& &h!% /e-!"e a /ea&0 *!& &h!% her* a(* +ee* )&h
&he re&7
=. E&her &he ,!* ha1e (! p!)er !r &he# ha1e p!)er. I+0 &he(0 &he# ha1e
(! p!)er0 )h# *!& &h!% pra# &! &he"7 B%& + &he# ha1e p!)er0 )h# *!&
&h!% (!& pra# +!r &he" &! ,1e &hee &he +a-%&# !+ (!& +ear(, a(# !+ &he&h(, )h-h &h!% +eare&0 !r !+ (!& *er(, a(# !+ &he &h(, )h-h
&h!% *ere&0 !r (!& /e(, pa(e* a& a(#&h(,0 ra&her &ha( pra# &ha& a(#
!+ &hee &h(, h!%* (!& happe( !r happe(7 +!r -er&a(# + &he# -a(
-!2!pera&e )&h "e(0 &he# -a( -!2!pera&e +!r &hee p%rp!e. B%& perhap
&h!% )& a# &he ,!* ha1e pa-e* &he" ( &h# p!)er. We0 &he(0 &
(!& /e&&er &! %e )ha& ( &h# p!)er 3e a +ree "a( &ha( &! *ere (
a a1h a(* a/5e-& )a# )ha& (!& ( &h# p!)er7 A(* )h! ha &!* &hee
&ha& &he ,!* *! (!& a* % e1e( ( &he &h(, )h-h are ( !%r p!)er7
Be,(0 &he(0 &! pra# +!r %-h &h(,0 a(* &h!% )& ee. O(e "a( pra#
&h%: H!) ha I /e a/e &! e )&h &ha& )!"a(7 D! &h!% pra# &h%: H!)
ha I (!& *ere &! e )&h her7 A(!&her pra# &h%: H!) ha I /ereeae* +r!" &h7 A(!&her pra#: H!) ha I (!& *ere &! /e reeae*7
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 74/111
A(!&her &h%: H!) ha I (!& !e "# &&e !(7 Th!% &h%: H!) ha I
(!& /e a+ra* &! !e h"7 I( +(e0 &%r( &h# pra#er &h )a#0 a(* ee
)ha& -!"e.
>. Ep-%r% a#0 I( "# -3(e "# -!(1era&!( )a (!& a/!%& "# /!*#
%++er(,0 (!r0 a# he0 ** I &a3 !( %-h %/5e-& &! &h!e )h!1&e* "e8 /%& I -!(&(%e* &! *-!%re !( &he (a&%re !+ &h(, a
/e+!re0 3eep(, &! &h "a( p!(&0 h!) &he "(*0 )he par&-pa&(, (
%-h "!1e"e(& a ,! !( ( &he p!!r +eh0 ha /e +ree +r!"
per&%r/a&!( a(* "a(&a( & pr!per ,!!*. N!r ** I0 he a#0 ,1e &he
ph#-a( a( !pp!r&%(&# !+ p%&&(, !( !e"( !!30 a + &he# )ere
*!(, !"e&h(, ,rea&0 /%& "# +e )e(& !( )e a(* happ#. D!0 &he(0
&he a"e &ha& he ** /!&h ( -3(e0 + &h!% ar& -30 a(* ( a(# !&her
-r-%"&a(-e8 +!r (e1er &! *eer& ph!!ph# ( a(# e1e(& &ha& "a#
/e+a %0 (!r &! h!* &r+(, &a3 e&her )&h a( ,(!ra(& "a( !r )&h
!(e %(a-$%a(&e* )&h (a&%re0 a pr(-pe !+ a -h!! !+
ph!!ph#8 /%& &! /e (&e(& !(# !( &ha& )h-h &h!% ar& (!) *!(, a(* !(&he (&r%"e(& /# )h-h &h!% *!& &.
<. Whe( &h!% ar& !++e(*e* )&h a(# "a(' ha"ee -!(*%-&0 ""e*a&e#
a3 &h#e+0 I & p!/e0 &he(0 &ha& ha"ee "e( h!%* (!& /e (
&he )!r*7 I& (!& p!/e. D! (!&0 &he(0 re$%re )ha& "p!/e.
F!r &h "a( a! !(e !+ &h!e ha"ee "e( )h! "%& !+ (e-e&# /e
( &he )!r*. Le& &he a"e -!(*era&!( /e pree(& &! &h# "(* ( &he
-ae !+ &he 3(a1e0 a(* &he +a&he "a(0 a(* !+ e1er# "a( )h! *!e )r!(,
( a(# )a#. F!r a& &he a"e &"e &ha& &h!% *!& re"(* &h#e+ &ha& &
"p!/e &ha& %-h 3(* !+ "e( h!%* (!& e6&0 &h!% )& /e-!"e "!re
3(*# *p!e* &!)ar* e1er# !(e (*1*%a#. I& %e+% &! per-e1e
&h0 &!!0 ""e*a&e# )he( &he !--a!( are0 )ha& 1r&%e (a&%re ha
,1e( &! "a( &! !pp!e &! e1er# )r!(,+% a-&. F!r he ha ,1e( &! "a(0
a a( a(&*!&e a,a(& &he &%p* "a(0 "*(e0 a(* a,a(& a(!&her 3(*
!+ "a( !"e !&her p!)er. A(* ( a -ae & p!/e +!r &hee &!
-!rre-& /# &ea-h(, &he "a( )h! ,!(e a&ra#8 +!r e1er# "a( )h! err
"e h !/5e-& a(* ,!(e a&ra#. Be*e0 )here( ha& &h!% /ee(
(5%re*7 F!r &h!% )& +(* &ha& (! !(e a"!(, &h!e a,a(& )h!" &h!% ar&
rr&a&e* ha *!(e a(#&h(, /# )h-h &h# "(* -!%* /e "a*e )!re8 /%&
&ha& )h-h e1 &! &hee a(* har"+% ha & +!%(*a&!( !(# ( &he
"(*. A(* )ha& har" *!(e !r )ha& &here &ra(,e0 + &he "a( )h! ha(!& /ee( (&r%-&e* *!e &he a-& !+ a( %((&r%-&e* "a(7 C!(*er
)he&her &h!% h!%*& (!& ra&her /a"e &h#e+0 /e-a%e &h!% **& (!&
e6pe-& %-h a "a( &! err ( %-h a )a#. F!r &h!% ha*& "ea( ,1e( &hee
/# &h# rea!( &! %pp!e &ha& & )a 3e# &ha& he )!%* -!""& &h
err!r0 a(* #e& &h!% ha& +!r,!&&e( a(* ar& a"a9e* &ha& he ha erre*. B%&
"!& !+ a )he( &h!% /a"e& a "a( a +a&he !r %(,ra&e+%0 &%r( &!
&h#e+. F!r &he +a%& "a(+e&# &h# !)(0 )he&her &h!% **& &r%&
&ha& a "a( )h! ha* %-h a *p!&!( )!%* 3eep h pr!"e0 !r )he(
-!(+err(, &h# 3(*(e &h!% **& (!& -!(+er & a/!%&e#0 (!r #e& (
%-h )a# a &! ha1e re-e1e* +r!" &h# 1er# a-& a &he pr!+&. F!r )ha&
"!re *!& &h!% )a(& )he( &h!% ha& *!(e a "a( a er1-e7 ar& &h!% (!&-!(&e(& &ha& &h!% ha& *!(e !"e&h(, -!"+!r"a/e &! &h# (a&%re0 a(* *!&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 75/111
&h!% ee3 &! /e pa* +!r &7 5%& a + &he e#e *e"a(*e* a re-!"pe(e +!r
ee(,0 !r &he +ee& +!r )a3(,. F!r a &hee "e"/er are +!r"e* +!r a
par&-%ar p%rp!e0 a(* /# )!r3(, a--!r*(, &! &her e1era
-!(&&%&!( !/&a( )ha& &her !)(8 ! a! a "a( +!r"e* /#
(a&%re &! a-& !+ /e(e1!e(-e0 )he( he ha *!(e a(#&h(, /e(e1!e(& !r (
a(# !&her )a# -!(*%-1e &! &he -!""!( (&ere&0 he ha a-&e* -!(+!r"a/#&! h -!(&&%&!(0 a(* he ,e& )ha& h !)(.
BOOK X.
>. W& &h!%0 &he(0 "# !%0 (e1er /e ,!!* a(* "pe a(* !(e a(* (a3e*0
"!re "a(+e& &ha( &he /!*# )h-h %rr!%(* &hee7 W& &h!% (e1er e(5!#
a( a++e-&!(a&e a(* -!(&e(&e* *p!&!(7 W& &h!% (e1er /e +% a(*)&h!%& a )a(& !+ a(# 3(*0 !(,(, +!r (!&h(, "!re0 (!r *er(,
a(#&h(,0 e&her a("a&e !r (a("a&e0 +!r &he e(5!#"e(& !+ pea%re7
(!r #e& *er(, &"e )here( &h!% ha& ha1e !(,er e(5!#"e(&0 !r pa-e0
!r peaa(& -"a&e0 !r !-e&# !+ "e( )&h )h!" &h!% "a#e& 1e (
har"!(#7 /%& )& &h!% /e a&+e* )&h &h# pree(& -!(*&!(0 a(*
peae* )&h a &ha& a/!%& &hee0 a(* )& &h!% -!(1(-e &h#e+ &ha&
&h!% ha& e1er#&h(,0 a(* &ha& & -!"e +r!" &he ,!*0 &ha& e1er#&h(,
)e +!r &hee0 a(* ) /e )e )ha&e1er ha peae &he"0 a(* )ha&e1er
&he# ha ,1e +!r &he -!(er1a&!( !+ &he per+e-& 1(, /e(,0 &he
,!!* a(* 5%& a(* /ea%&+%0 )h-h ,e(era&e a(* h!* &!,e&her a
&h(,0 a(* -!(&a( a(* e"/ra-e a &h(, )h-h are *!1e* +!r &he
pr!*%-&!( !+ !&her 3e &h(,7 W& &h!% (e1er /e %-h &ha& &h!% ha&
! *)e ( -!""%(&# )&h ,!* a(* "e( a (e&her &! +(* +a%& )&h
&he" a& a0 (!r &! /e -!(*e"(e* /# &he"7
<. O/er1e )ha& &h# (a&%re re$%re0 ! +ar a &h!% ar& ,!1er(e* /#
(a&%re !(#: &he( *! & a(* a--ep& &0 + &h# (a&%re0 ! +ar a &h!% ar&
a 1(, /e(,0 ha (!& /e "a*e )!re /# &. A(* (e6& &h!% "%& !/er1e
)ha& &h# (a&%re re$%re ! +ar a &h!% ar& a 1(, /e(,. A(* a &h
&h!% "a#e& a!) &h#e+0 + &h# (a&%re0 ! +ar a &h!% ar& a ra&!(a
a("a0 ha (!& /e "a*e )!re /# &. B%& &he ra&!(a a("a -!(e$%e(&# a! a p!&-a !-a a("a. Ue &hee r%e0 &he(0 a(*
&r!%/e &h#e+ a/!%& (!&h(, ee.
. E1er#&h(, )h-h happe( e&her happe( ( %-h )e a &h!% ar&
+!r"e* /# (a&%re &! /ear &0 !r a &h!% ar& (!& +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! /ear
&. I+0 &he(0 & happe( &! &hee ( %-h )a# a &h!% ar& +!r"e* /# (a&%re
&! /ear &0 *! (!& -!"pa(0 /%& /ear & a &h!% ar& +!r"e* /# (a&%re &!
/ear &. B%& + & happe( ( %-h )e a &h!% ar& (!& +!r"e* /# (a&%re
&! /ear &0 *! (!& -!"pa(0 +!r & ) perh a+&er & ha -!(%"e*
&hee. Re"e"/er0 h!)e1er0 &ha& &h!% ar& +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! /ear
e1er#&h(,0 )&h repe-& &! )h-h & *epe(* !( &h# !)( !p(!( &! "a3e& e(*%ra/e a(* &!era/e0 /# &h(3(, &ha& & e&her &h# (&ere& !r
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 76/111
&h# *%&# &! *! &h.
. I+ a "a( "&a3e(0 (&r%-& h" 3(*# a(* h!) h" h err!r. B%&
+ &h!% ar& (!& a/e0 /a"e &h#e+0 !r /a"e (!& e1e( &h#e+.
. Wha&e1er "a# happe( &! &hee0 & )a prepare* +!r &hee +r!" ae&er( a(* &he "p-a&!( !+ -a%e )a +r!" e&er(&# p(((, &he
&hrea* !+ &h# /e(,0 a(* !+ &ha& )h-h (-*e(& &! & III. II8 I.
<.
. Whe&her &he %(1ere a -!(-!%re !+ a&!"0 !r (a&%re a
#&e"0 e& &h +r& /e e&a/he*0 &ha& I a" a par& !+ &he )h!e
)h-h ,!1er(e* /# (a&%re8 (e6&0 I a" ( a "a((er (&"a&e# rea&e* &!
&he par& )h-h are !+ &he a"e 3(* )&h "#e+. F!r re"e"/er(, &h0
(a"%-h a I a" a par&0 I ha /e *-!(&e(&e* )&h (!(e !+ &he &h(,
)h-h are a,(e* &! "e !%& !+ &he )h!e8 +!r (!&h(, (5%r!% &!
&he par& + & +!r &he a*1a(&a,e !+ &he )h!e. F!r &he )h!e -!(&a((!&h(, )h-h (!& +!r & a*1a(&a,e8 a(* a (a&%re (*ee* ha1e &h
-!""!( pr(-pe0 /%& &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere ha &h pr(-pe
/e*e0 &ha& & -a((!& /e -!"pee* e1e( /# a(# e6&er(a -a%e &!
,e(era&e a(#&h(, har"+% &! &e+. B# re"e"/er(,0 &he(0 &ha& I a" a
par& !+ %-h a )h!e0 I ha /e -!(&e(& )&h e1er#&h(, &ha& happe(.
A(* (a"%-h a I a" ( a "a((er (&"a&e# rea&e* &! &he par& )h-h
are !+ &he a"e 3(* )&h "#e+0 I ha *! (!&h(, %(!-a0 /%& I
ha ra&her *re-& "#e+ &! &he &h(, )h-h are !+ &he a"e 3(* )&h
"#e+0 a(* I ha &%r( a "# e++!r& &! &he -!""!( (&ere&0 a(*
*1er& &he" +r!" &he -!(&rar#. N!)0 + &hee &h(, are *!(e !0 +e
"%& +!) !( happ#0 5%& a &h!% "a#e& !/er1e &ha& &he +e !+ a
-&9e( happ#0 )h! -!(&(%e a -!%re !+ a-&!( )h-h a*1a(&a,e!%
&! h +e!) -&9e(0 a(* -!(&e(& )&h )ha&e1er &he &a&e "a# a,(
&! h".
. The par& !+ &he )h!e0 e1er#&h(,0 I "ea(0 )h-h (a&%ra#
-!"prehe(*e* ( &he %(1ere0 "%& !+ (e-e&# perh8 /%& e& &h /e
%(*er&!!* ( &h e(e0 &ha& &he# "%& %(*er,! -ha(,e. B%& + &h
(a&%ra# /!&h a( e1 a(* a (e-e&# +!r &he par&0 &he )h!e )!%* (!&
-!(&(%e &! e6& ( a ,!!* -!(*&!(0 &he par& /e(, %/5e-& &! -ha(,e
a(* -!(&&%&e* ! a &! perh ( 1ar!% )a#0 F!r )he&her ** Na&%rehere+ *e,( &! *! e1 &! &he &h(, )h-h are par& !+ here+0 a(*
&! "a3e &he" %/5e-& &! e1 a(* !+ (e-e&# +a (&! e10 !r ha1e
%-h re%& happe(e* )&h!%& her 3(!)(, &7 B!&h &hee %pp!&!(0
(*ee*0 are (-re*/e. B%& + a "a( h!%* e1e( *r!p &he &er" Na&%re a
a( e++-e(& p!)er0 a(* h!%* pea3 !+ &hee &h(, a (a&%ra0 e1e(
&he( & )!%* /e r*-%!% &! a++r" a& &he a"e &"e &ha& &he par& !+
&he )h!e are ( &her (a&%re %/5e-& &! -ha(,e0 a(* a& &he a"e &"e &!
/e %rpre* !r 1e6e* a + !"e&h(, )ere happe((, -!(&rar# &! (a&%re0
par&-%ar# a &he *!%&!( !+ &h(, (&! &h!e &h(, !+ )h-h
ea-h &h(, -!"p!e*. F!r &here e&her a *per!( !+ &he ee"e(&
!%& !+ )h-h e1er#&h(, ha /ee( -!"p!%(*e*0 !r a -ha(,e +r!" &he !*&! &he ear&h# a(* +r!" &he ar# &! &he aera0 ! &ha& &hee par& are
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 77/111
&a3e( /a-3 (&! &he %(1era rea!(0 )he&her &h a& -er&a( per!*
-!(%"e* /# +re !r re(e)e* /# e&er(a -ha(,e. A(* *! (!& "a,(e &ha&
&he !* a(* &he ar# par& /e!(, &! &hee +r!" &he &"e !+ ,e(era&!(.
F!r a &h re-e1e* & a--re&!( !(# #e&er*a# a(* &he *a# /e+!re0 a
!(e "a# a#0 +r!" &he +!!* a(* &he ar )h-h (pre*. Th0 &he(0
)h-h ha re-e1e* &he a--re&!(0 -ha(,e0 (!& &ha& )h-h &h# "!&her /r!%,h& +!r&h. H%& %pp!e &ha& &h )h-h &h# "!&her /r!%,h& +!r&h
"p-a&e &hee 1er# "%-h )&h &ha& !&her par&0 )h-h ha &he pe-%ar
$%a&# !+ -ha(,e0 &h (!&h(, ( +a-& ( &he )a# !+ !/5e-&!( &!
)ha& a*.
?. Whe( &h!% ha& a%"e* &hee (a"e0 ,!!*0 "!*e&0 &r%e0 ra&!(a0 a
"a( !+ e$%a("� a(* "a,(a("!%0 &a3e -are &ha& &h!% *!& (!& -ha(,e
&hee (a"e8 a(* + &h!% h!%*& !e &he"0 $%-3# re&%r( &! &he". A(*
re"e"/er &ha& &he &er" Ra&!(a )a (&e(*e* &! ,(+# a *-r"(a&(,
a&&e(&!( &! e1er# e1era &h(,0 a(* +ree*!" +r!" (e,,e(-e8 a(* &ha&
E$%a("&# &he 1!%(&ar# a--ep&a(-e !+ &he &h(, )h-h are a,(e*&! &hee /# &he -!""!( (a&%re8 a(* &ha& Ma,(a("&# &he ee1a&!( !+
&he (&e,e(& par& a/!1e &he pea%ra/e !r pa(+% e(a&!( !+ &he
+eh0 a(* a/!1e &ha& p!!r &h(, -ae* +a"e0 a(* *ea&h0 a(* a %-h
&h(,. I+0 &he(0 &h!% "a(&a(e& &h#e+ ( &he p!e!( !+ &hee
(a"e0 )&h!%& *er(, &! /e -ae* /# &hee (a"e /# !&her0 &h!% )&
/e a(!&her per!( a(* )& e(&er !( a(!&her +e. F!r &! -!(&(%e &! /e
%-h a &h!% ha& h&her&! /ee(0 a(* &! /e &!r( ( pe-e a(* *e+e* (
%-h a +e0 &he -hara-&er !+ a 1er# &%p* "a( a(* !(e !1er2+!(* !+
h +e0 a(* 3e &h!e ha+2*e1!%re* +,h&er )&h )* /ea& )h!0
&h!%,h -!1ere* )&h )!%(* a(* ,!re0 & e(&rea& &! /e 3ep& &! &he
+!!)(, *a#0 &h!%,h &he# ) /e e6p!e* ( &he a"e &a&e &! &he a"e
-a) a(* /&e. There+!re +6 &h#e+ ( &he p!e!( !+ &hee +e)
(a"e: a(* + &h!% ar& a/e &! a/*e ( &he"0 a/*e a + &h!% )a&
re"!1e* &! -er&a( a(* !+ &he Happ#. B%& + &h!% ha& per-e1e &ha&
&h!% +ae& !%& !+ &he" a(* *!& (!& "a(&a( &h# h!*0 ,! -!%ra,e!%#
(&! !"e (!!3 )here &h!% ha& "a(&a( &he"0 !r e1e( *epar& a& !(-e
+r!" +e0 (!& ( pa!(0 /%& )&h "p-&# a(* +ree*!" a(* "!*e�
a+&er *!(, &h !(e a%*a/e &h(, a& ea& ( &h# +e0 &! ha1e ,!(e
!%& !+ & &h%. I( !r*er0 h!)e1er0 &! &he re"e"/ra(-e !+ &hee (a"e0 &
) ,rea&# hep &hee + &h!% re"e"/ere& &he ,!*0 a(* &ha& &he# )h
(!& &! /e +a&&ere*0 /%& )h a rea!(a/e /e(, &! /e "a*e 3e&he"e1e8 a(* + &h!% re"e"/ere& &ha& )ha& *!e &he )!r3 !+ a +,2&ree
a +,2&ree0 a(* &ha& )ha& *!e &he )!r3 !+ a *!, a *!,0 a(* &ha&
)ha& *!e &he )!r3 !+ a /ee a /ee0 a(* &ha& )ha& *!e &he )!r3 !+ a
"a( a "a(.
@. M"0 )ar0 a&!(h"e(&0 &!rp!r0 a1er#0 ) *a# )pe !%& &h!e
h!# pr(-pe !+ &h(e. H!) "a(# &h(, )&h!%& &%*#(, (a&%re *!&
&h!% "a,(e0 a(* h!) "a(# *!& &h!% (e,e-&7 B%& & &h# *%&# ! &!
!!3 !( a(* ! &! *! e1er#&h(,0 &ha& a& &he a"e &"e &he p!)er !+
*ea(, )&h -r-%"&a(-e per+e-&e*0 a(* &he -!(&e"pa&1e +a-%&#
e6er-e*0 a(* &he -!(+*e(-e )h-h -!"e +r!" &he 3(!)e*,e !+ ea-he1era &h(, "a(&a(e* )&h!%& h!)(, &0 /%& #e& (!& -!(-eae*.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 78/111
F!r )he( )& &h!% e(5!# "p-� )he( ,ra1� a(* )he( &he 3(!)e*,e
!+ e1er# e1era &h(,0 /!&h )ha& & ( %/&a(-e0 a(* )ha& pa-e &
ha ( &he %(1ere0 a(* h!) !(, & +!r"e* &! e6&0 a(* !+ )ha&
&h(, & -!"p!%(*e*0 a(* &! )h!" & -a( /e!(,0 a(* )h! are a/e /!&h
&! ,1e & a(* &a3e & a)a#7
>=. A p*er pr!%* )he( & ha -a%,h& a +#0 a(* a(!&her )he( he ha
-a%,h& a p!!r hare0 a(* a(!&her )he( he ha &a3e( a &&e +h ( a (e&0
a(* a(!&her )he( he ha &a3e( )* /!ar0 a(* a(!&her )he( he ha &a3e(
/ear0 a(* a(!&her )he( he ha &a3e( Sar"a&a(. Are (!& &hee r!//er0
+ &h!% e6a"(e& &her !p(!(7
>>. A-$%re &he -!(&e"pa&1e )a# !+ ee(, h!) a &h(, -ha(,e (&!
!(e a(!&her0 a(* -!(&a(&# a&&e(* &! &0 a(* e6er-e &h#e+ a/!%& &h
par& !+ ph!!ph#. F!r (!&h(, ! "%-h a*ap&e* &! pr!*%-e
"a,(a("&#. S%-h a "a( ha p%& !++ &he /!*#0 a(* a he ee &ha& he
"%&0 (! !(e 3(!) h!) !!(0 ,! a)a# +r!" a"!(, "e( a(* ea1e e1er#&h(,here0 he ,1e h"e+ %p e(&re# &! 5%& *!(, ( a h a-&!(0 a(*
( e1er#&h(, ee &ha& happe( he re,( h"e+ &! &he %(1era
(a&%re. B%& a &! )ha& a(# "a( ha a# !r &h(3 a/!%& h" !r *! a,a(&
h"0 he (e1er e1e( &h(3 !+ &0 /e(, h"e+ -!(&e(&e* )&h &hee &)!
&h(,022)&h a-&(, 5%&# ( )ha& he (!) *!e0 a(* /e(, a&+e* )&h
)ha& (!) a,(e* &! h"8 a(* he a# a*e a *&ra-&(, a(* /%#
p%r%&0 a(* *ere (!&h(, ee &ha( &! a--!"ph &he &ra,h& -!%re
&hr!%,h &he a)0 a(* /# a--!"ph(, &he &ra,h& -!%re &! +!!) G!*.
><. Wha& (ee* &here !+ %p-!% +ear0 (-e & ( &h# p!)er &!
($%re )ha& !%,h& &! /e *!(e7 A(* + &h!% ee& -ear0 ,! /# &h )a#
-!(&e(&0 )&h!%& &%r((, /a-3: /%& + &h!% *!& (!& ee -ear0 &!p a(*
&a3e &he /e& a*1er. B%& + a(# !&her &h(, !pp!e &hee0 ,! !(
a--!r*(, &! &h# p!)er )&h *%e -!(*era&!(0 3eep(, &! &ha& )h-h
appear &! /e 5%&. F!r & /e& &! rea-h &h !/5e-&0 a(* + &h!% *!&
+a0 e& &h# +a%re /e ( a&&e"p&(, &h. He )h! +!!) rea!( ( a
&h(, /!&h &ra($% a(* a-&1e a& &he a"e &"e0 a(* a! -heer+%
a(* -!e-&e*.
>. I($%re !+ &h#e+ a !!( a &h!% )a3e& +r!" eep )he&her & )
"a3e a(# *++ere(-e &! &hee + a(!&her *!e )ha& 5%& a(* r,h&. I&) "a3e (! *++ere(-e I. <8 III. .
Th!% ha& (!& +!r,!&&e(0 I %pp!e0 &ha& &h!e )h! a%"e arr!,a(& ar
( /e&!)(, &her prae !r /a"e !( !&her are %-h a &he# are a& /e*
a(* a& /!ar*0 a(* &h!% ha& (!& +!r,!&&e( )ha& &he# *!0 a(* )ha& &he#
a1!*0 a(* )ha& &he# p%r%e0 a(* h!) &he# &ea a(* h!) &he# r!/0 (!&
)&h ha(* a(* +ee&0 /%& )&h &her "!& 1a%a/e par&0 /# "ea( !+ )h-h
&here pr!*%-e*0 )he( a "a( -h!!e0 +*e� "!*e� &r%&h0 a)0 a
,!!* *ae"!( happ(e II. >7
>. T! her )h! ,1e a(* &a3e /a-3 a0 &! (a&%re0 &he "a( )h! (&r%-&e* a(* "!*e& a#0 G1e )ha& &h!% )&8 &a3e /a-3 )ha& &h!%
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 79/111
)&. A(* he a# &h (!& pr!%*#0 /%& !/e*e(� a(* )e peae* )&h
her.
>. Sh!r& &he &&e )h-h re"a( &! &hee !+ +e. L1e a !( a
"!%(&a(. F!r & "a3e (! *++ere(-e )he&her a "a( 1e &here !r here0
+ he 1e e1er#)here ( &he )!r* a ( a &a&e p!&-a -!""%(&#.Le& "e( ee0 e& &he" 3(!) a rea "a( )h! 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re. I+
&he# -a((!& e(*%re h"0 e& &he" 3 h". F!r &ha& /e&&er &ha( &!
1e &h% a "e( *!.
>. N! !(,er &a3 a& a a/!%& &he 3(* !+ "a( &ha& a ,!!* "a( !%,h& &!
/e0 /%& /e %-h.
>. C!(&a(&# -!(&e"pa&e &he )h!e !+ &"e a(* &he )h!e !+ %/&a(-e0
a(* -!(*er &ha& a (*1*%a &h(, a &! %/&a(-e are a ,ra( !+ a
+,0 a(* a &! &"e &he &%r((, !+ a ,"e&.
>?. L!!3 a& e1er#&h(, &ha& e6&0 a(* !/er1e &ha& & area*# (
*!%&!( a(* ( -ha(,e0 a(* a & )ere p%&re+a-&!( !r *per!(0 !r
&ha& e1er#&h(, ! -!(&&%&e* /# (a&%re a &! *e.
>@. C!(*er )ha& "e( are )he( &he# are ea&(,0 eep(,0 ,e(era&(,0
ea(, &he"e1e0 a(* ! +!r&h. The( )ha& 3(* !+ "e( &he# are )he( &he#
are "per!% a(* arr!,a(&0 !r a(,r# a(* -!*(, +r!" &her ee1a&e*
pa-e. B%& a h!r& &"e a,! &! h!) "a(# &he# )ere a1e a(* +!r )ha&
&h(,8 a(* a+&er a &&e &"e -!(*er ( )ha& a -!(*&!( &he# )
/e.
<=. Tha& +!r &he ,!!* !+ ea-h &h(,0 )h-h &he %(1era (a&%re /r(,
&! ea-h. A(* & +!r & ,!!* a& &he &"e )he( (a&%re /r(, &.
<>. 4The ear&h !1e &he h!)er48 a(* 4&he !e"( e&her !1e48 a(* &he
%(1ere !1e &! "a3e )ha&e1er a/!%& &! /e. I a# &he( &! &he
%(1ere0 &ha& I !1e a &h!% !1e&. A(* (!& &h &!! a*0 &ha&
4&h !r &ha& !1e )!(& &! /e pr!*%-e*47
<<. E&her &h!% 1e& here a(* ha& area*# a--%&!"e* &h#e+ &! &0 !r
&h!% ar& ,!(, a)a#0 a(* &h )a &h# !)( )8 !r &h!% ar& *#(, a(*ha& *-har,e* &h# *%&#. B%& /e*e &hee &h(, &here (!&h(,. Be
!+ ,!!* -heer0 &he(.
<. Le& &h a)a# /e pa( &! &hee0 &ha& &h pe-e !+ a(* 3e a(#
!&her8 a(* &ha& a &h(, here are &he a"e )&h &h(, !( &he &!p !+ a
"!%(&a(0 !r !( &he ea2h!re0 !r )here1er &h!% -h!!e& &! /e. F!r &h!%
)& +(* 5%& )ha& Pa&! a#0 D)e(, )&h( &he )a !+ a -&# a (
a hepher*' +!* !( a "!%(&a(. The &hree a& )!r* are !"&&e* ( &he
&ra(a&!(.
<. Wha& "# r%(, +a-%&# (!) &! "e7 a(* !+ )ha& (a&%re a" I (!)"a3(, &7 a(* +!r )ha& p%rp!e a" I (!) %(, &7 & 1!* !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 80/111
%(*er&a(*(,7 & !!e* a(* re(& a%(*er +r!" !-a +e7 &
"e&e* (&! a(* "6e* )&h &he p!!r +eh ! a &! "!1e &!,e&her )&h &7
<. He )h! +e +r!" h "a&er a r%(a)a#8 /%& &he a) "a&er0 a(*
he )h! /rea3 &he a) a r%(a)a#. A(* he a! )h! ,re1e* !r a(,r#
!r a+ra*0 *a&+e* /e-a%e !"e&h(, ha /ee( !r !r ha /e!+ &he &h(, )h-h are app!(&e* /# h" )h! r%e a &h(,0 a(* he
La) a(* a,( &! e1er# "a( )ha& +&. He &he( )h! +ear !r ,re1e*
!r a(,r# a r%(a)a#.
<. A "a( *ep!& ee* ( a )!"/ a(* ,!e a)a#0 a(* &he( a(!&her -a%e
&a3e &0 a(* a/!r !( & a(* "a3e a -h*. Wha& a &h(, +r!" %-h a
"a&era A,a(0 &he -h* pae +!!* *!)( &hr!%,h &he &hr!a&0 a(* &he(
a(!&her -a%e &a3e & a(* "a3e per-ep&!( a(* "!&!(0 a(* ( +(e0 +e
a(* &re(,&h a(* !&her &h(,8 h!) "a(# a(* h!) &ra(,e O/er1e &he( &he
&h(, )h-h are pr!*%-e* ( %-h a h**e( )a#0 a(* ee &he p!)er 5%& a
)e ee &he p!)er )h-h -arre &h(, *!)()ar* a(* %p)ar*0 (!& )&h &hee#e0 /%& & (! e pa(# II. .
<. C!(&a(&# -!(*er h!) a &h(, %-h a &he# (!) are0 ( &"e pa&
a! )ere8 a(* -!(*er &ha& &he# ) /e &he a"e a,a(. A(* pa-e
/e+!re &h# e#e e(&re *ra"a a(* &a,e !+ &he a"e +!r"0 )ha&e1er &h!%
ha& ear(e* +r!" &h# e6pere(-e !r +r!" !*er h&!r#8 +!r e6a"pe0 &he
)h!e -!%r& !+ Ha*ra(%0 a(* &he )h!e -!%r& !+ A(&!((%0 a(* &he )h!e
-!%r& !+ Phpp%0 Ae6a(*er0 Cr!e%8 +!r a &h!e )ere %-h *ra"a a
)e ee (!)0 !(# )&h *++ere(& a-&!r.
<?. I"a,(e e1er# "a( )h! ,re1e* a& a(#&h(, !r *-!(&e(&e* &! /e
3e a p, )h-h a-r+-e* a(* 3-3 a(* -rea".
L3e &h p, a! he )h! !( h /e* ( e(-e a"e(& &he /!(* (
)h-h )e are he*. A(* -!(*er &ha& !(# &! &he ra&!(a a("a &
,1e( &! +!!) 1!%(&ar# )ha& happe(8 /%& "p# &! +!!) a
(e-e&# "p!e* !( a.
<@. Se1era# !( &he !--a!( !+ e1er#&h(, &ha& &h!% *!e&0 pa%e a(*
a3 &h#e+ + *ea&h a *rea*+% &h(, /e-a%e & *epr1e &hee !+
&h.
=. Whe( &h!% ar& !++e(*e* a& a(# "a(' +a%&0 +!r&h)&h &%r( &! &h#e+
a(* re+e-& ( )ha& 3e "a((er &h!% *!& err &h#e+8 +!r e6a"pe0 (
&h(3(, &ha& "!(e# a ,!!* &h(,0 !r pea%re0 !r a /& !+ rep%&a&!(0
a(* &he 3e. F!r /# a&&e(*(, &! &h &h!% )& $%-3# +!r,e& &h#
a(,er0 + &h -!(*era&!( a! a**e*0 &ha& &he "a( -!"pee*:
+!r )ha& ee -!%* he *!7 !r0 + &h!% ar& a/e0 &a3e a)a# +r!" h" &he
-!"p%!(.
>. Whe( &h!% ha& ee( Sa&#r!( &he S!-ra&-0 &h(3 !+ e&her E%&#-he !r
H#"e(0 a(* )he( &h!% ha& ee( E%phra&e0 &h(3 !+ E%&#-h!( !r S1a(%0a(* )he( &h!% ha& ee( A-phr!( &h(3 !+ Tr!pae!ph!r%0 a(* )he( &h!%
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 81/111
ha& ee( Xe(!ph!(0 &h(3 !+ Cr&! !r Se1er%0 a(* )he( &h!% ha& !!3e*
!( &h#e+0 &h(3 !+ a(# !&her Caear0 a(* ( &he -ae !+ e1er# !(e *! (
3e "a((er. The( e& &h &h!%,h& /e ( &h# "(*0 Where &he( are &h!e
"e(7 N!)here0 !r (!/!*# 3(!) )here. F!r &h% -!(&(%!%# &h!% )& !!3
a& h%"a( &h(, a "!3e a(* (!&h(, a& a8 epe-a# + &h!%
re+e-&e& a& &he a"e &"e &ha& )ha& ha !(-e -ha(,e* ) (e1er e6&a,a( ( &he (+(&e *%ra&!( !+ &"e. B%& &h!%0 ( )ha& a /re+ pa-e
!+ &"e &h# e6&e(-e7 A(* )h# ar& &h!% (!& -!(&e(& &! pa &hr!%,h
&h h!r& &"e ( a( !r*er# )a#7 Wha& "a&&er a(* !pp!r&%(&# +!r &h#
a-&1&# ar& &h!% a1!*(,7 F!r )ha& ee are a &hee &h(,0 e6-ep&
e6er-e +!r &he rea!(0 )he( & ha 1e)e* -are+%# a(* /# e6a"(a&!(
(&! &her (a&%re &he &h(, )h-h happe( ( +e7 Pere1ere &he( %(&
&h!% ha& ha1e "a*e &hee &h(, &h# !)(0 a &he &!"a-h )h-h
&re(,&he(e* "a3e a &h(, & !)(0 a &he /a9(, +re "a3e +a"e
a(* /r,h&(e !%& !+ e1er#&h(, &ha& &hr!)( (&! &.
<. Le& & (!& /e ( a(# "a(' p!)er &! a# &r%# !+ &hee &ha& &h!% ar&(!& "pe !r &ha& &h!% ar& (!& ,!!*8 /%& e& h" /e a ar )h!e1er ha
&h(3 a(#&h(, !+ &h 3(* a/!%& &hee8 a(* &h a&!,e&her ( &h#
p!)er. F!r )h! he &ha& ha h(*er &hee +r!" /e(, ,!!* a(* "pe7
D! &h!% !(# *e&er"(e &! 1e (! !(,er %(e &h!% ha& /e %-h. F!r
(e&her *!e rea!( a!) &hee &! 1e0 + &h!% ar& (!& %-h.
. Wha& &ha& )h-h a &! &h "a&era !%r +e -a( /e *!(e !r a*
( &he )a# "!& -!(+!r"a/e &! rea!(7 F!r )ha&e1er &h "a# /e0 & (
&h# p!)er &! *! & !r &! a# &0 a(* *! (!& "a3e e6-%e &ha& &h!% ar&
h(*ere*. Th!% )& (!& -eae &! a"e(& & &h# "(* ( %-h a
-!(*&!( &ha&0 )ha& %6%r# &! &h!e )h! e(5!# pea%re0 %-h ha /e
&! &hee0 ( &he "a&&er )h-h %/5e-&e* a(* pree(&e* &! &hee0 &he
*!(, !+ &he &h(, )h-h are -!(+!r"a/e &! "a(' -!(&&%&!(8 +!r a
"a( !%,h& &! -!(*er a a( e(5!#"e(& e1er#&h(, )h-h & ( h p!)er
&! *! a--!r*(, &! h !)( (a&%re. A(* & ( h p!)er e1er#)here.
N!)0 & (!& ,1e( &! a -#(*er &! "!1e e1er#)here /# & !)( "!&!(0
(!r #e& &! )a&er (!r &! +re0 (!r &! a(#&h(, ee )h-h ,!1er(e* /#
(a&%re !r a( rra&!(a !%0 +!r &he &h(, )h-h -he-3 &he" a(* &a(*
( &he )a# are "a(#. B%& (&e,e(-e a(* rea!( are a/e &! ,! &hr!%,h
e1er#&h(, &ha& !pp!e &he"0 a(* ( %-h "a((er a &he# are +!r"e* /#
(a&%re a(* a &he# -h!!e. Pa-e /e+!re &h# e#e &h +a-&# )&h )h-h&he rea!( ) /e -arre* &hr!%,h a &h(,0 a +re %p)ar*0 a a
&!(e *!)()ar*0 a a -#(*er *!)( a( (-(e* %r+a-e0 a(* ee3 +!r
(!&h(, +%r&her. F!r a !&her !/&a-e e&her a++e-& &he /!*# !(#0
)h-h a *ea* &h(,8 !r0 e6-ep& &hr!%,h !p(!( a(* &he #e*(, !+ &he
rea!( &e+0 &he# *! (!& -r%h (!r *! a(# har" !+ a(# 3(*8 +!r + &he#
**0 he )h! +e& & )!%* ""e*a&e# /e-!"e /a*. N!)0 ( &he -ae !+ a
&h(, )h-h ha1e a -er&a( -!(&&%&!(0 )ha&e1er har" "a# happe( &! a(#
!+ &he"0 &ha& )h-h ! a++e-&e* /e-!"e -!(e$%e(&# )!re8 /%& ( &he
3e -ae0 a "a( /e-!"e /!&h /e&&er0 + !(e "a# a# !0 a(* "!re )!r&h#
!+ prae /# "a3(, a r,h& %e !+ &hee a--*e(&. A(* +(a# re"e"/er
&ha& (!&h(, har" h" )h! rea# a -&9e(0 )h-h *!e (!& har" &he&a&e8 (!r #e& *!e a(#&h(, har" &he &a&e0 )h-h *!e (!& har" a)
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 82/111
!r*er8 a(* !+ &hee &h(, )h-h are -ae* "+!r&%(e (!& !(e har"
a). Wha& &he( *!e (!& har" a) *!e (!& har" e&her &a&e !r -&9e(.
. T! h" )h! pe(e&ra&e* /# &r%e pr(-pe e1e( &he /re+e& pre-ep&
%++-e(&0 a(* a(# -!""!( pre-ep&0 &! re"(* h" &ha& he h!%* /e
+ree +r!" ,re+ a(* +ear. F!r e6a"pe022
4Lea1e0 !"e &he )(* -a&&er !( &he ,r!%(*22
S! &he ra-e !+ "e(.4
Lea1e0 a!0 are &h# -h*re(8 a(* ea1e0 &!!0 are &he# )h! -r# !%& a
+ &he# )ere )!r&h# !+ -re*& a(* /e&!) &her prae0 !r !( &he -!(&rar#
-%re0 !r e-re&# /a"e a(* (eer8 a(* ea1e0 ( 3e "a((er0 are &h!e
)h! ha re-e1e a(* &ra("& a "a(' +a"e &! a+&er2&"e. F!r a %-h
&h(, a &hee 4are pr!*%-e* ( &he ea!( !+ pr(,04 a &he p!e& a#8
&he( &he )(* -a& &he" *!)(8 &he( &he +!re& pr!*%-e !&her ea1e (
&her pa-e. B%& a /re+ e6&e(-e -!""!( &! a &h(,0 a(* #e& &h!%a1!*e& a(* p%r%e& a &h(, a + &he# )!%* /e e&er(a. A &&e
&"e0 a(* &h!% ha& -!e &h# e#e8 a(* h" )h! ha a&&e(*e* &hee &! &h#
,ra1e a(!&her ) !!( a"e(&.
. The hea&h# e#e !%,h& &! ee a 1/e &h(, a(* (!& &! a#0 I
)h +!r ,ree( &h(,8 +!r &h &he -!(*&!( !+ a *eae* e#e. A(*
&he hea&h# hear(, a(* "e(, !%,h& &! /e rea*# &! per-e1e a &ha&
-a( /e hear* a(* "ee*. A(* &he hea&h# &!"a-h !%,h& &! /e )&h
repe-& &! a +!!* 5%& a &he " )&h repe-& &! a &h(, )h-h &
+!r"e* &! ,r(*. A(* a--!r*(,# &he hea&h# %(*er&a(*(, !%,h& &! /e
prepare* +!r e1er#&h(, )h-h happe(8 /%& &ha& )h-h a#0 Le& "# *ear
-h*re( 1e0 a(* e& a "e( prae )ha&e1er I "a# *!0 a( e#e )h-h
ee3 +!r ,ree( &h(,0 !r &ee&h )h-h ee3 +!r !+& &h(,.
. There (! "a( ! +!r&%(a&e &ha& &here ha (!& /e /# h" )he( he
*#(, !"e )h! are peae* )&h )ha& ,!(, &! happe(. S%pp!e &ha&
he )a a ,!!* a(* )e "a(0 ) &here (!& /e a& a& !"e !(e &! a# &!
h"e+0 Le& % a& a& /rea&he +ree#0 /e(, ree1e* +r!" &h
-h!!"a&er7 I& &r%e &ha& he )a harh &! (!(e !+ %0 /%& I per-e1e*
&ha& he &a-&# -!(*e"( %.22Th )ha& a* !+ a ,!!* "a(. B%& (
!%r !)( -ae h!) "a(# !&her &h(, are &here +!r )h-h &here are "a(# )h!)h &! ,e& r* !+ %. Th!% )& -!(*er &h0 &he(0 )he( &h!% ar&
*#(,0 a(* &h!% )& *epar& "!re -!(&e(&e*# /# re+e-&(, &h%: I a"
,!(, a)a# +r!" %-h a +e0 ( )h-h e1e( "# a!-a&e ( /eha+ !+
)h!" I ha1e &r1e( ! "%-h0 pra#e*0 a(* -are*0 &he"e1e )h "e &!
*epar&0 h!p(, per-ha(-e &! ,e& !"e &&e a*1a(&a,e /# &. Wh# &he(
h!%* a "a( -(, &! a !(,er &a# here7 D! (!& h!)e1er +!r &h rea!(
,! a)a# e 3(*# *p!e* &! &he"0 /%& preer1(, &h# !)( -hara-&er0
a(* +re(*# a(* /e(e1!e(& a(* "*0 a(* !( &he !&her ha(* (!& a +
&h!% )a& &!r( a)a#8 /%& a )he( a "a( *e a $%e& *ea&h0 &he p!!r !%
ea# epara&e* +r!" &he /!*#0 %-h a! !%,h& &h# *epar&%re +r!" "e(
&! /e0 +!r (a&%re %(&e* &hee &! &he" a(* a!-a&e* &hee. B%& *!e he(!) *!1e &he %(!(7 We0 I a" epara&e* a +r!" 3("e(0 (!& h!)e1er
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 83/111
*ra,,e* re&(,0 /%& )&h!%& -!"p%!(8 +!r &h0 &!!0 !(e !+ &he
&h(, a--!r*(, &! (a&%re.
. A--%&!" &h#e+ a "%-h a p!/e !( &he !--a!( !+ a(#&h(,
/e(, *!(e /# a(# per!( &! ($%re )&h &h#e+0 F!r )ha& !/5e-& &h
"a( *!(, &h7 B%& /e,( )&h &h#e+0 a(* e6a"(e &h#e+ +r&.
?. Re"e"/er &ha& &h )h-h p% &he &r(, &he &h(, )h-h
h**e( )&h(: &h &he p!)er !+ per%a!(0 &h +e0 &h0 +
!(e "a# ! a#0 "a(. I( -!(&e"pa&(, &h#e+ (e1er (-%*e &he 1ee
)h-h %rr!%(* &hee a(* &hee (&r%"e(& )h-h are a&&a-he* a/!%& &.
F!r &he# are 3e &! a( a6e0 *++er(, !(# ( &h0 &ha& &he# ,r!) &!
&he /!*#. F!r (*ee* &here (! "!re %e ( &hee par& )&h!%& &he
-a%e )h-h "!1e a(* -he-3 &he" &ha( ( &he )ea1er' h%&&e0 a(* &he
)r&er' pe(0 a(* &he *r1er' )hp.
BOOK XI.
>. Thee are &he pr!per&e !+ &he ra&!(a !%: & ee &e+0
a(a#e &e+0 a(* "a3e &e+ %-h a & -h!!e8 &he +r%& )h-h &
/ear &e+ e(5!#022+!r &he +r%& !+ pa(& a(* &ha& ( a("a )h-h
-!rrep!(* &! +r%& !&her e(5!#022& !/&a( & !)( e(*0 )here1er &he
"& !+ +e "a# /e +6e*. N!& a ( a *a(-e a(* ( a pa# a(* ( %-h
3e &h(,0 )here &he )h!e a-&!( (-!"pe&e + a(#&h(, -%& &
h!r&8 /%& ( e1er# par&0 a(* )here2e1er & "a# /e &!ppe*0 & "a3e )ha&
ha /ee( e& /e+!re & +% a(* -!"pe&e0 ! &ha& & -a( a#0 I ha1e )ha&
"# !)(. A(* +%r&her & &ra1ere &he )h!e %(1ere0 a(* &he
%rr!%(*(, 1a-%%"0 a(* %r1e# & +!r"0 a(* & e6&e(* &e+ (&! &he
(+(&# !+ &"e0 a(* e"/ra-e a(* -!"prehe(* &he per!*-a re(!1a&!(
!+ a &h(,0 a(* & -!"prehe(* &ha& &h!e )h! -!"e a+&er % ) ee
(!&h(, (e)0 (!r ha1e &h!e /e+!re % ee( a(#&h(, "!re0 /%& ( a "a((er
he )h! +!r&# #ear !*0 + he ha a(# %(*er&a(*(, a& a0 ha ee(
/# 1r&%e !+ &he %(+!r"&# &ha& pre1a a &h(, )h-h ha1e /ee( a(*
a &ha& ) /e. Th &!! a pr!per&# !+ &he ra&!(a !%0 !1e !+ !(e' (e,h/!r0 a(* &r%&h a(* "!*e� a(* &! 1a%e (!&h(, "!re &ha(
&e+0 )h-h a! &he pr!per&# !+ La). Th% &he( r,h& rea!( *++er
(!& a& a +r!" &he rea!( !+ 5%&-e.
<. Th!% )& e& &&e 1a%e !( pea(, !(, a(* *a(-(, a(* &he
pa(-ra&%"0 + &h!% )& *&r/%&e &he "e!*# !+ &he 1!-e (&! &
e1era !%(*0 a(* a3 &h#e+ a &! ea-h0 + &h!% ar& "a&ere* /# &h8
+!r &h!% )& /e pre1e(&e* /# ha"e +r!" -!(+e(, &: a(* ( &he "a&&er
!+ *a(-(,0 + a& ea-h "!1e"e(& a(* a&&&%*e &h!% )& *! &he a"e8 a(*
&he 3e a! ( &he "a&&er !+ &he pa(-ra&%". I( a &h(,0 &he(0
e6-ep& 1r&%e a(* &he a-& !+ 1r&%e0 re"e"/er &! app# &h#e+ &! &her e1era par&0 a(* /# &h *1!( &! -!"e &! 1a%e &he" &&e: a(*
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 84/111
app# &h r%e a! &! &h# )h!e +e.
. Wha& a !% &ha& )h-h rea*#0 + a& a(# "!"e(& & "%& /e
epara&e* +r!" &he /!*#0 a(* rea*# e&her &! /e e6&(,%he* !r *pere*
!r -!(&(%e &! e6&8 /%& ! &ha& &h rea*(e -!"e +r!" a "a(' !)(
5%*,"e(&0 (!& +r!" "ere !/&(a-#0 a )&h &he Chr&a(0 /%&-!(*era&e# a(* )&h *,(&# a(* ( a )a# &! per%a*e a(!&her0 )&h!%&
&ra,- h!).
. Ha1e I *!(e !"e&h(, +!r &he ,e(era (&ere&7 We &he( I ha1e ha*
"# re)ar*. Le& &h a)a# /e pree(& &! &h# "(*0 a(* (e1er &!p *!(,
%-h ,!!*.
. Wha& &h# ar&7 T! /e ,!!*. A(* h!) &h a--!"phe* )e e6-ep&
/# ,e(era pr(-pe0 !"e a/!%& &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere0 a(* !&her
a/!%& &he pr!per -!(&&%&!( !+ "a(7
. A& +r& &ra,e*e )ere /r!%,h& !( &he &a,e a "ea( !+ re"(*(, "e(
!+ &he &h(, )h-h happe( &! &he"0 a(* &ha& & a--!r*(, &! (a&%re
+!r &h(, &! happe( !0 a(* &ha&0 + #!% are *e,h&e* )&h )ha&
h!)( !( &he &a,e0 #!% h!%* (!& /e &r!%/e* )&h &ha& )h-h &a3e
pa-e !( &he ar,er &a,e. F!r #!% ee &ha& &hee &h(, "%& /e
a--!"phe* &h%0 a(* &ha& e1e( &he# /ear &he" )h! -r# !%&0 4O
C&haer!(.4 A(*0 (*ee*0 !"e &h(, are a* )e /# &he *ra"a&-
)r&er0 !+ )h-h 3(* &he +!!)(, epe-a#:22
4Me a(* "# -h*re( + &he ,!* (e,e-&0
Th ha & rea!( &!!.4
A(* a,a(022
4We "%& (!& -ha+e a(* +re& a& &ha& )h-h happe(.4
A(*022
4L+e' har1e& reap 3e &he )hea&' +r%&+% ear.4
A(* !&her &h(, !+ &he a"e 3(*.
A+&er &ra,e*# &he !* -!"e*# )a (&r!*%-e*0 )h-h ha* a "a,&era
+ree*!" !+ pee-h0 a(* /# & 1er# pa((e !+ pea3(, )a %e+% (
re"(*(, "e( &! /e)are !+ (!e(-e8 a(* +!r &h p%rp!e &!! D!,e(e
%e* &! &a3e +r!" &hee )r&er.
B%& a &! &he "**e -!"e*#0 )h-h -a"e (e6&0 !/er1e )ha& & )a0 a(*
a,a(0 +!r )ha& !/5e-& &he (e) -!"e*# )a (&r!*%-e*0 )h-h ,ra*%a#
a(3 *!)( (&! a "ere ""- ar&+-e. Tha& !"e ,!!* &h(, are a* e1e(
/# &hee )r&er0 e1er#/!*# 3(!): /%& &he )h!e pa( !+ %-h p!e&r# a(*
*ra"a&%r,#0 &! )ha& e(* *!e & !!37
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 85/111
. H!) pa( *!e & appear &ha& &here (!& a(!&her -!(*&!( !+ +e
! )e %&e* +!r ph!!ph9(, a &h ( )h-h &h!% (!) happe(e& &!
/e.
?. A /ra(-h -%& !++ +r!" &he a*5a-e(& /ra(-h "%& !+ (e-e&# /e -%& !++
+r!" &he )h!e &ree a!. S! &!! a "a( )he( he epara&e* +r!" a(!&her "a( ha +ae( !++ +r!" &he )h!e !-a -!""%(&#. N!) a &! a /ra(-h0
a(!&her -%& & !++8 /%& a "a( /# h !)( a-& epara&e h"e+ +r!" h
(e,h/!r )he( he ha&e h" a(* &%r( a)a# +r!" h"0 a(* he *!e (!& 3(!)
&ha& he ha a& &he a"e &"e -%& h"e+ !++ +r!" &he )h!e !-a
#&e". Ye& he ha &h pr1e,e -er&a(# +r!" Je%0 )h! +ra"e*
!-e� +!r & ( !%r p!)er &! ,r!) a,a( &! &ha& )h-h (ear &!
%0 a(* a,a( &! /e-!"e a par& )h-h hep &! "a3e %p &he )h!e. H!)e1er0
+ & !+&e( happe(0 &h 3(* !+ epara&!(0 & "a3e & *++-%& +!r
&ha& )h-h *e&a-he &e+ &! /e /r!%,h& &! %(&# a(* &! /e re&!re* &!
& +!r"er -!(*&!(. F(a#0 &he /ra(-h0 )h-h +r!" &he +r& ,re)
&!,e&her )&h &he &ree0 a(* ha -!(&(%e* &! ha1e !(e +e )&h &0 (!& 3e &ha& )h-h a+&er /e(, -%& !++ &he( (,ra+&e*0 +!r &h
!"e&h(, 3e )ha& &he ,ar*e(er "ea( )he( &he# a# &ha& & ,r!) )&h
&he re& !+ &he &ree0 /%& &ha& & ha (!& &he a"e "(* )&h &.
@. A &h!e )h! &r# &! &a(* ( &h# )a# )he( &h!% ar& pr!-ee*(,
a--!r*(, &! r,h& rea!( ) (!& /e a/e &! &%r( &hee a*e +r!" &h#
pr!per a-&!(0 ! (e&her e& &he" *r1e &hee +r!" &h# /e(e1!e(&
+ee(, &!)ar* &he"0 /%& /e !( &h# ,%ar* e$%a# ( /!&h "a&&er0 (!&
!(# ( &he "a&&er !+ &ea*# 5%*,"e(& a(* a-&!(0 /%& a! ( &he "a&&er
!+ ,e(&e(e &! &h!e )h! &r# &! h(*er !r !&her)e &r!%/e &hee. F!r
&h a! a )ea3(e0 &! /e 1e6e* a& &he"0 a )e a &! /e *1er&e*
+r!" &h# -!%re !+ a-&!( a(* &! ,1e )a# &hr!%,h +ear8 +!r /!&h are
e$%a# *eer&er +r!" &her p!&022&he "a( )h! *!e & &hr!%,h +ear0 a(*
&he "a( )h! ae(a&e* +r!" h" )h! /# (a&%re a 3("a( a(* a
+re(*.
>=. There (! (a&%re )h-h (+er!r &! ar&0 +!r &he ar& "&a&e &he
(a&%re !+ &h(,. B%& + &h !0 &ha& (a&%re )h-h &he "!&
per+e-& a(* &he "!& -!"prehe(1e !+ a (a&%re0 -a((!& +a h!r& !+
&he 3 !+ ar&. N!) a ar& *! &he (+er!r &h(, +!r &he a3e !+ &he
%per!r8 &here+!re &he %(1era (a&%re *!e ! &!!. A(*0 (*ee*0 he(-e &he !r,( !+ 5%&-e0 a(* ( 5%&-e &he !&her 1r&%e ha1e &her
+!%(*a&!(: +!r 5%&-e ) (!& /e !/er1e*0 + )e e&her -are +!r
"**e &h(, &h(, (*++ere(&0 !r are ea# *e-e1e* a(* -aree
a(* -ha(,ea/e . >0 =8 II. .
>>. I+ &he &h(, *! (!& -!"e &! &hee0 &he p%r%& a(* a1!*a(-e !+
)h-h *&%r/ &hee0 & ( a "a((er &h!% ,!e& &! &he". Le& &he( &h#
5%*,"e(& a/!%& &he" /e a& re&0 a(* &he# ) re"a( $%e&0 a(* &h!% )&
(!& /e ee( e&her p%r%(, !r a1!*(,.
><. The pher-a +!r" !+ &he !% "a(&a( & +,%re )he( & (e&her e6&e(*e* &!)ar* a(# !/5e-&0 (!r -!(&ra-&e* ()ar*0 (!r
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 86/111
*pere* (!r (3 *!)(0 /%& %"(a&e* /# ,h&0 /# )h-h & ee
&he &r%&h022&he &r%&h !+ a &h(, a(* &he &r%&h &ha& ( &e+
III. >0 8 XII. .
>. S%pp!e a(# "a( ha *epe "e. Le& h" !!3 &! &ha& h"e+. B%& I
) !!3 &! &h0 &ha& I /e (!& *-!1ere* *!(, !r a#(, a(#&h(,*eer1(, !+ -!(&e"p&. Sha a(# "a( ha&e "e7 Le& h" !!3 &! &. B%& I
) /e "* a(* /e(e1!e(& &!)ar* e1er# "a(0 a(* rea*# &! h!) e1e( h"
h "&a3e0 (!& repr!a-h+%#0 (!r #e& a "a3(, a *pa# !+ "#
e(*%ra(-e0 /%& (!/# a(* h!(e� 3e &he ,rea& Ph!-!(0 %(e (*ee*
he !(# a%"e* &. F!r &he (&er!r par& !%,h& &! /e %-h0 a(* a "a(
!%,h& &! /e ee( /# &he ,!* (e&her *a&+e* )&h a(#&h(, (!r
-!"pa((,. F!r )ha& e1 & &! &hee0 + &h!% ar& (!) *!(, )ha&
a,reea/e &! &h# !)( (a&%re0 a(* ar& a&+e* )&h &ha& )h-h a& &h
"!"e(& %&a/e &! &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere0 (-e &h!% ar& a h%"a(
/e(, pa-e* a& &h# p!& ( !r*er &ha& )ha& +!r &he -!""!( a*1a(&a,e
"a# /e *!(e ( !"e )a#7
>. Me( *epe !(e a(!&her a(* +a&&er !(e a(!&her8 a(* "e( )h &!
rae &he"e1e a/!1e !(e a(!&her0 a(* -r!%-h /e+!re !(e a(!&her.
>. H!) %(!%(* a(* ((-ere he )h! a#0 I ha1e *e&er"(e* &! *ea
)&h &hee ( a +ar )a#22Wha& ar& &h!% *!(,0 "a(7 There (! !--a!(
&! ,1e &h (!&-e. I& ) !!( h!) &e+ /# a-&. The 1!-e !%,h& &!
/e pa(# )r&&e( !( &he +!rehea*. S%-h a a "a(' -hara-&er 0 he
""e*a&e# h!) & ( h e#e0 5%& a he )h! /e!1e* +!r&h)&h
rea* e1er#&h(, ( &he e#e !+ !1er. The "a( )h! h!(e& a(* ,!!*
!%,h& &! /e e6a-&# 3e a "a( )h! "e &r!(,0 ! &ha& &he /#&a(*er
a !!( a he -!"e (ear h" "%& "e )he&her he -h!!e !r (!&. B%& &he
a++e-&a&!( !+ "p-&# 3e a -r!!3e* &-3. N!&h(, "!re
*,ra-e+% &ha( a )!+h +re(*hp +ae +re(*hp. A1!* &h "!&
!+ a. The ,!!* a(* "pe a(* /e(e1!e(& h!) a &hee &h(, ( &he
e#e0 a(* &here (! "&a3(,.
>. A &! 1(, ( &he /e& )a#0 &h p!)er ( &he !%0 + & /e
(*++ere(& &! &h(, )h-h are (*++ere(&. A(* & ) /e (*++ere(&0
+ & !!3 !( ea-h !+ &hee &h(, epara&e# a(* a &!,e&her0 a(* +
& re"e"/er &ha& (!& !(e !+ &he" pr!*%-e ( % a( !p(!( a/!%& &e+0(!r -!"e &! %8 /%& &hee &h(, re"a( ""!1a/e0 a(* & )e
!%re1e )h! pr!*%-e &he 5%*,"e(& a/!%& &he"0 a(*0 a )e "a# a#0 )r&e
&he" ( !%re1e0 & /e(, ( !%r p!)er (!& &! )r&e &he"0 a(* & /e(,
( !%r p!)er0 + per-ha(-e &hee 5%*,"e(& ha1e "per-ep&/# ,!&
a*"!( &! !%r "(*0 &! )pe &he" !%&8 a(* + )e re"e"/er a! &ha&
%-h a&&e(&!( ) !(# /e +!r a h!r& &"e0 a(* &he( +e ) /e a& a(
e(*. Be*e0 )ha& &r!%/e &here a& a ( *!(, &h7 F!r + &hee
&h(, are a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 re5!-e ( &he" a(* &he# ) /e ea# &!
&hee: /%& + -!(&rar# &! (a&%re0 ee3 )ha& -!(+!r"a/e &! &h# !)(
(a&%re0 a(* &r1e &!)ar* &h0 e1e( + & /r(, (! rep%&a&!(8 +!r
e1er# "a( a!)e* &! ee3 h !)( ,!!*.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 87/111
>. C!(*er )he(-e ea-h &h(, -!"e0 a(* !+ )ha& & -!(&0 a(* (&!
)ha& & -ha(,e0 a(* )ha& 3(* !+ a &h(, & ) /e )he( & ha -ha(,e*0
a(* &ha& & ) %&a( (! har".
>?. I+ a(# ha1e !++e(*e* a,a(& &hee0 -!(*er +r&: Wha& "#
rea&!( &! "e(0 a(* &ha& )e are "a*e +!r !(e a(!&her8 a(* ( a(!&her repe-& I )a "a*e &! /e e& !1er &he"0 a a ra" !1er &he +!-3 !r a /%
!1er &he her*. B%& e6a"(e &he "a&&er +r!" +r& pr(-pe0 +r!" &h:
I+ a &h(, are (!& "ere a&!"0 & (a&%re )h-h !r*er a &h(,:
+ &h !0 &he (+er!r &h(, e6& +!r &he a3e !+ &he %per!r0
a(* &hee +!r &he a3e !+ !(e a(!&her II. >8 IX. @8 . >8 III. .
Se-!(*0 -!(*er )ha& 3(* !+ "e( &he# are a& &a/e0 ( /e*0 a(* !
+!r&h: a(* par&-%ar#0 %(*er )ha& -!"p%!( ( repe-& !+ !p(!(
&he# are8 a(* a &! &her a-&0 -!(*er )&h )ha& pr*e &he# *! )ha&
&he# *! III. >8 IX. .
Thr*0 &ha& + "e( *! r,h&# )ha& &he# *!0 )e !%,h& (!& &! /e
*peae*: /%& + &he# *! (!& r,h&0 & pa( &ha& &he# *! !
(1!%(&ar# a(* ( ,(!ra(-e. F!r a e1er# !% %()(,# *epr1e*
!+ &he &r%&h0 ! a! & %()(,# *epr1e* !+ &he p!)er !+ /eha1(,
&! ea-h "a( a--!r*(, &! h *eer&. A--!r*(,# "e( are pa(e* )he(
&he# are -ae* %(5%&0 %(,ra&e+%0 a(* ,ree*#0 a(* ( a )!r* )r!(,2*!er
&! &her (e,h/!r II. <0 8 II. >8 II. <8 III. <@.
F!%r&h0 -!(*er &ha& &h!% a! *!& "a(# &h(, )r!(,0 a(* &ha& &h!% ar&
a "a( 3e !&her8 a(* e1e( + &h!% *!& a/&a( +r!" -er&a( +a%&0
& &h!% ha& &he *p!&!( &! -!""& &he"0 &h!%,h e&her &hr!%,h
-!)ar*-e0 !r -!(-er( a/!%& rep%&a&!(0 !r !"e %-h "ea( "!&1e0 &h!%
*!& a/&a( +r!" %-h +a%& I. >.
F+&h0 -!(*er &ha& &h!% *!& (!& e1e( %(*er&a(* )he&her "e( are *!(,
)r!(, !r (!&0 +!r "a(# &h(, are *!(e )&h a -er&a( re+ere(-e &!
-r-%"&a(-e. A(* ( h!r&0 a "a( "%& ear( a ,rea& *ea &! e(a/e h"
&! pa a -!rre-& 5%*,"e(& !( a(!&her "a(' a-& IX. ?8 I. >.
S6&h0 -!(*er )he( &h!% ar& "%-h 1e6e* !r ,re1e*0 &ha& "a(' +e
!(# a "!"e(&0 a(* a+&er a h!r& &"e )e are a a* !%& *ea* II. ?8I. ?.
Se1e(&h0 &ha& & (!& "e(' a-& )h-h *&%r/ %0 +!r &h!e a-& ha1e
&her +!%(*a&!( ( "e(' r%(, pr(-pe0 /%& & !%r !)( !p(!(
)h-h *&%r/ %. Ta3e a)a# &hee !p(!( &he(0 a(* re!1e &! *"
&h# 5%*,"e(& a/!%& a( a-& a + & )ere !"e&h(, ,re1!%0 a(* &h# a(,er
,!(e. H!) &he( ha I &a3e a)a# &hee !p(!(7 B# re+e-&(, &ha& (!
)r!(,+% a-& !+ a(!&her /r(, ha"e !( &hee: +!r %(e &ha& )h-h
ha"e+% a!(e /a*0 &h!% a! "%& !+ (e-e&# *! "a(# &h(, )r!(,0
a(* /e-!"e a r!//er a(* e1er#&h(, ee . <8 II. >.
E,h&h0 -!(*er h!) "%-h "!re pa( /r!%,h& !( % /# &he a(,er a(*
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 88/111
1e6a&!( -a%e* /# %-h a-& &ha( /# &he a-& &he"e1e0 a& )h-h )e are
a(,r# a(* 1e6e* I. @0 @8 II. <.
N(&h0 -!(*er &ha& a ,!!* *p!&!( (1(-/e + & /e ,e(%(e0
a(* (!& a( a++e-&e* "e a(* a-&(, a par&. F!r )ha& ) &he "!&
1!e(& "a( *! &! &hee0 + &h!% -!(&(%e& &! /e !+ a 3(* *p!&!(&!)ar* h"0 a(* +0 a !pp!r&%(&# !++er0 &h!% ,e(&# a*"!(he& h"
a(* -a"# -!rre-&e& h err!r a& &he 1er# &"e )he( he &r#(, &! *!
&hee har"0 a#(,0 N!& !0 "# -h*: )e are -!(&&%&e* /# (a&%re +!r
!"e&h(, ee: I ha -er&a(# (!& /e (5%re*0 /%& &h!% ar& (5%r(,
&h#e+0 "# -h*.22A(* h!) h" )&h ,e(&e &a-& a(* /# ,e(era
pr(-pe &ha& &h !0 a(* &ha& e1e( /ee *! (!& *! a he *!e0 (!r
a(# a("a )h-h are +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! /e ,re,ar!%. A(* &h!% "%& *!
&h (e&her )&h a(# *!%/e "ea((, (!r ( &he )a# !+ repr!a-h0 /%&
a++e-&!(a&e# a(* )&h!%& a(# ra(-!r ( &h# !%8 a(* (!& a + &h!%
)er& e-&%r(, h"0 (!r #e& &ha& a(# /#&a(*er "a# a*"re0 /%& e&her
)he( he a!(e0 a(* + !&her are pree(&.... F!!&(!&e:
Re"e"/er &hee ((e r%e0 a + &h!% ha*& re-e1e* &he" a a ,+& +r!"
&he M%e0 a(* /e,( a& a& &! /e a "a( )he &h!% 1e&. B%& &h!% "%&
e$%a# a1!* +a&&er(, "e( a(* /e(, 1e6e* a& &he"0 +!r /!&h are
%(!-a a(* ea* &! har". A(* e& &h &r%&h /e pree(& &! &hee ( &he
e6-&e"e(& !+ a(,er0 &ha& &! /e "!1e* /# pa!( (!& "a(#0 /%& &ha&
"*(e a(* ,e(&e(e0 a &he# are "!re a,reea/e &! h%"a( (a&%re0 !
a! are &he# "!re "a(#8 a(* he )h! p!ee &hee $%a&e
p!ee &re(,&h0 (er1e0 a(* -!%ra,e0 a(* (!& &he "a( )h! %/5e-&
&! +& !+ pa!( a(* *-!(&e(&. F!r ( &he a"e *e,ree ( )h-h a
"a(' "(* (earer &! +ree*!" +r!" a pa!(0 ( &he a"e *e,ree a!
& (earer &! &re(,&h: a(* a &he e(e !+ pa( a -hara-&er&- !+
)ea3(e0 ! a! a(,er. F!r he )h! #e* &! pa( a(* he )h! #e*
&! a(,er0 /!&h are )!%(*e* a(* /!&h %/"&.
B%& + &h!% )&0 re-e1e a! a &e(&h pree(& +r!" &he ea*er !+ &he
M%e0 Ap!!0 a(* & &h022&ha& &! e6pe-& /a* "e( (!& &! *! )r!(,
"a*(e0 +!r he )h! e6pe-& &h *ere a( "p!/&#. B%& &!
a!) "e( &! /eha1e ! &! !&her0 a(* &! e6pe-& &he" (!& &! *! &hee a(#
)r!(,0 rra&!(a a(* &#ra((-a.
>@. There are +!%r pr(-pa a/erra&!( !+ &he %per!r +a-%&# a,a(&
)h-h &h!% h!%*& /e -!(&a(&# !( &h# ,%ar*0 a(* )he( &h!% ha&
*e&e-&e* &he"0 &h!% h!%*& )pe &he" !%& a(* a# !( ea-h !--a!( &h%:
Th &h!%,h& (!& (e-ear#: &h &e(* &! *e&r!# !-a %(!(: &h
)h-h &h!% ar& ,!(, &! a# -!"e (!& +r!" &he rea &h!%,h&8 +!r &h!%
h!%*& -!(*er & a"!(, &he "!& a/%r* !+ &h(, +!r a "a( (!& &!
pea3 +r!" h rea &h!%,h&. B%& &he +!%r&h )he( &h!% ha& repr!a-h
&h#e+ +!r a(#&h(,0 +!r &h a( e1*e(-e !+ &he *1(er par& )&h(
&hee /e(, !1erp!)ere* a(* #e*(, &! &he e h!(!ra/e a(* &! &he
perha/e par&0 &he /!*#0 a(* &! & ,r! pea%re I. <8 II. >.
<=. Th# aera par& a(* a &he +er# par& )h-h are "(,e* ( &hee0
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 89/111
&h!%,h /# (a&%re &he# ha1e a( %p)ar* &e(*e(-#0 & ( !/e*e(-e &! &he
*p!&!( !+ &he %(1ere &he# are !1erp!)ere* here ( &he -!"p!%(*
"a &he /!*#. A(* a! &he )h!e !+ &he ear&h# par& ( &hee a(* &he
)a&er#0 &h!%,h &her &e(*e(-# *!)()ar*0 & are rae* %p a(* !--%p#
a p!&!( )h-h (!& &her (a&%ra !(e. I( &h "a((er &he( &he
ee"e(&a par& !/e# &he %(1era8 +!r )he( &he# ha1e /ee( +6e* ( a(# pa-e0 per+!r-e &he# re"a( &here %(& a,a( &he %(1era ha !%(*
&he ,(a +!r *!%&!(. I & (!& &he( &ra(,e &ha& &h# (&e,e(&
par& !(# h!%* /e *!/e*e(& a(* *-!(&e(&e* )&h & !)( pa-e7 A(*
#e& (! +!r-e "p!e* !( &0 /%& !(# &h!e &h(, )h-h are
-!"+!r"a/e &! & (a&%re: & & *!e (!& %/"&0 /%& -arre* (
&he !pp!&e *re-&!(. F!r &he "!1e"e(& &!)ar* (5%&-e a(*
(&e"pera(-e a(* &! a(,er a(* ,re+ a(* +ear (!&h(, ee &ha( &he a-&
!+ !(e )h! *e1a&e +r!" (a&%re. A(* a! )he( &he r%(, +a-%&#
*-!(&e(&e* )&h a(#&h(, &ha& happe(0 &he( &!! & *eer& & p!&:
+!r & -!(&&%&e* +!r pe&# a(* re1ere(-e &!)ar* &he ,!* (! e
&ha( +!r 5%&-e. F!r &hee $%a&e a! are -!"prehe(*e* %(*er &he,e(er- &er" !+ -!(&e(&"e(& )&h &he -!(&&%&!( !+ &h(,0 a(* (*ee*
&he# are pr!r &! a-& !+ 5%&-e.
<>. He )h! ha (!& !(e a(* a)a# &he a"e !/5e-& ( +e0 -a((!& /e !(e
a(* &he a"e a &hr!%,h h +e. B%& )ha& I ha1e a* (!& e(!%,h0
%(e &h a! a**e*0 )ha& &h !/5e-& !%,h& &! /e. F!r a &here
(!& &he a"e !p(!( a/!%& a &he &h(, )h-h ( !"e )a# !r !&her are
-!(*ere* /# &he "a5!r&# &! /e ,!!*0 /%& !(# a/!%& !"e -er&a(
&h(,0 &ha& 0 &h(, )h-h -!(-er( &he -!""!( (&ere&0 ! a! !%,h&
)e &! pr!p!e &! !%re1e a( !/5e-& )h-h ha /e !+ a -!""!( 3(*
!-a a(* p!&-a. F!r he )h! *re-& a h !)( e++!r& &! &h
!/5e-&0 ) "a3e a h a-& a3e0 a(* &h% ) a)a# /e &he a"e.
<<. Th(3 !+ &he -!%(&r# "!%e a(* !+ &he &!)( "!%e0 a(* !+ &he aar"
a(* &rep*a&!( !+ &he &!)( "!%e. F!!&(!&e:
<. S!-ra&e %e* &! -a &he !p(!( !+ &he "a(# /# &he (a"e !+
La"ae022/%,/ear &! +r,h&e( -h*re(.
<. The La-e*ae"!(a( a& &her p%/- pe-&a-e %e* &! e& ea& (
&he ha*e +!r &ra(,er0 /%& &he"e1e a& *!)( a(#)here.
<. S!-ra&e e6-%e* h"e+ &! Per*--a +!r (!& ,!(, &! h"0 a#(,0
I& /e-a%e I )!%* (!& perh /# &he )!r& !+ a e(*8 &ha& 0 I
)!%* (!& re-e1e a +a1!r a(* &he( /e %(a/e &! re&%r( &.
<. I( &he )r&(, !+ &he Ephea( &here )a &h pre-ep&0 -!(&a(&#
&! &h(3 !+ !"e !(e !+ &he "e( !+ +!r"er &"e )h! pra-&e* 1r&%e.
<. The P#&ha,!rea( /* % ( &he "!r((, !!3 &! &he hea1e( &ha& )e
"a# /e re"(*e* !+ &h!e /!*e )h-h -!(&(%a# *! &he a"e &h(, a(*
( &he a"e "a((er per+!r" &her )!r30 a(* a! /e re"(*e* !+ &her p%r&# a(* (%*&#. F!r &here (! 1e !1er a &ar.
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 90/111
<?. C!(*er )ha& a "a( S!-ra&e )a )he( he *ree* h"e+ ( a 3(0
a+&er Xa(&hppe ha* &a3e( h -!a3 a(* ,!(e !%&0 a(* )ha& S!-ra&e a*
&! h +re(* )h! )ere aha"e* !+ h" a(* *re) /a-3 +r!" h" )he( &he#
a) h" *ree* &h%.
<@. Ne&her ( )r&(, (!r ( rea*(, )& &h!% /e a/e &! a# *!)( r%e
+!r !&her /e+!re &h!% ha& ha1e +r& ear(e* &! !/e# r%e &h#e+.
M%-h "!re &h ! ( +e.
=. A a1e &h!% ar&: +ree pee-h (!& +!r &hee.
>. A(* "# hear& a%,he* )&h(.
O*#e#0 IX. >.
<. A(* 1r&%e &he# ) -%re0 pea3(, harh )!r*.
HESIOD0 W!r3 a(* Da#0 >?.
. T! !!3 +!r &he +, ( )(&er a "a*"a(' a-&: %-h he )h! !!3
+!r h -h* )he( & (! !(,er a!)e* Ep-&e&%0 III. <0 ?.
. Whe( a "a( 3e h -h*0 a* Ep-&e&%0 he h!%* )hper &!
h"e+0 4T!2"!rr!) per-ha(-e &h!% )& *e.422B%& &h!e are )!r* !+ /a*
!"e(.224N! )!r* a )!r* !+ /a* !"e(04 a* Ep-&e&%0 4)h-h e6pree
a(# )!r3 !+ (a&%re8 !r + & !0 & a! a )!r* !+ /a* !"e( &!
pea3 !+ &he ear !+ -!r( /e(, reape*4 Ep-&e&%0 III. <0 ??.
. The %(rpe ,rape0 &he rpe /%(-h0 &he *re* ,rape a are -ha(,e0
(!& (&! (!&h(,0 /%& (&! !"e&h(, )h-h e6& (!& #e& Ep-&e&%0
III. <.
. N! "a( -a( r!/ % !+ !%r +ree ) Ep-&e&% III. <<0 >=.
. Ep-&e&% a! a*0 a "a( "%& *-!1er a( ar& !r r%e )&h
repe-& &! ,1(, h ae(&8 a(* ( repe-& &! h "!1e"e(& he "%& /e
-are+% &ha& &he# /e "a*e )&h re,ar* &! -r-%"&a(-e0 &ha& &he# /e
-!(&e(& )&h !-a (&ere&0 &ha& &he# ha1e re,ar* &! &he 1a%e !+
&he !/5e-&8 a(* a &! e(%a *ere0 he h!%* a&!,e&her 3eep a)a# +r!"&8 a(* a &! a1!*a(-e a1er!(0 he h!%* (!& h!) & )&h repe-& &!
a(# !+ &he &h(, )h-h are (!& ( !%r p!)er.
?. The *p%&e &he(0 he a*0 (!& a/!%& a(# -!""!( "a&&er0 /%& a/!%&
/e(, "a* !r (!&.
@. S!-ra&e %e* &! a#0 Wha& *! #!% )a(&0 !% !+ ra&!(a "e( !r
rra&!(a722!% !+ ra&!(a "e(.22O+ )ha& ra&!(a "e(0 !%(* !r
%(!%(*722S!%(*.22Wh# &he( *! #!% (!& ee3 +!r &he"722Be-a%e )e ha1e
&he".22Wh# &he( *! #!% +,h& a(* $%arre7
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 91/111
BOOK XII.
>. A &h!e &h(, a& )h-h &h!% )he& &! arr1e /# a -r-%&!% r!a*&h!% -a(& ha1e (!)0 + &h!% *!& (!& re+%e &he" &! &h#e+. A(* &h
"ea(0 + &h!% )& &a3e (! (!&-e !+ a &he pa&0 a(* &r%& &he +%&%re
&! pr!1*e(-e0 a(* *re-& &he pree(& !(# -!(+!r"a/# &! pe&# a(*
5%&-e. C!(+!r"a/# &! pe� &ha& &h!% "a#e& /e -!(&e(& )&h &he !&
)h-h a,(e* &! &hee0 +!r (a&%re *e,(e* & +!r &hee a(* &hee +!r
&. C!(+!r"a/# &! 5%&-e0 &ha& &h!% "a#e& a)a# pea3 &he &r%&h
+ree# a(* )&h!%& *,%e0 a(* *! &he &h(, )h-h are a,reea/e &! a)
a(* a--!r*(, &! &he )!r&h !+ ea-h. A(* e& (e&her a(!&her "a('
)-3e*(e h(*er &hee0 (!r !p(!( (!r 1!-e0 (!r #e& &he e(a&!( !+
&he p!!r +eh )h-h ha ,r!)( a/!%& &hee8 +!r &he pa1e par& ) !!3
&! &h. I+0 &he(0 )ha&e1er &he &"e "a# /e )he( &h!% ha& /e (ear &!&h# *epar&%re0 (e,e-&(, e1er#&h(, ee &h!% ha& repe-& !(# &h#
r%(, +a-%&# a(* &he *1(&# )&h( &hee0 a(* + &h!% ha& /e a+ra*
(!& /e-a%e &h!% "%& !"e &"e -eae &! 1e0 /%& + &h!% ha& +ear
(e1er &! ha1e /e,%( &! 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re022&he( &h!% )& /e a "a(
)!r&h# !+ &he %(1ere )h-h ha& pr!*%-e* &hee0 a(* &h!% )& -eae &!
/e a &ra(,er ( &h# (a&1e a(*0 a(* &! )!(*er a& &h(, )h-h happe(
*a# a + &he# )ere !"e&h(, %(e6pe-&e*0 a(* (!& &! /e *epe(*e(& !(
&h !r &ha&.
<. G!* ee &he "(* r%(, pr(-pe !+ a "e( /are* !+ &he
"a&era 1e&%re a(* r(* a(* "p%r&e. F!r )&h h (&ee-&%a par&
a!(e he &!%-he &he (&e,e(-e !(# )h-h ha +!)e* a(* /ee( *er1e*
+r!" h"e+ (&! &hee /!*e. A(* + &h!% a! %e& &h#e+ &! *!
&h0 &h!% )& r* &h#e+ !+ &h# "%-h &r!%/e. F!r he )h! re,ar* (!&
&he p!!r +eh )h-h e(1e!p h"0 %re# ) (!& &r!%/e h"e+ /#
!!3(, a+&er ra"e(& a(* *)e(, a(* +a"e a(* %-h 3e e6&er(a a(*
h!).
. The &h(, are &hree !+ )h-h &h!% ar& -!"p!e*: a &&e /!*#0 a
&&e /rea&h +e0 (&e,e(-e. O+ &hee &he +r& &)! are &h(e0 !
+ar a & &h# *%&# &! &a3e -are !+ &he"8 /%& &he &hr* a!(e pr!per# &h(e. There+!re + &h!% ha& epara&e +r!" &h#e+0 &ha& 0
+r!" &h# %(*er&a(*(,0 )ha&e1er !&her *! !r a#0 a(* )ha&e1er &h!% ha&
*!(e !r a* &h#e+0 a(* )ha&e1er +%&%re &h(, &r!%/e &hee /e-a%e
&he# "a# happe(0 a(* )ha&e1er ( &he /!*# )h-h e(1e!p &hee !r ( &he
/rea&h +e0 )h-h /# (a&%re a!-a&e* )&h &he /!*#0 a&&a-he*
&! &hee (*epe(*e(& !+ &h# )0 a(* )ha&e1er &he e6&er(a -r-%"+%e(&
1!r&e6 )hr r!%(*0 ! &ha& &he (&ee-&%a p!)er e6e"p& +r!" &he
&h(, !+ +a&e -a( 1e p%re a(* +ree /# &e+0 *!(, )ha& 5%& a(*
a--ep&(, )ha& happe( a(* a#(, &he &r%&h: + &h!% )& epara&e0 I
a#0 +r!" &h r%(, +a-%&# &he &h(, )h-h are a&&a-he* &! & /# &he
"pre!( !+ e(e0 a(* &he &h(, !+ &"e &! -!"e a(* !+ &"e &ha& pa&0 a(* )& "a3e &h#e+ 3e E"pe*!-e' phere0
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 92/111
4A r!%(* a(* ( & 5!#!% re& rep!(,48
a(* + &h!% ha& &r1e &! 1e !(# )ha& rea# &h# +e0 &ha& 0
&he pree(&022&he( &h!% )& /e a/e &! pa &ha& p!r&!( !+ +e )h-h
re"a( +!r &hee %p &! &he &"e !+ &h# *ea&h +ree +r!" per&%r/a&!(0(!/#0 a(* !/e*e(& &! &h# !)( *ae"!( &! &he ,!* &ha& )&h( &hee
II. >0 >8 III. 0 8 XI. ><.
. I ha1e !+&e( )!(*ere* h!) & &ha& e1er# "a( !1e h"e+ "!re &ha(
a &he re& !+ "e(0 /%& #e& e& e 1a%e !( h !)( !p(!( !+
h"e+ &ha( !( &he !p(!( !+ !&her. I+ &he( a ,!* !r a )e &ea-her
h!%* pree(& h"e+ &! a "a( a(* /* h" &! &h(3 !+ (!&h(, a(* &!
*e,( (!&h(, )h-h he )!%* (!& e6pre a !!( a he -!(-e1e* &0 he
-!%* (!& e(*%re & e1e( +!r a (,e *a#. S! "%-h "!re repe-& ha1e )e
&! )ha& !%r (e,h/!r ha &h(3 !+ % &ha( &! )ha& )e ha &h(3 !+
!%re1e.
. H!) -a( & /e &ha& &he ,!*0 a+&er ha1(, arra(,e* a &h(, )e a(*
/e(e1!e(&# +!r "a(3(*0 ha1e !1er!!3e* &h a!(e0 &ha& !"e "e(0 a(*
1er# ,!!* "e(0 a(* "e( )h!0 a )e "a# a#0 ha1e ha* "!& -!""%(!( )&h
&he *1(� a(* &hr!%,h p!% a-& a(* re,!% !/er1a(-e ha1e /ee(
"!& (&"a&e )&h &he *1(� )he( &he# ha1e !(-e *e* h!%* (e1er
e6& a,a(0 /%& h!%* /e -!"pe&e# e6&(,%he*7
B%& + &h !0 /e a%re* &ha& + & !%,h& &! ha1e /ee( !&her)e0
&he ,!* )!%* ha1e *!(e &. F!r + & )ere 5%&0 & )!%* a! /e
p!/e8 a(* + & )ere a--!r*(, &! (a&%re0 (a&%re )!%* ha1e ha* &
!. B%& /e-a%e & (!& !0 + ( +a-& & (!& !0 /e &h!% -!(1(-e*
&ha& & !%,h& (!& &! ha1e /ee( !: +!r &h!% ee& e1e( !+ &h#e+ &ha& (
&h ($%r# &h!% ar& *p%&(, )&h &he De a(* )e h!%* (!& &h%
*p%&e )&h &he ,!*0 %(e &he# )ere "!& e6-ee(& a(* "!& 5%&8 /%&
+ &h !0 &he# )!%* (!& ha1e a!)e* a(#&h(, ( &he !r*er(, !+
&he %(1ere &! /e (e,e-&e* %(5%&# a(* rra&!(a#.
. Pra-&e &h#e+ e1e( ( &he &h(, )h-h &h!% *epare& !+
a--!"ph(,. F!r e1e( &he e+& ha(*0 )h-h (e++e-&%a +!r a !&her
&h(, +!r )a(& !+ pra-&-e0 h!* &he /r*e "!re 1,!r!%# &ha( &her,h& ha(*8 +!r & ha /ee( pra-&e* ( &h.
. C!(*er ( )ha& -!(*&!( /!&h ( /!*# a(* !% a "a( h!%* /e )he(
he !1er&a3e( /# *ea&h8 a(* -!(*er &he h!r&(e !+ +e0 &he
/!%(*e a/# !+ &"e pa& a(* +%&%re0 &he +ee/e(e !+ a "a&&er.
?. C!(&e"pa&e &he +!r"a&1e pr(-pe +!r" !+ &h(, /are !+ &her
-!1er(,8 &he p%rp!e !+ a-&!(8 -!(*er )ha& pa( 0 )ha& pea%re
0 a(* *ea&h0 a(* +a"e8 )h! &! h"e+ &he -a%e !+ h %(ea(e8
h!) (! "a( h(*ere* /# a(!&her8 &ha& e1er#&h(, !p(!(.
@. I( &he app-a&!( !+ &h# pr(-pe &h!% "%& /e 3e &he
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 93/111
pa(-ra&a&0 (!& 3e &he ,a*a&!r8 +!r &he ,a*a&!r e& +a &he
)!r* )h-h he %e a(* 3e*8 /%& &he !&her a)a# ha h ha(*0 a(*
(ee* &! *! (!&h(, ee &ha( %e &.
>=. See )ha& &h(, are ( &he"e1e0 *1*(, &he" (&! "a&&er0 +!r"0
a(* p%rp!e.
>>. Wha& a p!)er "a( ha &! *! (!&h(, e6-ep& )ha& G!* ) appr!1e0 a(*
&! a--ep& a &ha& G!* "a# ,1e h".
><. W&h repe-& &! &ha& )h-h happe( -!(+!r"a/# &! (a&%re0 )e !%,h& &!
/a"e (e&her ,!*0 +!r &he# *! (!&h(, )r!(, e&her 1!%(&ar# !r
(1!%(&ar#0 (!r "e(0 +!r &he# *! (!&h(, )r!(, e6-ep& (1!%(&ar#.
C!(e$%e(&# )e h!%* /a"e (!/!*# II. >>0 ><0 >8 II. <8 III. >0
>?.
>. H!) r*-%!% a(* )ha& a &ra(,er he )h! %rpre* a& a(#&h(,)h-h happe( ( +e.
>. E&her &here a +a&a (e-e&# a(* (1(-/e !r*er0 !r a 3(*
pr!1*e(-e0 !r a -!(+%!( )&h!%& a p%rp!e a(* )&h!%& a *re-&!r I.
<. I+ &he( &here a( (1(-/e (e-e� )h# *!& &h!% re&7 B%&
+ &here a pr!1*e(-e )h-h a!) &e+ &! /e pr!p&a&e*0 "a3e
&h#e+ )!r&h# !+ &he hep !+ &he *1(&#. B%& + &here a -!(+%!(
)&h!%& a ,!1er(!r0 /e -!(&e(& &ha& ( %-h a &e"pe& &h!% ha& (
&h#e+ a -er&a( r%(, (&e,e(-e. A(* e1e( + &he &e"pe& -arr# &hee
a)a#0 e& & -arr# a)a# &he p!!r +eh0 &he p!!r /rea&h0 e1er#&h(, ee8
+!r &he (&e,e(-e a& ea& & ) (!& -arr# a)a#.
>. D!e &he ,h& !+ &he a"p h(e )&h!%& !(, & pe(*!r %(& &
e6&(,%he*8 a(* ha &he &r%&h )h-h ( &hee a(* 5%&-e a(*
&e"pera(-e /e e6&(,%he* /e+!re &h# *ea&h7
>. Whe( a "a( ha pree(&e* &he appeara(-e !+ ha1(, *!(e )r!(, a#0
H!) &he( *! I 3(!) + &h a )r!(,+% a-&7 A(* e1e( + he ha *!(e
)r!(,0 h!) *! I 3(!) &ha& he ha (!& -!(*e"(e* h"e+7 A(* ! &h
3e &ear(, h !)( +a-e. C!(*er &ha& he )h! )!%* (!& ha1e &he /a*
"a( *! )r!(,0 3e &he "a( )h! )!%* (!& ha1e &he +,2&ree /ear 5%-e( &he +,0 a(* (+a(& -r#0 a(* &he h!re (e,h0 a(* )ha&e1er ee "%&
!+ (e-e&# /e. F!r )ha& "%& a "a( *! )h! ha %-h a -hara-&er7 I+ &he(
&h!% ar& rr&a/e0 -%re &h "a(' *p!&!(.
>. I+ & (!& r,h&0 *! (!& *! &: + & (!& &r%e0 *! (!& a# &.
F!r e& &h# e++!r& /e22
>?. I( e1er#&h(, a)a# !/er1e )ha& &he &h(, )h-h pr!*%-e +!r
&hee a( appeara(-e0 a(* re!1e & /# *1*(, & (&! &he +!r"a0 &he
"a&era0 &he p%rp!e0 a(* &he &"e )&h( )h-h & "%& e(*.
>@. Per-e1e a& a& &ha& &h!% ha& ( &hee !"e&h(, /e&&er a(* "!re
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 94/111
*1(e &ha( &he &h(, )h-h -a%e &he 1ar!% e++e-&0 a(* a & )ere
p% &hee /# &he &r(,. Wha& &here (!) ( "# "(*022 & +ear0 !r
%p-!(0 !r *ere0 !r a(#&h(, !+ &he 3(* . >>7
<=. Fr&0 *! (!&h(, (-!(*era&e#0 (!r )&h!%& a p%rp!e. Se-!(*0
"a3e &h# a-& re+er &! (!&h(, ee &ha( &! a !-a e(*.
<>. C!(*er &ha& /e+!re !(, &h!% )& /e (!/!*# a(* (!)here0 (!r )
a(# !+ &he &h(, e6& )h-h &h!% (!) ee&0 (!r a(# !+ &h!e )h! are
(!) 1(,. F!r a &h(, are +!r"e* /# (a&%re &! -ha(,e a(* /e &%r(e*
a(* &! perh0 ( !r*er &ha& !&her &h(, ( -!(&(%!% %--e!( "a#
e6& IX. <?.
<<. C!(*er &ha& e1er#&h(, !p(!(0 a(* !p(!( ( &h# p!)er.
Ta3e a)a# &he(0 )he( &h!% -h!!e&0 &h# !p(!(0 a(* 3e a "ar(er )h!
ha *!%/e* &he pr!"!(&!r#0 &h!% )& +(* -a"0 e1er#&h(, &a/e0 a(* a
)a1ee /a#.
<. A(# !(e a-&1� )ha&e1er & "a# /e0 )he( & ha -eae* a& &
pr!per &"e0 %++er (! e1 /e-a%e & ha -eae*8 (!r he )h! ha *!(e
&h a-&0 *!e he %++er a(# e1 +!r &h rea!(0 &ha& &he a-& ha
-eae*. I( 3e "a((er &he( &he )h!e )h-h -!(& !+ a &he a-&0
)h-h !%r +e0 + & -eae a& & pr!per &"e0 %++er (! e1 +!r
&h rea!(0 &ha& & ha -eae*8 (!r he )h! ha &er"(a&e* &h ere a&
&he pr!per &"e0 ha he /ee( *ea& )&h. B%& &he pr!per &"e a(* &he
"& (a&%re +6e0 !"e&"e a ( !* a,e &he pe-%ar (a&%re !+ "a(0
/%& a)a# &he %(1era (a&%re0 /# &he -ha(,e !+ )h!e par& &he )h!e
%(1ere -!(&(%e e1er #!%(, a(* per+e-&. A(* e1er#&h(, )h-h %e+%
&! &he %(1era a)a# ,!!* a(* ( ea!(. There+!re &he &er"(a&!(
!+ +e +!r e1er# "a( (! e10 /e-a%e (e&her & ha"e+%0 (-e
& /!&h (*epe(*e(& !+ &he ) a(* (!& !pp!e* &! &he ,e(era
(&ere&0 /%& & ,!!*0 (-e & ea!(a/e0 a(* pr!+&a/e &! a(*
-!(,r%e(& )&h &he %(1era. F!r &h% &!! he "!1e* /# &he De&# )h!
"!1e* ( &he a"e "a((er )&h &he De� a(* "!1e* &!)ar* &he a"e
&h(, ( h "(*.
<. Thee &hree pr(-pe &h!% "%& ha1e ( rea*(e: I( &he &h(,
)h-h &h!% *!& *! (!&h(, e&her (-!(*era&e# !r !&her)e &ha( a;%&-e here+ )!%* a-&8 /%& )&h repe-& &! )ha& "a# happe( &! &hee
+r!" )&h!%&0 -!(*er &ha& & happe( e&her /# -ha(-e !r a--!r*(, &!
pr!1*e(-e0 a(* &h!% "%& (e&her /a"e -ha(-e (!r a--%e pr!1*e(-e.
Se-!(*0 -!(*er )ha& e1er# /e(, +r!" &he ee* &! &he &"e !+ &
re-e1(, a !%0 a(* +r!" &he re-ep&!( !+ a !% &! &he ,1(, /a-3 !+
&he a"e0 a(* !+ )ha& &h(, e1er# /e(, -!"p!%(*e*0 a(* (&! )ha&
&h(, & re!1e*. Thr*0 + &h!% h!%*& %**e(# /e rae* %p
a/!1e &he ear&h0 a(* h!%*& !!3 *!)( !( h%"a( &h(,0 a(* !/er1e &he
1are&# !+ &he" h!) ,rea& & 0 a(* a& &he a"e &"e a! h!%*& ee
a& a ,a(-e h!) ,rea& &he (%"/er !+ /e(, )h! *)e a ar!%(* ( &he
ar a(* &he e&her0 -!(*er &ha& a !+&e( a &h!% h!%*& /e rae* %p0&h!% )!%*& ee &he a"e &h(,0 a"e(e !+ +!r" a(* h!r&(e !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 95/111
*%ra&!(. Are &hee &h(, &! /e pr!%* !+7
<. Ca& a)a# !p(!(: &h!% ar& a1e*. Wh! &he( h(*er &hee +r!" -a&(,
& a)a#7
<. Whe( &h!% ar& &r!%/e* a/!%& a(#&h(,0 &h!% ha& +!r,!&&e( &h0 &ha&a &h(, happe( a--!r*(, &! &he %(1era (a&%re8 a(* +!r,!&&e( &h0
&ha& a "a(' )r!(,+% a-& (!&h(, &! &hee8 a(* +%r&her &h!% ha&
+!r,!&&e( &h0 &ha& e1er#&h(, )h-h happe(0 a)a# happe(e* ! a(*
) happe( !0 a(* (!) happe( ! e1er#)here8 +!r,!&&e( &h &!!0 h!)
-!e &he 3(hp /e&)ee( a "a( a(* &he )h!e h%"a( ra-e0 +!r & a
-!""%(� (!& !+ a &&e /!!* !r ee*0 /%& !+ (&e,e(-e. A(* &h!%
ha& +!r,!&&e( &h &!!0 &ha& e1er# "a(' (&e,e(-e a ,!* a(* a(
e++%6 !+ &he De a(* +!r,!&&e( &h0 &ha& (!&h(, a "a(' !)(0 /%&
&ha& h -h* a(* h /!*# a(* h 1er# !% -a"e +r!" &he De
+!r,!&&e( &h0 &ha& e1er#&h(, !p(!(8 a(* a&# &h!% ha&
+!r,!&&e( &ha& e1er# "a( 1e &he pree(& &"e !(#0 a(* !e !(#&h.
<. C!(&a(&# /r(, &! &h# re-!e-&!( &h!e )h! ha1e -!"pa(e*
,rea&# a/!%& a(#&h(,0 &h!e )h! ha1e /ee( "!& -!(p-%!% /# &he
,rea&e& +a"e !r "+!r&%(e !r e("&e !r +!r&%(e !+ a(# 3(*: &he(
&h(3 )here are &he# a (!)7 S"!3e a(* ah a(* a &ae0 !r (!& e1e( a
&ae. A(* e& &here /e pree(& &! &h# "(* a! e1er#&h(, !+ &h !r&0
h!) Fa/% Ca&%(% 1e* ( &he -!%(&r#0 a(* L%-% L%p% ( h
,ar*e(0 a(* S&er&(% a& Baae0 a(* T/er% a& Capreae0 a(* e%
R%+% !r R%+% a& ea8 a(* ( +(e &h(3 !+ &he ea,er p%r%& !+
a(#&h(, -!(5!(e* )&h pr*e8 a(* h!) )!r&he e1er#&h(, a+&er
)h-h "e( 1!e(&# &ra(8 a(* h!) "%-h "!re ph!!ph-a & +!r a
"a( ( &he !pp!r&%(&e pree(&e* &! h" &! h!) h"e+ 5%&0
&e"pera&e0 !/e*e(& &! &he ,!*0 a(* &! *! &h )&h a "p-&#: +!r
&he pr*e )h-h pr!%* !+ & )a(& !+ pr*e &he "!& (&!era/e !+
a.
<?. T! &h!e )h! a30 Where ha& &h!% ee( &he ,!*0 !r h!) *!& &h!%
-!"prehe(* &ha& &he# e6& a(* ! )!rhppe& &he"0 I a()er0 ( &he
+r& pa-e0 &he# "a# /e ee( e1e( )&h &he e#e8 F!!&(!&e: ? ( &he
e-!(* pa-e0 (e&her ha1e I ee( e1e( "# !)( !%0 a(* #e& I h!(!r &.Th% &he( )&h repe-& &! &he ,!*0 +r!" )ha& I -!(&a(&# e6pere(-e !+
&her p!)er0 +r!" &h I -!"prehe(* &ha& &he# e6&0 a(* I 1e(era&e &he".
<@. The a+e&# !+ +e &h0 &! e6a"(e e1er#&h(, a &hr!%,h0 )ha&
& &e+0 &ha& & "a&era0 )ha& &he +!r"a par&8 )&h a &h#
!% &! *! 5%&-e a(* &! a# &he &r%&h. Wha& re"a(0 e6-ep& &! e(5!#
+e /# 5!((, !(e ,!!* &h(, &! a(!&her ! a (!& &! ea1e e1e( &he
"ae& (&er1a /e&)ee(7
=. There !(e ,h& !+ &he %(0 &h!%,h & (&err%p&e* /# )a0
"!%(&a(0 a(* !&her &h(, (+(&e. There !(e -!""!( %/&a(-e0&h!%,h & *&r/%&e* a"!(, -!%(&e /!*e )h-h ha1e &her e1era
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 96/111
$%a&e. There !(e !%0 &h!%,h & *&r/%&e* a"!(, (+(&e
(a&%re a(* (*1*%a -r-%"-rp&!( !r (*1*%a. There !(e
(&e,e(& !%0 &h!%,h & ee" &! /e *1*e*. N!) ( &he &h(, )h-h
ha1e /ee( "e(&!(e*0 a &he !&her par&0 %-h a &h!e )h-h are ar a(*
"a&&er0 are )&h!%& e(a&!( a(* ha1e (! +e!)hp: a(* #e& e1e( &hee
par& &he (&e,e(& pr(-pe h!* &!,e&her a(* &he ,ra1&a&!(&!)ar* &he a"e. B%& (&ee-& ( a pe-%ar "a((er &e(* &! &ha& )h-h
!+ &he a"e 3(0 a(* -!"/(e )&h &0 a(* &he +ee(, +!r -!""%(!(
(!& (&err%p&e*.
>. Wha& *!& &h!% )h022&! -!(&(%e &! e6&7 We0 *!& &h!% )h &!
ha1e e(a&!(0 "!1e"e(&0 ,r!)&h0 a(* &he( a,a( &! -eae &! ,r!)0 &! %e
&h# pee-h0 &! &h(37 Wha& &here !+ a &hee &h(, )h-h ee" &!
&hee )!r&h *er(,7 B%& + & ea# &! e& &&e 1a%e !( a &hee
&h(,0 &%r( &! &ha& )h-h re"a(0 )h-h &! +!!) rea!( a(* G!*.
B%& & (-!(&e(& )&h h!(!r(, rea!( a(* G!* &! /e &r!%/e*
/e-a%e /# *ea&h a "a( ) /e *epr1e* !+ &he !&her &h(,.
<. H!) "a a par& !+ &he /!%(*e a(* %(+a&h!"a/e &"e a,(e*
&! e1er# "a(0 +!r & 1er# !!( )a!)e* %p ( &he e&er(a A(* h!)
"a a par& !+ &he )h!e %/&a(-e8 a(* h!) "a a par& !+ &he
%(1era !%8 a(* !( )ha& a "a -!* !+ &he )h!e ear&h &h!%
-reepe& Re+e-&(, !( a &h0 -!(*er (!&h(, &! /e ,rea&0 e6-ep& &!
a-& a &h# (a&%re ea* &hee0 a(* &! e(*%re &ha& )h-h &he -!""!( (a&%re
/r(,.
. H!) *!e &he r%(, +a-%&# "a3e %e !+ &e+7 +!r a e ( &h.
B%& e1er#&h(, ee0 )he&her & ( &he p!)er !+ &h# ) !r (!&0
!(# +ee ahe a(* "!3e.
. Th re+e-&!( "!& a*ap&e* &! "!1e % &! -!(&e"p& !+ *ea&h0 &ha&
e1e( &h!e )h! &h(3 pea%re &! /e a ,!!* a(* pa( a( e1 & ha1e
*epe* &.
. The "a( &! )h!" &ha& !(# ,!!* )h-h -!"e ( *%e ea!(0 a(* &!
)h!" & &he a"e &h(, )he&her he ha *!(e "!re !r +e)er a-&
-!(+!r"a/e &! r,h& rea!(0 a(* &! )h!" & "a3e (! *++ere(-e )he&her
he -!(&e"pa&e &he )!r* +!r a !(,er !r a h!r&er &"e022+!r &h "a((e&her *ea&h a &err/e &h(, II. 8 I. <8 X. <=8 XII. <.
. Ma(0 &h!% ha& /ee( a -&9e( ( &h ,rea& &a&e &he )!r*8 )ha&
*++ere(-e *!e & "a3e &! &hee )he&her +!r +1e #ear !r &hree7 +!r
&ha& )h-h -!(+!r"a/e &! &he a) 5%& +!r a. Where &he
har*hp &he(0 + (! &#ra(& (!r #e& a( %(5%& 5%*,e e(* &hee a)a# +r!"
&he &a&e0 /%& (a&%re0 )h! /r!%,h& &hee (&! &7 &he a"e a + a prae&!r
)h! ha e"p!#e* a( a-&!r *"e h" +r!" &he &a,e.224B%& I ha1e (!&
+(he* &he +1e a-&0 /%& !(# &hree !+ &he".422Th!% a#e& )e0 /%&
( +e &he &hree a-& are &he )h!e *ra"a8 +!r )ha& ha /e a -!"pe&e
*ra"a *e&er"(e* /# h" )h! )a !(-e &he -a%e !+ & -!"p!&!(0 a(*(!) !+ & *!%&!(: /%& &h!% ar& &he -a%e !+ (e&her. Depar& &he(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 97/111
a&+e*0 +!r he a! )h! reeae &hee a&+e*.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS.
I& ha /ee( a* &ha& &he S&!- ph!!ph# +r& h!)e* & rea 1a%e
)he( & pae* +r!" Gree-e &! R!"e. The *!-&r(e !+ Je(! a(* h
%--e!r )ere )e %&e* &! &he ,ra1&# a(* pra-&-a ,!!* e(e !+
&he R!"a(8 a(* e1e( ( &he Rep%/-a( per!* )e ha1e a( e6a"pe !+ a
"a(0 M. Ca&! U&-e(0 )h! 1e* &he +e !+ a S&!- a(* *e*
-!(&e(&# )&h &he !p(!( )h-h he pr!+ee*. He )a a "a(0 a#
C-er!0 )h! e"/ra-e* &he S&!- ph!!ph# +r!" -!(1-&!(8 (!& +!r &he
p%rp!e !+ 1a( *-%!(0 a "!& **0 /%& ( !r*er &! "a3e h +e
-!(+!r"a/e &! &he S&!- pre-ep&. I( &he )re&-he* &"e +r!" &he *ea&h!+ A%,%&% &! &he "%r*er !+ D!"&a(0 &here )a (!&h(, /%& &he S&!-
ph!!ph# )h-h -!%* -!(!e a(* %pp!r& &he +!!)er !+ &he !*
re,!( %(*er "pera &#ra((# a(* a"*& %(1era -!rr%p&!(. There
)ere e1e( &he( (!/e "(* &ha& -!%* *are a(* e(*%re0 %&a(e* /# a
,!!* -!(-e(-e a(* a( ee1a&e* *ea !+ &he p%rp!e !+ "a(' e6&e(-e.
S%-h )ere Pae&% Thra-a0 He1*% Pr-%0 C!r(%&%0 C. M%!(% R%+%0
a(* &he p!e& Per% a(* ;%1e(a0 )h!e e(er,e&- a(,%a,e a(* "a(#
&h!%,h& "a# /e a (&r%-&1e &! % (!) a &he# ",h& ha1e /ee( &! &her
-!(&e"p!rare. Per% *e* %(*er Ner!' /!!*# re,(8 /%& ;%1e(a ha*
&he ,!!* +!r&%(e &! %r11e &he &#ra(& D!"&a( a(* &! ee &he /e&&er
&"e !+ Ner1a0 Tra5a(0 a(* Ha*ra(. H /e& pre-ep& are *er1e* +r!"
&he S&!- -h!!0 a(* &he# are e(+!r-e* ( h +(e& 1ere /# &he
%(r1ae* 1,!r !+ &he La&( a(,%a,e.
The /e& &)! e6p!%(*er !+ &he a&er S&!-a ph!!ph# )ere a Gree3
a1e a(* a R!"a( e"per!r. Ep-&e&%0 a Phr#,a( Gree30 )a /r!%,h& &!
R!"e0 )e 3(!) (!& h!)0 /%& he )a &here &he a1e a(* a+&er)ar* &he
+ree*"a( !+ h %()!r&h# "a&er0 Epaphr!*&%. L3e !&her ,rea& &ea-her
he )r!&e (!&h(,0 a(* )e are (*e/&e* &! h ,ra&e+% p%p Arra( +!r
)ha& )e ha1e !+ Ep-&e&%' *-!%re. Arra( )r!&e e,h& /!!3 !+ &he
*-!%re !+ Ep-&e&%0 !+ )h-h !(# +!%r re"a( a(* !"e +ra,"e(&. Weha1e a! +r!" Arra(' ha(* &he "a E(-hr*!( !r Ma(%a !+ &he -he+
pre-ep& !+ Ep-&e&%. There a 1a%a/e -!""e(&ar# !( &he E(-hr*!(
/# S"p-%0 )h! 1e* ( &he &"e !+ &he e"per!r ;%&(a(.
A(&!((% ( h +r& /!!3 I. 0 ( )h-h he ,ra&e+%# -!""e"!ra&e
h !/,a&!( &! h &ea-her0 a# &ha& he )a "a*e a-$%a(&e* /#
;%(% R%&-% )&h &he *-!%re !+ Ep-&e&%0 )h!" he "e(&!( a!
( !&her paa,e I. >8 XI 0 . I(*ee*0 &he *!-&r(e !+ Ep-&e&%
a(* A(&!((% are &he a"e0 a(* Ep-&e&% &he /e& a%&h!r&# +!r &he
e6pa(a&!( !+ &he ph!!ph-a a(,%a,e !+ A(&!((% a(* &he e6p!&!(
!+ h !p(!(. B%& &he "e&h!* !+ &he &)! ph!!pher e(&re#*++ere(&. Ep-&e&% a**ree* h"e+ &! h hearer ( a -!(&(%!%
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 98/111
*-!%re a(* ( a +a"ar a(* "pe "a((er. A(&!((% )r!&e *!)( h
re+e-&!( +!r h !)( %e !(#0 ( h!r&0 %(-!((e-&e* para,raph0 )h-h
are !+&e( !/-%re. F!!&(!&e: @
The )a(& !+ arra(,e"e(& ( &he !r,(a a(* !+ -!((e-&!( a"!(, &he
(%"er!% para,raph0 &he -!rr%p&!( !+ &he &e6&0 &he !/-%r&# !+ &hea(,%a,e a(* &he &#e0 a(* !"e&"e perhap &he -!(+%!( ( &he
)r&er' !)( *ea022/e*e a &h0 &here !--a!(a# a( appare(&
-!(&ra*-&!( ( &he e"per!r' &h!%,h&0 a + h pr(-pe )ere
!"e&"e %(e&&e*0 a + *!%/& !"e&"e -!%*e* h "(*. A "a( )h!
ea* a +e !+ &ra($%&# a(* re+e-&!(0 )h! (!& *&%r/e* a& h!"e
a(* "e**e (!& )&h &he a++ar !+ &he )!r*0 "a# 3eep h "(* a& eae
a(* h &h!%,h& ( !(e e1e( -!%re. B%& %-h a "a( ha (!& /ee( &re*.
A h E&h-a ph!!ph# a(* h pa1e 1r&%e ",h& &%r( !%& &! /e
*e )!r*0 + he )ere !(-e e6p!e* &! &he r%*e rea&e !+ h%"a(
e6&e(-e. F(e &h!%,h& a(* "!ra *er&a&!( +r!" "e( )h! ha1e (!&
)!r3e* a(* %++ere* "a# /e rea*0 /%& &he# ) /e +!r,!&&e(. N! re,!(0(! E&h-a ph!!ph# )!r&h a(#&h(,0 + &he &ea-her ha (!& 1e* &he
4+e !+ a( ap!&e04 a(* /ee( rea*# &! *e 4&he *ea&h !+ a "ar&#r.4 4N!&
( pa1&# &he pa1e a++e-& /%& ( a-&1&# e &he e1 a(* &he
,!!* !+ &he ra&!(a !-a a("a0 5%& a h 1r&%e a(* h 1-e e
(!& ( pa1� /%& ( a-&1 IX. >. The e"per!r A(&!((% )a a
pra-&-a "!ra&. Fr!" h #!%&h he +!!)e* a a/!r!% *-p(e0
a(* &h!%,h h h,h &a&!( pa-e* h" a/!1e a )a(& !r &he +ear !+ &0
he 1e* a +r%,a# a(* &e"pera&e# a &he p!!re& ph!!pher.
Ep-&e&% )a(&e* &&e0 a(* & ee" &ha& he a)a# ha* &he &&e &ha&
he )a(&e* a(* he )a -!(&e(& )&h &0 a he ha* /ee( )&h h er1e
&a&!(. B%& A(&!((% a+&er h a--e!( &! &he e"pre a& !( a( %(ea#
ea&. He ha* &he a*"(&ra&!( !+ a( e"pre )h-h e6&e(*e* +r!" &he
E%phra&e &! &he A&a(&-0 +r!" &he -!* "!%(&a( !+ S-!&a(* &! &he h!&
a(* !+ A+r-a8 a(* )e "a# "a,(e0 &h!%,h )e -a((!& 3(!) & /#
e6pere(-e0 )ha& "%& /e &he &ra0 &he &r!%/e0 &he a(6e� a(* &he
!rr!) !+ h" )h! ha &he )!r*' /%(e !( h ha(*0 )&h &he )h
&! *! &he /e& &ha& he -a(0 a(* &he -er&a( 3(!)e*,e &ha& he -a( *! 1er#
&&e !+ &he ,!!* )h-h he )he.
I( &he "*& !+ )ar0 pe&e(-e0 -!(pra-#0 ,e(era -!rr%p&!(0 a(* )&h
&he )e,h& !+ ! %()e*# a( e"pre %p!( h"0 )e "a# ea# -!"prehe(*&ha& A(&!((% !+&e( ha* (ee* !+ a h +!r&&%*e &! %pp!r& h". The
/e& a(* &he /ra1e& "e( ha1e "!"e(& !+ *!%/& a(* !+ )ea3(e8 /%& +
&he# are &he /e& a(* &he /ra1e&0 &he# re a,a( +r!" &her *epre!(
/# re-%rr(, &! +r& pr(-pe0 a A(&!((% *!e. The e"per!r a#
&ha& +e "!3e0 a 1ap!r0 a(* S&. ;a"e ( h Ep&e !+ &he a"e
"(*8 &ha& &he )!r* +% !+ e(1!%0 5ea!%0 "a,(a(& pe!pe0 a(* a
"a( ",h& /e )e -!(&e(& &! ,e& !%& !+ &. He ha *!%/& perhap
!"e&"e e1e( a/!%& &ha& &! )h-h he h!* "!& +r"#. There are !(# a
+e) paa,e !+ &h 3(*0 /%& &he# are e1*e(-e !+ &he &r%,,e )h-h
e1e( &he (!/e& !+ &he !( !+ "e( ha* &! "a(&a( a,a(& &he har*
rea&e !+ h *a# +e. A p!!r re"ar3 & )h-h I ha1e ee(!"e)here0 a(* "a*e ( a *para,(, )a#0 &ha& &he e"per!r' re+e-&!(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 99/111
h!) &ha& he ha* (ee* !+ -!(!a&!( a(* -!"+!r& ( +e0 a(* e1e( &!
prepare h" &! "ee& h *ea&h. Tr%e &ha& he ** (ee* -!"+!r& a(* %pp!r&0
a(* )e ee h!) he +!%(* &. He -!(&a(&# re-%r &! h +%(*a"e(&a
pr(-pe &ha& &he %(1ere )e# !r*ere*0 &ha& e1er# "a( a par&
!+ & a(* "%& -!(+!r" &! &ha& !r*er )h-h he -a((!& -ha(,e0 &ha&
)ha&e1er &he De&# ha *!(e ,!!*0 &ha& a "a(3(* are a "a(' /re&hre(0 &ha& he "%& !1e a(* -herh &he" a(* &r# &! "a3e &he" /e&&er0
e1e( &h!e )h! )!%* *! h" har". Th h -!(-%!( II. >: 4Wha&
&he( &ha& )h-h a/e &! -!(*%-& a "a(7 O(e &h(, a(* !(# !(e0
Ph!!ph#. B%& &h -!(& ( 3eep(, &he *1(&# )&h( a "a( +ree
+r!" 1!e(-e a(* %(har"e*0 %per!r &! pa( a(* pea%re0 *!(,
(!&h(, )&h!%& a p%rp!e (!r #e& +ae# a(* )&h h#p!-r#0 (!& +ee(,
&he (ee* !+ a(!&her "a(' *!(, !r (!& *!(, a(#&h(,8 a(* /e*e0
a--ep&(, a &ha& happe( a(* a &ha& a!&&e*0 a -!"(, +r!"
&he(-e0 )here1er & 0 +r!" )he(-e he h"e+ -a"e8 a(* +(a# )a&(,
+!r *ea&h )&h a -heer+% "(* a /e(, (!&h(, ee &ha( a *!%&!(
!+ &he ee"e(& !+ )h-h e1er# 1(, /e(, -!"p!%(*e*. B%& + &here (! har" &! &he ee"e(& &he"e1e ( ea-h -!(&(%a# -ha(,(, (&!
a(!&her0 )h# h!%* a "a( ha1e a(# apprehe(!( a/!%& &he -ha(,e a(*
*!%&!( !+ a &he ee"e(& h"e+7 +!r & a--!r*(, &! (a&%re8
a(* (!&h(, e1 &ha& a--!r*(, &! (a&%re.4
The Ph#- !+ A(&!((% &he 3(!)e*,e !+ &he Na&%re !+ &he U(1ere0
!+ & ,!1er("e(&0 a(* !+ &he rea&!( !+ "a(' (a&%re &! /!&h. He (a"e
&he %(1ere I. >0 4&he %(1era %/&a(-e04 a(* he a** &ha&
4rea!(4 ,!1er( &he %(1ere. He a! I. @ %e &he &er" 4%(1era
(a&%re4 !r 4(a&%re !+ &he %(1ere.4 He I. < -a &he %(1ere 4&he
!(e a(* a0 )h-h )e (a"e C!"! !r Or*er.4 I+ he e1er ee" &! %e
&hee ,e(era &er" a ,(+-a(& !+ &he A0 !+ a &ha& "a( -a( ( a(#
)a# -!(-e1e &! e6&0 he & !( !&her !--a!( pa(# *&(,%he
/e&)ee( Ma&&er0 Ma&era &h(,0 a(* Ca%e0 Or,(0 Rea!(. Th
-!(+!r"a/e &! Je(!' *!-&r(e &ha& &here are &)! !r,(a pr(-pe !+
a &h(,0 &ha& )h-h a-& a(* &ha& )h-h a-&e* %p!(. Tha& )h-h
a-&e* !( &he +!r"e "a&&er: &ha& )h-h a-& &he rea!(0 G!*0 )h!
e&er(a a(* !pera&e &hr!%,h a "a&&er0 a(* pr!*%-e a &h(,. S!
A(&!((% . < pea3 !+ &he rea!( )h-h per1a*e a %/&a(-e0 a(*
&hr!%,h a &"e /# +6e* per!* re1!%&!( a*"(&er &he %(1ere.
G!* e&er(a0 a(* Ma&&er e&er(a. I& G!* )h! ,1e +!r" &!"a&&er0 /%& he (!& a* &! ha1e -rea&e* "a&&er. A--!r*(, &! &h
1e)0 )h-h a !* a A(a6a,!ra0 G!* a(* "a&&er e6& (*epe(*e(�
/%& G!* ,!1er( "a&&er. Th *!-&r(e "p# &he e6pre!( !+ &he
+a-& !+ &he e6&e(-e /!&h !+ "a&&er a(* !+ G!*. The S&!- ** (!&
perpe6 &he"e1e )&h &he (!%/e $%e&!( !+ &he !r,( a(* (a&%re
!+ "a&&er. A(&!((% a! a%"e a /e,(((, !+ &h(,0 a )e (!) 3(!)
&he"8 /%& h a(,%a,e !"e&"e 1er# !/-%re.
Ma&&er -!(& !+ ee"e(&a par& !+ )h-h a "a&era !/5e-& are
"a*e. B%& (!&h(, per"a(e(& ( +!r". The (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere0
a--!r*(, &! A(&!((%' e6pre!( I. 0 4!1e (!&h(, ! "%-h a &!-ha(,e &he &h(, )h-h are0 a(* &! "a3e (e) &h(, 3e &he". F!r
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 100/111
e1er#&h(, &ha& e6& ( a "a((er &he ee* !+ &ha& )h-h ) /e. B%&
&h!% ar& &h(3(, !(# !+ ee* )h-h are -a& (&! &he ear&h !r (&! a
)!"/: /%& &h a 1er# 1%,ar (!&!(.4 A &h(, &he( are ( a
-!(&a(& +%6 a(* -ha(,e: !"e &h(, are *!1e* (&! &he ee"e(&0
!&her -!"e ( &her pa-e8 a(* ! &he 4)h!e %(1ere -!(&(%e e1er
#!%(, a(* per+e-&.4
Whe( )e !!3 a& &he "!&!( !+ &he pa(e&0 &he a-&!( !+ )ha& )e -a
,ra1&a&!(0 &he ee"e(&a -!"/(a&!( !+ %(!r,a(9e* /!*e a(* &her
re!%&!(0 &he pr!*%-&!( !+ pa(& a(* !+ 1(, /!*e0 &her
,e(era&!(0 ,r!)&h0 a(* &her *!%&!(0 )h-h )e -a &her *ea&h0 )e
!/er1e a re,%ar e$%e(-e !+ phe(!"e(a0 )h-h )&h( &he "& !+
e6pere(-e pree(& a(* pa&0 ! +ar a )e 3(!) &he pa&0 +6e* a(*
(1ara/e. B%& + &h (!& !0 + &he !r*er a(* e$%e(-e !+
phe(!"e(a0 a 3(!)( &! %0 are %/5e-& &! -ha(,e ( &he -!%re !+ a(
(+(&e pr!,re!(022a(* %-h -ha(,e -!(-e1a/e022)e ha1e (!&
*-!1ere*0 (!r ha )e e1er *-!1er0 &he )h!e !+ &he !r*er a(*e$%e(-e !+ phe(!"e(a0 ( )h-h e$%e(-e &here "a# /e (1!1e* a--!r*(,
&! & 1er# (a&%re0 &ha& 0 a--!r*(, &! & +6e* !r*er0 !"e 1ara&!(
!+ )ha& )e (!) -a &he Or*er !r Na&%re !+ Th(,. I& a! -!(-e1a/e
&ha& %-h -ha(,e ha1e &a3e( pa-e022-ha(,e ( &he !r*er !+ &h(,0 a
)e are -!"pee* /# &he "per+e-&!( !+ a(,%a,e &! -a &he"0 /%& )h-h
are (! -ha(,e8 a(* +%r&her & -er&a( &ha& !%r 3(!)e*,e !+ &he &r%e
e$%e(-e !+ a a-&%a phe(!"e(a0 a +!r (&a(-e &he phe(!"e(a !+
,e(era&!(0 ,r!)&h0 a(* *!%&!(0 a(* e1er "%& /e "per+e-&.
We *! (!& +are "%-h /e&&er )he( )e pea3 !+ Ca%e a(* E++e-& &ha( )he(
)e pea3 !+ Na&%re. F!r &he pra-&-a p%rp!e !+ +e )e "a# %e &he
&er" -a%e a(* e++e-& -!(1e(e(� a(* )e "a# +6 a *&(-& "ea((, &!
&he"0 *&(-& e(!%,h a& ea& &! pre1e(& a "%(*er&a(*(,. B%& &he
-ae *++ere(& )he( )e pea3 !+ -a%e a(* e++e-& a !+ Th(,. A
&ha& )e 3(!) phe(!"e(a0 a &he Gree3 -ae* &he"0 !r appeara(-e
)h-h +!!) !(e a(!&her ( a re,%ar !r*er0 a )e -!(-e1e &0 ! &ha&
+ !"e !(e phe(!"e(!( h!%* +a ( &he ere0 )e -!(-e1e &ha& &here
"%& e&her /e a( (&err%p&!( !+ &he ere0 !r &ha& !"e&h(, ee )
appear a+&er &he phe(!"e(!( )h-h ha +ae* &! appear0 a(* ) !--%p#
&he 1a-a(& pa-e8 a(* ! &he ere ( & pr!,re!( "a# /e "!*+e* !r
&!&a# -ha(,e*. Ca%e a(* e++e-& &he( "ea( (!&h(, ( &he e$%e(-e !+ (a&%ra phe(!"e(a /e#!(* )ha& I ha1e a*8 a(* &he rea -a%e0 !r &he
&ra(-e(*e(& -a%e0 a !"e )!%* -a &0 !+ ea-h %--e1e phe(!"e(!(
( &ha& )h-h &he -a%e !+ a &h(, )h-h are0 )h-h ha1e /ee(0
a(* )h-h ) /e +!re1er. Th% &he )!r* Crea&!( "a# ha1e a rea e(e
+ )e -!(*er & a &he +r&0 + )e -a( -!(-e1e a +r&0 ( &he
pree(& !r*er !+ (a&%ra phe(!"e(a8 /%& ( &he 1%,ar e(e a -rea&!( !+
a &h(, a& a -er&a( &"e0 +!!)e* /# a $%e-e(-e !+ &he +r&
-a%e0 a(* a( a/a(*!("e(& !+ a e$%e(-e !+ Phe(!"e(a &! &he a) !+
Na&%re0 !r &! &he !&her )!r* &ha& pe!pe "a# %e0 a/!%&e# a/%r*.
Ma( /e(, -!(-!% &ha& he a pr&%a p!)er !r a( (&ee-&%a p!)er0 !r &ha& he ha %-h a p!)er0 ( )ha&e1er )a# he -!(-e1e &ha& he
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 101/111
ha &022+!r I )h "p# &! &a&e a +a-&022+r!" &h p!)er )h-h he ha
( h"e+0 he e*0 a A(&!((% a#0 &! /ee1e &ha& &here a
,rea&er p!)er0 )h-h0 a &he !* S&!- &e %0 per1a*e &he )h!e
%(1ere a &he (&ee-& per1a*e "a(.
G!* e6& &he(0 /%& )ha& *! )e 3(!) !+ h (a&%re7 A(&!((% a# &ha&&he !% !+ "a( a( e++%6 +r!" &he *1(&#. We ha1e /!*e 3e
a("a0 /%& )e ha1e rea!(0 (&e,e(-e0 a &he ,!*. A("a ha1e +e
a(* )ha& )e -a (&(-& !r (a&%ra pr(-pe !+ a-&!(: /%& &he
ra&!(a a("a "a( a!(e ha a ra&!(a0 (&e,e(& !%. A(&!((%
(& !( &h -!(&(%a#: G!* ( "a(0 a(* ! )e "%& -!(&a(&#
a&&e(* &! &he *1(&# )&h( %0 +!r & !(# ( &h )a# &ha& )e -a(
ha1e a(# 3(!)e*,e !+ &he (a&%re !+ G!*. The h%"a( !% ( a e(e a
p!r&!( !+ &he *1(� a(* &he !% a!(e ha a(# -!""%(-a&!( )&h
&he De +!r a he a# XII. <: 4W&h h (&ee-&%a par& a!(e G!*
&!%-he &he (&e,e(-e !(# )h-h ha +!)e* a(* /ee( *er1e* +r!"
h"e+ (&! &hee /!*e.4 I( +a-& he a# &ha& )h-h h**e( )&h( a"a( +e0 &ha& &he "a( h"e+. A &he re& 1e&%re0 -!1er(,0
!r,a(0 (&r%"e(&0 )h-h &he 1(, "a(0 &he rea "a(0 %e +!r &he
p%rp!e !+ h pree(& e6&e(-e. The ar %(1era# *++%e* +!r h"
)h! a/e &! repre8 a(* ! +!r h" )h! )(, &! par&a3e !+ &
&he (&e,e(& p!)er0 )h-h h!* )&h( & a &h(,0 *++%e* a
)*e a(* +ree a &he ar III. . I& /# 1(, a *1(e +e &ha&
"a( appr!a-he &! a 3(!)e*,e !+ &he *1(&#. I& /# +!!)(, &he
*1(&# )&h(0 a A(&!((% -a &0 &ha& "a( -!"e (eare& &! &he
De� &he %pre"e ,!!*8 +!r "a( -a( (e1er a&&a( &! per+e-& a,ree"e(&
)&h h (&er(a ,%*e. 4L1e )&h &he ,!*. A(* he *!e 1e )&h &he
,!* )h! -!(&a(&# h!) &! &he" &ha& h !)( !% a&+e* )&h
&ha& )h-h a,(e* &! h"0 a(* &ha& & *!e a &he *ae"!( )he0
)h-h Je% ha&h ,1e( &! e1er# "a( +!r h ,%ar*a( a(* ,%*e0 a(* a
p!r&!( !+ h"e+. A(* &h *ae"!( e1er# "a(' %(*er&a(*(, a(*
rea!(4 . <.
There ( "a(0 &ha& ( &he rea!(0 &he (&e,e(-e0 a %per!r
+a-%&# )h-h + & e6er-e* r%e a &he re&. A "a( "%& re1ere(-e
!(# h r%(, +a-%&# a(* &he *1(&# )&h( h". A )e "%& re1ere(-e
&ha& )h-h %pre"e ( &he %(1ere0 ! )e "%& re1ere(-e &ha& )h-h
%pre"e ( !%re1e8 a(* &h &ha& )h-h !+ 3e 3(* )&h &ha&)h-h %pre"e ( &he %(1ere . <>.
A(&!((% pea3 !+ a "a(' -!(*e"(a&!( !+ h"e+ )he( &he *1(er par&
)&h( h" ha /ee( !1erp!)ere* a(* #e* &! &he e h!(!ra/e a(* &!
&he perha/e par&0 &he /!*#0 a(* & ,r! pea%re.
A(&!((% ** (!& 1e) G!* a(* &he "a&era %(1ere a &he a"e0 a(#
"!re &ha( he 1e)e* &he /!*# a(* !% !+ "a( a !(e. A(&!((% ha (!
pe-%a&!( !( &he a/!%&e (a&%re !+ &he De&#. I& )a (!& h +ah!(
&! )a&e h &"e !( )ha& "a( -a((!& %(*er&a(*. He )a a&+e* &ha&
G!* e6&0 &ha& he ,!1er( a &h(,0 &ha& "a( -a( !(# ha1e a("per+e-& 3(!)e*,e !+ h (a&%re0 a(* he "%& a&&a( &h "per+e-&
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 102/111
3(!)e*,e /# re1ere(-(, &he *1(&# )h-h )&h( h"0 a(* 3eep(, &
p%re.
Fr!" a &ha& ha /ee( a*0 & +!!) &ha& &he %(1ere a*"(&ere*
/# &he Pr!1*e(-e !+ G!* a(* &ha& a &h(, are )e# !r*ere*. There
are paa,e ( )h-h A(&!((% e6pree *!%/&0 !r &a&e *++ere(& p!/e &he!re !+ &he -!(&&%&!( a(* ,!1er("e(& !+ &he %(1ere8 /%&
he a)a# re-%r &! h +%(*a"e(&a pr(-pe8 &ha& + )e a*"& &he
e6&e(-e !+ a *e� )e "%& a! a*"& &ha& he !r*er a &h(, )e#
a(* )e I. <8 I. >8 IX. <?8 XII. .
B%& + a &h(, are )e# !r*ere*0 h!) &he )!r* ! +% !+ )ha& )e
-a e10 ph#-a a(* "!ra7 I+ (&ea* !+ a#(, &ha& &here e1 (
&he )!r*0 )e %e &he e6pre!( )h-h I ha1e %e*0 4)ha& )e -a e104
)e ha1e par&# a(&-pa&e* &he e"per!r' a()er. We ee a(* +ee a(* 3(!)
"per+e-&# 1er# +e) &h(, ( &he +e) #ear &ha& )e 1e0 a(* a &he
3(!)e*,e a(* a &he e6pere(-e !+ a &he h%"a( ra-e p!&1e,(!ra(-e !+ &he )h!e0 )h-h (+(&e. N!)0 a !%r rea!( &ea-he %
&ha& e1er#&h(, ( !"e )a# rea&e* &! a(* -!((e-&e* )&h e1er# !&her
&h(,0 a (!&!( !+ e1 a /e(, ( &he %(1ere !+ &h(, a
-!(&ra*-&!(8 +!r + &he )h!e -!"e +r!" a(* ,!1er(e* /# a(
(&e,e(& /e(,0 & "p!/e &! -!(-e1e a(#&h(, ( & )h-h
&e(* &! &he e1 !r *e&r%-&!( !+ &he )h!e II. 8 X. .
E1er#&h(, ( -!(&a(& "%&a&!(0 a(* #e& &he )h!e %/&. We ",h&
"a,(e &he !ar #&e" re!1e* (&! & ee"e(&a par&0 a(* #e& &he
)h!e )!%* & %/& 4e1er #!%(, a(* per+e-&.4
A &h(,0 a +!r"0 are *!1e* a(* (e) +!r" appear. A 1(,
&h(, %(*er,! &he -ha(,e )h-h )e -a *ea&h. I+ )e -a *ea&h a( e10
&he( a -ha(,e a( e1. L1(, /e(, a! %++er pa(0 a(* "a(
%++er "!& !+ a0 +!r he %++er /!&h ( a(* /# h /!*# a(* /# h
(&e,e(& par&. Me( %++er a! +r!" !(e a(!&her0 a(* perhap &he
ar,e& par& !+ h%"a( %++er(, -!"e &! "a( +r!" &h!e )h!" he -a h
/r!&her. A(&!((% a#0 III. 4Ge(era#0 )-3e*(e *!e (! har"
a& a &! &he %(1ere8 a(* par&-%ar#0 &he )-3e*(e !+ !(e "a(
*!e (! har" &! a(!&her. I& !(# har"+% &! h" )h! ha & ( h
p!)er &! /e reeae* +r!" & a !!( a he ha -h!!e.4 The +r& par&!+ &h per+e-&# -!(&e(& )&h &he *!-&r(e &ha& &he )h!e -a(
%&a( (! e1 !r har". The e-!(* par& "%& /e e6pa(e* /# &he S&!-
pr(-pe &ha& &here (! e1 ( a(#&h(, )h-h (!& ( !%r p!)er.
Wha& )r!(, )e %++er +r!" a(!&her h e10 (!& !%r. B%& &h a(
a*"!( &ha& &here e1 ( a !r&0 +!r he )h! *!e )r!(, *!e e10
a(* + !&her -a( e(*%re &he )r!(,0 & &here e1 ( &he )r!(,2
*!er. A(&!((% XI. >? ,1e "a(# e6-ee(& pre-ep& )&h repe-& &!
)r!(, a(* (5%re0 a(* h pre-ep& are pra-&-a. He &ea-he % &!
/ear )ha& )e -a((!& a1!*0 a(* h e!( "a# /e 5%& a %e+% &! h"
)h! *e(e &he /e(, a(* &he ,!1er("e(& !+ G!* a &! h" )h! /ee1e (
/!&h. There (! *re-& a()er ( A(&!((% &! &he !/5e-&!( )h-h "a# /e "a*e &! &he e6&e(-e a(* pr!1*e(-e !+ G!* /e-a%e !+ &he "!ra
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 103/111
*!r*er a(* %++er(, )h-h are ( &he )!r*0 e6-ep& &h a()er )h-h
he "a3e ( rep# &! &he %pp!&!( &ha& e1e( &he /e& "e( "a# /e
e6&(,%he* /# *ea&h. He a# + & !0 )e "a# /e %re &ha& + &
!%,h& &! ha1e /ee( !&her)e0 &he ,!* )!%* ha1e !r*ere* & !&her)e
XII. . H -!(1-&!( !+ &he )*!" )h-h )e "a# !/er1e ( &he
,!1er("e(& !+ &he )!r* &!! &r!(, &! /e *&%r/e* /# a(# appare(&rre,%ar&e ( &he !r*er !+ &h(,. Tha& &hee *!r*er e6& a
+a-&0 a(* &h!e )h! )!%* -!(-%*e +r!" &he" a,a(& &he /e(, a(*
,!1er("e(& !+ G!* -!(-%*e &!! ha&#. We a a*"& &ha& &here a(
!r*er ( &he "a&era )!r*0 a -!(&&%&!(0 a #&e"0 a rea&!( !+
par& &! !(e a(!&her a(* a +&(e !+ &he )h!e +!r !"e&h(,. S! ( &he
-!(&&%&!( !+ pa(& a(* !+ a("a &here a( !r*er0 a +&(e +!r
!"e e(*. S!"e&"e &he !r*er0 a )e -!(-e1e &0 (&err%p&e* a(* &he
e(*0 a )e -!(-e1e &0 (!& a&&a(e*. The ee*0 &he pa(&0 !r &he
a("a !"e&"e perhe /e+!re & ha pae* &hr!%,h a & -ha(,e
a(* *!(e a & %e. I& a--!r*(, &! Na&%re0 &ha& a +6e* !r*er0
+!r !"e &! perh ear# a(* +!r !&her &! *! a &her %e a(* ea1e%--e!r &! &a3e &her pa-e. S! "a( ha a -!rp!rea a(* (&ee-&%a
a(* "!ra -!(&&%&!( +& +!r -er&a( %e0 a(* !( &he )h!e "a(
per+!r" &hee %e0 *e0 a(* ea1e !&her "e( ( h pa-e. S! !-e&#
e6&0 a(* a !-a &a&e "a(+e&# &he (a&%ra &a&e !+ "a(022&he
&a&e +!r )h-h h (a&%re +& h"0 a(* !-e&# a"*& ((%"era/e
rre,%ar&e a(* *!r*er & %/&8 a(* perhap )e "a# a# &ha&
&he h&!r# !+ &he pa& a(* !%r pree(& 3(!)e*,e ,1e % a rea!(a/e
h!pe &ha& & *!r*er ) *"(h0 a(* &ha& !r*er0 & ,!1er((,
pr(-pe "a# /e "!re +r"# e&a/he*. A !r*er &he(0 a +6e* !r*er0
)e "a# a#0 %/5e-& &! *e1a&!( rea !r appare(&0 "%& /e a*"&&e* &!
e6& ( &he )h!e (a&%re !+ &h(,0 &ha& )h-h )e -a *!r*er !r e10
a & ee" &! %0 *!e (!& ( a(# )a# a&er &he +a-& !+ &he ,e(era
-!(&&%&!( !+ &h(, ha1(, a (a&%re !r +6e* !r*er. N!/!*# )
-!(-%*e +r!" &he e6&e(-e !+ *!r*er &ha& !r*er (!& &he r%e0 +!r
&he e6&e(-e !+ !r*er /!&h ph#-a a(* "!ra pr!1e* /# *a#
e6pere(-e a(* a pa& e6pere(-e. We -a((!& -!(-e1e h!) &he !r*er !+
&he %(1ere "a(&a(e*: )e -a((!& e1e( -!(-e1e h!) !%r !)( +e +r!"
*a# &! *a# -!(&(%e*0 (!r h!) )e per+!r" &he "pe& "!1e"e(& !+ &he
/!*#0 (!r h!) )e ,r!) a(* &h(3 a(* a-&0 &h!%,h )e 3(!) "a(# !+ &he
-!(*&!( )h-h are (e-ear# +!r a &hee +%(-&!(. K(!)(, (!&h(,
&he( !+ &he %(ee( p!)er )h-h a-& ( !%re1e e6-ep& /# )ha& *!(e0)e 3(!) (!&h(, !+ &he p!)er )h-h a-& &hr!%,h )ha& )e -a a &"e a(*
a pa-e8 /%& ee(, &ha& &here a (a&%re !r +6e* !r*er ( a &h(,
3(!)( &! %0 & -!(+!r"a/e &! &he (a&%re !+ !%r "(* &! /ee1e &ha&
&h %(1era Na&%re ha a -a%e )h-h !pera&e -!(&(%a#0 a(* &ha& )e
are &!&a# %(a/e &! pe-%a&e !( &he rea!( !+ a(# !+ &h!e *!r*er
!r e1 )h-h )e per-e1e. Th I /ee1e &he a()er )h-h "a# /e
-!e-&e* +r!" a &ha& A(&!((% ha a*.
The !r,( !+ e1 a( !* $%e&!(. A-he &e Pra" &ha& Je% ha
&)! -a30 !(e +e* )&h ,!!* &h(,0 a(* &he !&her )&h /a*0 a(* &ha&
he ,1e &! "e( !%& !+ ea-h a--!r*(, &! h pea%re8 a(* ! )e "%& /e-!(&e(&0 +!r )e -a((!& a&er &he ) !+ Je%. O(e !+ &he Gree3
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 104/111
-!""e(&a&!r a3 h!) "%& )e re-!(-e &h *!-&r(e )&h )ha& )e +(*
( &he +r& /!!3 !+ &he O*#e#0 )here &he 3(, !+ &he ,!* a#0 4Me(
a# &ha& e1 -!"e &! &he" +r!" %0 /%& &he# /r(, & !( &he"e1e
&hr!%,h &her !)( +!#.4 The a()er pa( e(!%,h e1e( &! &he Gree3
-!""e(&a&!r. The p!e& "a3e /!&h A-he a(* Je% pea3 appr!pra&e# &!
&her e1era -hara-&er. I(*ee*0 Je% a# pa(# &ha& "e( *! a&&r/%&e&her %++er(, &! &he ,!*0 /%& &he# *! & +ae#0 +!r &he# are &he
-a%e !+ &her !)( !rr!).
Ep-&e&% ( h E(-hr*!( "a3e h!r& )!r3 !+ &he $%e&!( !+ e1. He
a#0 4A a "ar3 (!& e& %p +!r &he p%rp!e !+ "(, &0 ! (e&her
*!e &he (a&%re !+ e1 e6& ( &he %(1ere.4 Th ) appear !/-%re
e(!%,h &! &h!e )h! are (!& a-$%a(&e* )&h Ep-&e&%0 /%& he a)a#
3(!) )ha& he &a3(, a/!%&. We *! (!& e& %p a "ar3 ( !r*er &! "
&0 &h!%,h )e "a# " &. G!*0 )h!e e6&e(-e Ep-&e&% a%"e0 ha
(!& !r*ere* a &h(, ! &ha& h p%rp!e ha +a. Wha&e1er &here "a#
/e !+ )ha& )e -a e10 &he (a&%re !+ e10 a he e6pree &0 *!e (!&e6&8 &ha& 0 e1 (!& a par& !+ &he -!(&&%&!( !r (a&%re !+
&h(,. I+ &here )ere a pr(-pe !+ e1 ( &he -!(&&%&!( !+ &h(,0
e1 )!%* (! !(,er /e e10 a S"p-% ar,%e0 /%& e1 )!%* /e
,!!*.
O(e paa,e "!re ) -!(-%*e &h "a&&er. I& -!(&a( a &ha& &he
e"per!r -!%* a#: 4T! ,! +r!" a"!(, "e(0 + &here are ,!*0 (!& a
&h(, &! /e a+ra* !+0 +!r &he ,!* ) (!& (1!1e &hee ( e18 /%& +
(*ee* &he# *! (!& e6&0 !r + &he# ha1e (! -!(-er( a/!%& h%"a( a++ar0
)ha& & &! "e &! 1e ( a %(1ere *e1!* !+ ,!* !r *e1!* !+
pr!1*e(-e7 B%& ( &r%&h &he# *! e6&0 a(* &he# *! -are +!r h%"a(
&h(,0 a(* &he# ha1e p%& a &he "ea( ( "a(' p!)er &! e(a/e h" (!&
&! +a (&! rea e1. A(* a &! &he re&0 + &here )a a(#&h(, e10
&he# )!%* ha1e pr!1*e* +!r &h a!0 &ha& & h!%* /e a&!,e&her ( a
"a(' p!)er (!& &! +a (&! &. B%& &ha& )h-h *!e (!& "a3e a "a(
)!re0 h!) -a( & "a3e a "a(' +e )!re7 B%& (e&her &hr!%,h ,(!ra(-e0
(!r ha1(, &he 3(!)e*,e /%& (!& &he p!)er &! ,%ar* a,a(& !r -!rre-&
&hee &h(,0 & p!/e &ha& &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere ha
!1er!!3e* &he"8 (!r & p!/e &ha& & ha "a*e ! ,rea& a "&a3e0
e&her &hr!%,h )a(& !+ p!)er !r )a(& !+ 30 &ha& ,!!* a(* e1 h!%*
happe( (*-r"(a&e# &! &he ,!!* a(* &he /a*. B%& *ea&h -er&a(# a(*+e0 h!(!r a(* *h!(!r0 pa( a(* pea%re0 a &hee &h(, e$%a#
happe( &! ,!!* a(* /a* "e(0 /e(, &h(, )h-h "a3e % (e&her /e&&er (!r
)!re. There+!re &he# are (e&her ,!!* (!r e1.4
The E&h-a par& !+ A(&!((%' Ph!!ph# +!!) +r!" h ,e(era
pr(-pe. The e(* !+ a h ph!!ph# &! 1e -!(+!r"a/# &!
Na&%re0 /!&h a "a(' !)( (a&%re a(* &he (a&%re !+ &he %(1ere. Bh!p
B%&er ha e6pa(e* )ha& &he Gree3 ph!!pher "ea(& )he( &he# p!3e !+
1(, a--!r*(, &! Na&%re0 a(* he a# &ha& )he( & e6pa(e*0 a he
ha e6pa(e* & a(* a &he# %(*er&!!* &0 & 0 4a "a((er !+ pea3(,
(!& !!e a(* %(*e&er"(a&e0 /%& -ear a(* *&(-&0 &r-&# 5%& a(*&r%e.4 T! 1e a--!r*(, &! Na&%re &! 1e a--!r*(, &! a "a(' )h!e
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 105/111
(a&%re0 (!& a--!r*(, &! a par& !+ &0 a(* &! re1ere(-e &he *1(&#
)&h( h" a &he ,!1er(!r !+ a h a-&!(. 4T! &he ra&!(a a("a
&he a"e a-& a--!r*(, &! (a&%re a(* a--!r*(, &! rea!(.4 Tha& )h-h
*!(e -!(&rar# &! rea!( a! a( a-& -!(&rar# &! (a&%re0 &! &he
)h!e (a&%re0 &h!%,h & -er&a(# -!(+!r"a/e &! !"e par& !+ "a('
(a&%re0 !r & -!%* (!& /e *!(e. Ma( "a*e +!r a-&!(0 (!& +!r *e(e!r pea%re. A pa(& a(* a("a *! &he %e !+ &her (a&%re0 ! "a(
"%& *! h . >.
Ma( "%& a! 1e -!(+!r"a/# &! &he %(1era (a&%re0 -!(+!r"a/# &!
&he (a&%re !+ a &h(, !+ )h-h he !(e8 a(* a a -&9e( !+ a
p!&-a -!""%(&# he "%& *re-& h +e a(* a-&!( )&h re+ere(-e &!
&h!e a"!(, )h!"0 a(* +!r )h!"0 a"!(, !&her p%rp!e0 he 1e. A "a(
"%& (!& re&re (&! !&%*e a(* -%& h"e+ !++ +r!" h +e!)2"e(. He
"%& /e e1er a-&1e &! *! h par& ( &he ,rea& )h!e. A "e( are h
3(0 (!& !(# ( /!!*0 /%& & "!re /# par&-pa&(, ( &he a"e
(&e,e(-e a(* /# /e(, a p!r&!( !+ &he a"e *1(&#. A "a( -a((!&rea# /e (5%re* /# h /re&hre(0 +!r (! a-& !+ &her -a( "a3e h" /a*0
a(* he "%& (!& /e a(,r# )&h &he" (!r ha&e &he": 4F!r )e are "a*e +!r
-!2!pera&!(0 3e +ee&0 3e ha(*0 3e e#e*0 3e &he r!) !+ &he
%pper a(* !)er &ee&h. T! a-& a,a(& !(e a(!&her &he( -!(&rar# &!
(a&%re8 a(* & a-&(, a,a(& !(e a(!&her &! /e 1e6e* a(* &! &%r(
a)a#4 II. >.
F%r&her he a#: 4Ta3e pea%re ( !(e &h(,0 a(* re& ( & ( pa(,
+r!" !(e !-a a-& &! a(!&her !-a a-&0 &h(3(, !+ G!*4 I. .
A,a(: 4L!1e "a(3(*. F!!) G!*4 I. >. I& &he -hara-&er&- !+
&he ra&!(a !% +!r a "a( &! !1e h (e,h/!r XI. >. A(&!((%
&ea-he ( 1ar!% paa,e &he +!r,1e(e !+ (5%re0 a(* )e 3(!) &ha&
he a! pra-&-e* )ha& he &a%,h&. Bh!p B%&er re"ar3 &ha& 4&h *1(e
pre-ep& &! +!r,1e (5%re a(* &! !1e !%r e(e"e0 &h!%,h &! /e "e&
)&h ( Ge(&e "!ra&0 #e& ( a pe-%ar e(e a pre-ep& !+
Chr&a(� a !%r Sa1!%r ha (&e* "!re %p!( & &ha( !( a(# !&her
(,e 1r&%e.4 The pra-&e !+ &h pre-ep& &he "!& *++-%& !+ a
1r&%e. A(&!((% !+&e( e(+!r-e & a(* ,1e % a* &!)ar* +!!)(,
&. Whe( )e are (5%re*0 )e +ee a(,er a(* ree(&"e(&0 a(* &he +ee(,
(a&%ra0 5%&0 a(* %e+% +!r &he -!(er1a&!( !+ !-e&#. I& %e+%
&ha& )r!(,2*!er h!%* +ee &he (a&%ra -!(e$%e(-e !+ &her a-&!(0a"!(, )h-h &he *appr!/a&!( !+ !-e&# a(* &he ree(&"e(& !+ h"
)h! )r!(,e*. B%& re1e(,e0 ( &he pr!per e(e !+ &ha& )!r*0 "%& (!&
/e pra-&-e*. 4The /e& )a# !+ a1e(,(, &h#e+04 a# &he e"per!r0 4
(!& &! /e-!"e 3e0 &he )r!(,*!er.4 I& pa( /# &h &ha& he *!e (!&
"ea( &ha& )e h!%* ( a(# -ae pra-&e re1e(,e8 /%& he a# &! &h!e
)h! &a3 !+ re1e(,(, )r!(,0 4Be (!& 3e h" )h! ha *!(e &he )r!(,.
Whe( a "a( ha *!(e &hee a(# )r!(,0 ""e*a&e# -!(*er )&h )ha&
!p(!( a/!%& ,!!* !r e1 he ha *!(e )r!(,. F!r )he( &h!% ha& ee(
&h0 &h!% )& p&# h"0 a(* )& (e&her )!(*er (!r /e a(,r#4 II.
<. A(&!((% )!%* (!& *e(# &ha& )r!(, (a&%ra# pr!*%-e &he +ee(,
!+ a(,er a(* ree(&"e(&0 +!r &h "pe* ( &he re-!""e(*a&!( &!re+e-& !( &he (a&%re !+ &he "a(' "(* )h! ha *!(e &he )r!(,0 a(* &he(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 106/111
#!% ) ha1e p&# (&ea* !+ ree(&"e(&8 a(* ! & -!"e &! &he a"e a
S&. Pa%' a*1-e &! /e a(,r# a(* ( (!&8 )h-h0 a B%&er )e e6pa(
&0 (!& a re-!""e(*a&!( &! /e a(,r#0 )h-h (!/!*# (ee*0 +!r a(,er
a (a&%ra pa!(0 /%& & a )ar((, a,a(& a!)(, a(,er &! ea* %
(&! (. I( h!r& &he e"per!r' *!-&r(e a/!%& )r!(,+% a-& &h:
)r!(,2*!er *! (!& 3(!) )ha& ,!!* a(* /a* are: &he# !++e(* !%& !+ ,(!ra(-e0 a(* ( &he e(e !+ &he S&!- &h &r%e. Th!%,h &h 3(*
!+ ,(!ra(-e ) (e1er /e a*"&&e* a a e,a e6-%e0 a(* !%,h& (!& &!
/e a*"&&e* a a +% e6-%e ( a(# )a# /# !-e� &here "a# /e ,re1!%
(5%re0 %-h a & ( a "a(' p!)er &! +!r,1e )&h!%& har" &!
!-e a(* + he +!r,1e /e-a%e he ee &ha& h e(e"e 3(!) (!&
)ha& &he# *!0 he a-&(, ( &he pr& !+ &he %/"e pra#er0 4Fa&her0
+!r,1e &he"0 +!r &he# 3(!) (!& )ha& &he# *!.4
The e"per!r' "!ra ph!!ph# )a (!& a +ee/e0 (arr!) #&e"0 )h-h
&ea-he a "a( &! !!3 *re-&# &! h !)( happ(e0 &h!%,h a "a('
happ(e !r &ra($%&# (*re-&# pr!"!&e* /# 1(, a he !%,h& &!*!. A "a( "%& 1e -!(+!r"a/# &! &he %(1era (a&%re0 )h-h "ea(0 a
&he e"per!r e6pa( & ( "a(# paa,e0 &ha& a "a(' a-&!( "%& /e
-!(+!r"a/e &! h &r%e rea&!( &! a !&her h%"a( /e(,0 /!&h a a
-&9e( !+ a p!&-a -!""%(&# a(* a a "e"/er !+ &he )h!e h%"a(
+a"#. Th "pe0 a(* he !+&e( e6pree & ( &he "!& +!r-/e
a(,%a,e0 &ha& a "a(' )!r* a(* a-&!(0 ! +ar a &he# a++e-& !&her0
"%& /e "ea%re* /# a +6e* r%e0 )h-h &her -!(&e(-# )&h &he
-!(er1a&!( a(* &he (&ere& !+ &he par&-%ar !-e&# !+ )h-h he a
"e"/er0 a(* !+ &he )h!e h%"a( ra-e. T! 1e -!(+!r"a/# &! %-h a r%e0
a "a( "%& %e h ra&!(a +a-%&e ( !r*er &! *-er( -ear# &he
-!(e$%e(-e a(* +% e++e-& !+ a h a-&!( a(* !+ &he a-&!( !+
!&her: he "%& (!& 1e a +e !+ -!(&e"pa&!( a(* re+e-&!( !(#0
&h!%,h he "%& !+&e( re&re )&h( h"e+ &! -a" a(* p%r+# h !% /#
&h!%,h&0 /%& he "%& "(,e ( &he )!r3 !+ "a( a(* /e a +e!)2a/!rer
+!r &he ,e(era ,!!*.
A "a( h!%* ha1e a( !/5e-& !r p%rp!e ( +e0 &ha& he "a# *re-& a
h e(er,e &! &8 !+ -!%re a ,!!* !/5e-& II. . He )h! ha (!& !(e
!/5e-& !r p%rp!e !+ +e0 -a((!& /e !(e a(* &he a"e a &hr!%,h h
+e XI. <>. Ba-!( ha a re"ar3 &! &he a"e e++e-&0 !( &he /e& "ea(
!+ 4re*%-(, !+ &he "(* %(&! 1r&%e a(* ,!!* e&a&e8 )h-h 0 &heee-&(, a(* pr!p!%(*(, %(&! a "a(' e+ ,!!* a(* 1r&%!% e(* !+ h
+e0 %-h a "a# /e ( a rea!(a/e !r& )&h( h -!"pa &! a&&a(.4
He a happ# "a( )h! ha /ee( )e e(!%,h &! *! &h )he( he )a #!%(,
a(* ha ha* &he !pp!r&%(&e8 /%& &he e"per!r ee(, )e &ha& a "a(
-a((!& a)a# /e ! )e ( h #!%&h0 e(-!%ra,e h"e+ &! *! & )he(
he -a(0 a(* (!& &! e& +e p a)a# /e+!re he ha /e,%(. He )h! -a(
pr!p!e &! h"e+ ,!!* a(* 1r&%!% e(* !+ +e0 a(* /e &r%e &! &he"0
-a((!& +a &! 1e -!(+!r"a/# &! h !)( (&ere& a(* &he %(1era
(&ere&0 +!r ( &he (a&%re !+ &h(, &he# are !(e. I+ a &h(, (!&
,!!* +!r &he h1e0 & (!& ,!!* +!r &he /ee I. .
O(e paa,e "a# e(* &h "a&&er. 4I+ &he ,!* ha1e *e&er"(e* a/!%& "e
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 107/111
a(* a/!%& &he &h(, )h-h "%& happe( &! "e0 &he# ha1e *e&er"(e* )e0
+!r & (!& ea# e1e( &! "a,(e a *e&# )&h!%& +!re&h!%,h&8 a(* a &!
*!(, "e har"0 )h# h!%* &he# ha1e a(# *ere &!)ar* &ha&7 F!r )ha&
a*1a(&a,e )!%* re%& &! &he" +r!" &h !r &! &he )h!e0 )h-h &he
pe-a !/5e-& !+ &her pr!1*e(-e7 B%& + &he# ha1e (!& *e&er"(e* a/!%&
"e (*1*%a#0 &he# ha1e -er&a(# *e&er"(e* a/!%& &he )h!e a& ea&8a(* &he &h(, )h-h happe( /# )a# !+ e$%e(-e ( &h ,e(era
arra(,e"e(& I !%,h& &! a--ep& )&h pea%re a(* &! /e -!(&e(& )&h &he".
B%& + &he# *e&er"(e a/!%& (!&h(,22)h-h & )-3e* &! /ee1e0 !r +
)e *! /ee1e &0 e& % (e&her a-r+-e (!r pra# (!r )ear /# &he"0
(!r *! a(#&h(, ee )h-h )e *! a + &he ,!* )ere pree(& a(* 1e*
)&h %8 /%& + h!)e1er &he ,!* *e&er"(e a/!%& (!(e !+ &he &h(, )h-h
-!(-er( %0 I a" a/e &! *e&er"(e a/!%& "#e+0 a(* I -a( ($%re a/!%&
&ha& )h-h %e+%8 a(* &ha& %e+% &! e1er# "a( )h-h
-!(+!r"a/e &! h !)( -!(&&%&!( a(* (a&%re. B%& "# (a&%re ra&!(a
a(* !-a8 a(* "# -&# a(* -!%(&r#0 ! +ar a I a" A(&!((%0 R!"e8
/%& ! +ar a I a" a "a(0 & &he )!r*.4
I& )!%* /e &e*!%0 a(* & (!& (e-ear# &! &a&e &he e"per!r'
!p(!( !( a &he )a# ( )h-h a "a( "a# pr!+&a/# %e h
%(*er&a(*(, &!)ar* per+e-&(, h"e+ ( pra-&-a 1r&%e. The
paa,e &! &h p%rp!e are ( a par& !+ h /!!30 /%& a &he# are (
(! !r*er !r -!((e-&!(0 a "a( "%& %e &he /!!3 a !(, &"e /e+!re he
) +(* !%& a &ha& ( &. A +e) )!r* "a# /e a**e* here. I+ )e
a(a#9e a !&her &h(,0 )e +(* h!) (%++-e(& &he# are +!r h%"a(
+e0 a(* h!) &r%# )!r&he "a(# !+ &he" are. r&%e a!(e
(*1/e0 !(e0 a(* per+e-&# a&+#(,. The (!&!( !+ r&%e -a((!&
/e -!(*ere* 1a,%e !r %(e&&e*0 /e-a%e a "a( "a# +(* & *++-%& &!
e6pa( &he (!&!( +%# &! h"e+0 !r &! e6p!%(* & &! !&her ( %-h a
)a# a &! pre1e(& -a1(,. r&%e a )h!e0 a(* (! "!re -!(& !+
par& &ha( "a(' (&e,e(-e *!e8 a(* #e& )e pea3 !+ 1ar!%
(&ee-&%a +a-%&e a a -!(1e(e(& )a# !+ e6pre(, &he 1ar!%
p!)er )h-h "a(' (&ee-& h!) /# h )!r3. I( &he a"e )a# )e "a#
pea3 !+ 1ar!% 1r&%e !r par& !+ 1r&%e0 ( a pra-&-a e(e0 +!r
&he p%rp!e !+ h!)(, )ha& par&-%ar 1r&%e )e !%,h& &! pra-&e (
!r*er &! &he e6er-e !+ &he )h!e !+ 1r&%e0 &ha& 0 a "%-h a "a('
(a&%re -apa/e !+.
The pr"e pr(-pe ( "a(' -!(&&%&!( !-a. The (e6& ( !r*er
(!& &! #e* &! &he per%a!( !+ &he /!*#0 )he( &he# are (!&
-!(+!r"a/e &! &he ra&!(a pr(-pe0 )h-h "%& ,!1er(. The &hr*
+ree*!" +r!" err!r a(* +r!" *e-ep&!(. 4Le& &he( &he r%(, pr(-pe
h!*(, +a& &! &hee &h(, ,! &ra,h& !( a(* & ha )ha& & !)(4
II. . The e"per!r ee-& 5%&-e a &he 1r&%e )h-h &he /a
!+ a &he re& X. >>0 a(* &h ha* /ee( a* !(, /e+!re h &"e.
I& &r%e &ha& a pe!pe ha1e !"e (!&!( !+ )ha& "ea(& /# 5%&-e
a a *p!&!( !+ &he "(*0 a(* !"e (!&!( a/!%& a-&(, ( -!(+!r"&#
&! &h *p!&!(8 /%& e6pere(-e h!) &ha& "e(' (!&!( a/!%& 5%&-e are a -!(+%e* a &her a-&!( are (-!(&e(& )&h &he &r%e
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 108/111
(!&!( !+ 5%&-e. The e"per!r' (!&!( !+ 5%&-e -ear e(!%,h0 /%&
(!& pra-&-a e(!%,h +!r a "a(3(*. 4Le& &here /e +ree*!" +r!"
per&%r/a&!( )&h repe-& &! &he &h(, )h-h -!"e +r!" &he e6&er(a
-a%e8 a(* e& &here /e 5%&-e ( &he &h(, *!(e /# 1r&%e !+ &he
(&er(a -a%e0 &ha& 0 e& &here /e "!1e"e(& a(* a-&!( &er"(a&(, (
&h0 ( !-a a-&0 +!r &h a--!r*(, &! &h# (a&%re4 IX. >. I(a(!&her pa-e IX. > he a# &ha& 4he )h! a-& %(5%&# a-& "p!%#04
)h-h +!!) !+ -!%re +r!" a &ha& he a# ( 1ar!% pa-e. He
(& !( &he pra-&-e !+ &r%&h a a 1r&%e a(* a a "ea( &! 1r&%e0
)h-h (! *!%/& & : +!r #(, e1e( ( (*++ere(& &h(, )ea3e( &he
%(*er&a(*(,8 a(* #(, "a-!%# a ,rea& a "!ra !++e(-e a a "a(
-a( /e ,%&# !+0 1e)e* /!&h a h!)(, a( ha/&%a *p!&!(0 a(*
1e)e* )&h repe-& &! -!(e$%e(-e. He -!%pe &he (!&!( !+ 5%&-e
)&h a-&!(. A "a( "%& (!& pr*e h"e+ !( ha1(, !"e +(e (!&!( !+
5%&-e ( h hea*0 /%& he "%& e6h/& h 5%&-e ( a-&.
The S&!-0 a(* A(&!((% a"!(, &he"0 -a !"e &h(, /ea%&+% a(* !"e%,#0 a(* a &he# are /ea%&+% ! &he# are ,!!*0 a(* a &he# are %,# !
&he# are e10 !r /a* II. >. A &hee &h(,0 ,!!* a(* e10 are (
!%r p!)er0 a/!%&e# !"e !+ &he &r-&er S&!- )!%* a#8 ( a "a((er
!(#0 a &h!e )h! )!%* (!& *epar& a&!,e&her +r!" -!""!( e(e )!%*
a#8 pra-&-a# &he# are &! a ,rea& *e,ree ( &he p!)er !+ !"e per!(
a(* ( !"e -r-%"&a(-e0 /%& ( a "a *e,ree !(# ( !&her per!(
a(* ( !&her -r-%"&a(-e. The S&!- "a(&a( "a(' +ree ) a &! &he
&h(, )h-h are ( h p!)er8 +!r a &! &he &h(, )h-h are !%& !+ h
p!)er0 +ree ) &er"(a&(, ( a-&!( !+ -!%re e6-%*e* /# &he 1er#
&er" !+ &he e6pre!(. I har*# 3(!) + )e -a( *-!1er e6a-&#
A(&!((%' (!&!( !+ &he +ree ) !+ "a(0 (!r &he $%e&!( )!r&h &he
($%r#. Wha& he *!e "ea( a(* *!e a# (&e,/e. A &he &h(,
)h-h are (!& ( !%r p!)er are (*++ere(&: &he# are (e&her ,!!* (!r
/a*0 "!ra#. S%-h are +e0 hea&h0 )ea&h0 p!)er0 *eae0 p!1er� a(*
*ea&h. L+e a(* *ea&h are a "e(' p!r&!(. Hea&h0 )ea&h0 p!)er0
*eae0 a(* p!1er&# happe( &! "e(0 (*++ere(&# &! &he ,!!* a(* &! &he
/a*8 &! &h!e )h! 1e a--!r*(, &! (a&%re a(* &! &h!e )h! *! (!&.
4L+e04 a# &he e"per!r0 4 a )ar+are a(* a &ra(,er' !5!%r(0 a(*
a+&er +a"e !/1!(4 II. >. A+&er pea3(, !+ &h!e "e( )h! ha1e
*&%r/e* &he )!r* a(* &he( *e*0 a(* !+ &he *ea&h !+ ph!!pher %-h
a Hera-&%0 a(* De"!-r&%0 )h! )a *e&r!#e* /# -e0 a(* !+ S!-ra&e)h!" !&her -e h e(e"e *e&r!#e*0 he a#: 4Wha& "ea( a &h7
Th!% ha& e"/ar3e*0 &h!% ha& "a*e &he 1!#a,e0 &h!% ar& -!"e &! h!re8
,e& !%&. I+ (*ee* &! a(!&her +e0 &here (! )a(& !+ ,!*0 (!& e1e(
&here. B%& + &! a &a&e )&h!%& e(a&!(0 &h!% )& -eae &! /e he* /#
pa( a(* pea%re0 a(* &! /e a a1e &! &he 1ee )h-h a "%-h
(+er!r a &ha& )h-h er1e & %per!r: +!r &he !(e (&e,e(-e
a(* De &he !&her ear&h a(* -!rr%p&!(4 III. . I& (!& *ea&h
&ha& a "a( h!%* +ear0 /%& he h!%* +ear (e1er /e,(((, &! 1e
a--!r*(, &! (a&%re XII. >. E1er# "a( h!%* 1e ( %-h a )a# a &!
*-har,e h *%� a(* &! &r!%/e h"e+ a/!%& (!&h(, ee. He h!%*
1e %-h a +e &ha& he ha a)a# /e rea*# +!r *ea&h0 a(* ha*epar& -!(&e(& )he( &he %""!( -!"e. F!r )ha& *ea&h7 4A -ea&!( !+
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 109/111
&he "pre!( &hr!%,h &he e(e0 a(* !+ &he p%(, !+ &he &r(,
)h-h "!1e &he appe&&e0 a(* !+ &he *-%r1e "!1e"e(& !+ &he
&h!%,h&0 a(* !+ &he er1-e &! &he +eh4 I. <?. Dea&h %-h a
,e(era&!( 0 a "#&er# !+ (a&%re I. . I( a(!&her paa,e IX. 0
&he e6a-& "ea((, !+ )h-h perhap *!%/&+%0 he pea3 !+ &he -h*
)h-h ea1e &he )!"/0 a(* ! he a# &he !% a& *ea&h ea1e &e(1e!pe.
A(&!((%' !p(!( !+ a +%&%re +e (!)here -ear# e6pree*. H
*!-&r(e !+ &he (a&%re !+ &he !% !+ (e-e&# "pe &ha& & *!e (!&
perh a/!%&e#0 +!r a p!r&!( !+ &he *1(&# -a((!& perh. The
!p(!( a& ea& a !* a &he &"e !+ Ep-har"% a(* E%rp*e8 )ha&
-!"e +r!" ear&h ,!e /a-3 &! ear&h0 a(* )ha& -!"e +r!" hea1e(0 &he
*1(� re&%r( &! h" )h! ,a1e &. B%& I +(* (!&h(, -ear (
A(&!((% a &! &he (!&!( !+ &he "a( e6&(, a+&er *ea&h ! a &! /e
-!(-!% !+ h a"e(e )&h &ha& !% )h-h !--%pe* h 1ee !+
-a#. He ee" &! /e perpe6e* !( &h "a&&er0 a(* +(a# &! ha1e re&e*( &h0 &ha& G!* !r &he ,!* ) *! )ha&e1er /e&0 a(* -!(&e(&
)&h &he %(1er&# !+ &h(,.
N!r0 I &h(30 *!e he pea3 -!(-%1e# !( a(!&her S&!- *!-&r(e0 )h-h
!"e S&!- pra-&-e*022&he a(&-pa&(, &he re,%ar -!%re !+ (a&%re /#
a "a(' !)( a-&. The rea*er ) +(* !"e paa,e ( )h-h &h
&!%-he* !(0 a(* he "a# "a3e !+ &he" )ha& he -a(. B%& &here are paa,e
( )h-h &he e"per!r e(-!%ra,e h"e+ &! )a& +!r &he e(* pa&e(&# a(*
)&h &ra($% a(* -er&a(# & -!(&e(& )&h a h /e&
&ea-h(, &ha& a "a( h!%* /ear a &ha& +a &! h !& a(* *! %e+%
a-& a !(, a he 1e. He h!%* (!& &here+!re a/r*,e &he &"e !+ h
%e+%(e /# h !)( a-&.
Happ(e )a (!& &he *re-& !/5e-& !+ a S&!-' +e. There (! r%e
!+ +e -!(&a(e* ( &he pre-ep& &ha& a "a( h!%* p%r%e h !)(
happ(e. Ma(# "e( &h(3 &ha& &he# are ee3(, happ(e )he( &he# are
!(# ee3(, &he ,ra&+-a&!( !+ !"e par&-%ar pa!(0 &he &r!(,e&
&ha& &he# ha1e. The e(* !+ a "a( 0 a area*# e6pa(e*0 &! 1e
-!(+!r"a/# &! (a&%re0 a(* he ) &h% !/&a( happ(e0 &ra($%&# !+
"(*0 a(* -!(&e(&"e(& III. ><8 III <. A a "ea( !+ 1(, -!(+!r"a/#
&! (a&%re he "%& &%*# &he +!%r -he+ 1r&%e0 ea-h !+ )h-h ha & pr!per phere: )*!"0 !r &he 3(!)e*,e !+ ,!!* a(* e18 5%&-e0 !r &he
,1(, &! e1er# "a( h *%e8 +!r&&%*e0 !r &he e(*%r(, !+ a/!r a(*
pa(8 a(* &e"pera(-e0 )h-h "!*era&!( ( a &h(,. B# &h% 1(,
-!(+!r"a/# &! (a&%re &he S&!- !/&a(e* a &ha& he )he* !r e6pe-&e*.
H re)ar* )a ( h 1r&%!% +e0 a(* he )a a&+e* )&h &ha&.
Ep-&e&% a(* A(&!((% /!&h /# pre-ep& a(* e6a"pe a/!re* &! "pr!1e
&he"e1e a(* !&her8 a(* + )e *-!1er "per+e-&!( ( &her
&ea-h(,0 )e "%& & h!(!r &hee ,rea& "e( )h! a&&e"p&e* &! h!) &ha&
&here ( "a(' (a&%re a(* ( &he -!(&&%&!( !+ &h(, %++-e(&
rea!( +!r 1(, a 1r&%!% +e. I& *++-%& e(!%,h &! 1e a )e!%,h& &! 1e0 *++-%& e1e( +!r a(# "a( &! 1e ( %-h a )a# a &!
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 110/111
a&+# h"e+0 + he e6er-e !(# ( a "!*era&e *e,ree &he p!)er !+
re+e-&(, %p!( a(* re1e)(, h !)( -!(*%-&8 a(* + a "e( -a((!& /e
/r!%,h& &! &he a"e !p(!( ( "!ra a(* re,!(0 & a& ea& )!r&h
)he &! ,1e &he" ,!!* rea!( +!r a "%-h a &he# -a( /e per%a*e* &!
a--ep&.
FOOTNOTES:
>: Th paa,e -!rr%p&0 a(* &he e6a-& "ea((, %(-er&a(.
<: L!r%" )a a 1a !( &he -!a& (!r&h !+ R!"e0 a(* &here A(&!((% )a
/r!%,h& %p0 a(* he *e* &here. Th a! -!rr%p&.
: Th -!rr%p&.
: A(&!((% here %e &he )!r* Gree3: 3!"! /!&h ( &he e(e !+ &he
U(1ere a(* !+ Or*er8 a(* & *++-%& &! e6pre h "ea((,.
: Th -!rr%p&.
: I& appear &ha& &here a *e+e-& ( &he &e6& here.
: The &!r# &!* /# H!ra-e ( h Sa&re a(* /# !&her (-e0 /%&
(!& /e&&er.
?: 4See( e1e( )&h &he e#e.4 I& %pp!e* &ha& &h "a# /e e6pa(e*
/# &he S&!- *!-&r(e0 &ha& &he %(1ere a ,!* !r 1(, /e(, I.
=0 a(* &ha& &he -ee&a /!*e are ,!* III. >@. B%& &he e"per!r
"a# "ea( &ha& )e 3(!) &ha& &he ,!* e6&0 a he a+&er)ar* &a&e &0
/e-a%e )e ee )ha& &he# *!8 a )e 3(!) &ha& "a( ha (&ee-&%a p!)er0
/e-a%e )e ee )ha& he *!e0 a(* ( (! !&her )a# *! )e 3(!) &.
@: The S&!- "a*e &hree *1!( !+ ph!!ph#022Ph#-0 E&h-0 a(*
L!,- III. >. Th *1!(0 )e are &!* /# D!,e(e0 )a "a*e /#Je(! !+ C&%"0 &he +!%(*er !+ &he S&!- e-&0 a(* /# Chr#pp%8 /%&
&hee ph!!pher pa-e* &he &hree *1!( ( &he +!!)(, !r*er022
L!,-0 Ph#-0 E&h-. I& appear0 h!)e1er0 &ha& &h *1!( )a "a*e
/e+!re Je(!' &"e0 a(* a-3(!)e*,e* /# Pa&!0 a C-er! re"ar3. L!,-
(!& #(!(#"!% )&h !%r &er" L!,- ( &he (arr!)er e(e !+ &ha& )!r*.
Cea(&he0 a S&!-0 %/*1*e* &he &hree *1!(0 a(* "a*e 6022
Dae-&- a(* Rhe&!r-0 -!"pre* ( L!,-8 E&h- a(* P!&-8 Ph#- a(*
The!!,#. Th *1!( )a "ere# +!r pra-&-a %e0 +!r a Ph!!ph#
!(e. E1e( a"!(, &he eare& S&!- L!,-0 !r Dae-&-0 *!e (!&
!--%p# &he a"e pa-e a ( Pa&!: & -!(*ere* !(# a a( (&r%"e(&)h-h &! /e %e* +!r &he !&her *1!( !+ Ph!!ph#. A( e6p!&!(
8/12/2019 The Thoughts of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-thoughts-of-the-emperor-marcus-aurelius 111/111
!+ &he earer S&!- *!-&r(e a(* !+ &her "!*+-a&!( )!%* re$%re a
1!%"e. M# !/5e-& &! e6pa( !(# &he !p(!( !+ A(&!((%0 ! +ar a
&he# -a( /e -!e-&e* +r!" h /!!3.
A--!r*(, &! &he %/*1!( !+ Cea(&he0 Ph#- a(* The!!,# ,!
&!,e&her0 !r &he &%*# !+ &he (a&%re !+ Th(,0 a(* &he &%*# !+ &he(a&%re !+ &he De� ! +ar a "a( -a( %(*er&a(* &he De� a(* !+ h
,!1er("e(& !+ &he %(1ere. Th *1!( !r %/*1!( (!& +!r"a#
a*!p&e* /# A(&!((%0 +!r0 a area*# !/er1e*0 &here (! "e&h!* ( h
/!!38 /%& & 1r&%a# -!(&a(e* ( &.
Cea(&he a! -!((e-& E&h- a(* P!&-0 !r &he &%*# !+ &he pr(-pe
!+ "!ra a(* &he &%*# !+ &he -!(&&%&!( !+ -1 !-e a(*
%(*!%/&e*# he ** )e ( %/*1*(, E&h- (&! &)! par&0 E&h- ( &he
(arr!)er e(e a(* P!&-8 +!r &h!%,h &he &)! are (&"a&e# -!((e-&e*0
&he# are a! 1er# *&(-&0 a(* "a(# $%e&!( -a( !(# /e pr!per#
*-%e* /# -are+%# !/er1(, &he *&(-&!(. A(&!((% *!e (!&&rea& !+ P!&-. H %/5e-& E&h-0 a(* E&h- ( & pra-&-a
app-a&!( &! h !)( -!(*%-& ( +e a a "a( a(* a a ,!1er(!r. H
E&h- +!%(*e* !( h *!-&r(e a/!%& "a(' (a&%re0 &he U(1era
Na&%re0 a(* &he rea&!( !+ e1er# "a( &! e1er#&h(, ee. I& &here+!re
(&"a&e# a(* (epara/# -!((e-&e* )&h Ph#-0 !r &he (a&%re !+
Th(,0 a(* )&h The!!,#0 !r &he Na&%re !+ &he De&#. He a*1e % &!
e6a"(e )e a &he "pre!( !( !%r "(* a(* &! +!r" a r,h&
5%*,"e(& !+ &he"0 &! "a3e 5%& -!(-%!(0 a(* &! ($%re (&! &he
"ea((, !+ )!r*0 a(* ! +ar &! app# Dae-&-8 /%& he ha (! a&&e"p& a&
a(# e6p!&!( !+ Dae-&-0 a(* h ph!!ph# ( %/&a(-e p%re#
"!ra a(* pra-&-a. He a#0 4C!(&a(&# a(*0 + & /e p!/e0 !( &he
!--a!( !+ e1er# I"pre!( !( &he !%0 app# &! & &he pr(-pe !+
Ph#-0 !+ E&h-0 a(* !+ Dae-&-4: )h-h !(# a(!&her )a# !+ &e(,
% &! e6a"(e &he "pre!( ( e1er# p!/e )a#. I( a(!&her paa,e
III. >> he a#0 4T! &he a* )h-h ha1e /ee( "e(&!(e*0 e& &h !(e
& /e a**e*: "a3e +!r &h#e+ a *e+(&!( !r *e-rp&!( !+ &he
!/5e-& )h-h pree(&e* &! &hee0 ! a &! ee *&(-&# )ha& 3(* !+ a
&h(, & ( & %/&a(-e0 ( & (%*� ( & -!"pe&e e(&re�