The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus: A new rendering based on the Foulis translation of 1742 — Marcus Aurelius — John Shaqi
The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus: A new rendering based on the Foulis translation of 1742
Marcus Aurelius · en
60. Keep the body steady, without irregularity, whether in its motions
or in its postures. For, as the soul shews itself in the countenance
by a wise and graceful air, it should require the same expressive
power of the whole body. But all this must be practised without
affectation.
61. The art of Life is more like that of the wrestler than of the
dancer; for the wrestler must always be ready on his guard, and stand
firm against the sudden, unforeseen efforts of his adversary.
62. Consider constantly what manner of men they are whose approbation
you desire, and what may be the character of their souls. Then you
will neither accuse such as err unwillingly, nor need their
commendation when you look into the springs of their opinions and
their desires.
63. "Every soul," says Plato, "parts unwillingly with truth." You may
say the same of justice, temperance, good-nature, and every virtue. It
is most necessary to keep this ever in mind; for, if you do, you will
be more kindly towards all men.
64. In all pain keep in mind that there is no baseness in it, that it
cannot harm the soul which guides you, nor destroy that soul as a
reasoning or as a social force. In most pain you may find help in the
saying of Epicurus, that "pain is neither unbearable nor everlasting,
if you bear in mind its narrow limits, and allow no additions from
your imagination." Remember also that we are fretted, though we see it
not, by many things which are of the same nature as pain, things such
as drowsiness, excessive heat, want of appetite. When any of these
things annoy you, say to yourself that you are giving in to pain.
65. Look to it that you feel not towards the most inhuman of mankind,
as they feel towards their fellows.
66. Whence do we conclude that Telauges had not a brighter genius than
Socrates? 'Tis not enough that Socrates died more gloriously or argued
more acutely with the sophists; or that he kept watch more patiently
through a frosty night; or because, when ordered to arrest the
innocent Salaminian, he judged it more noble to disobey; or because of
any stately airs and graces he assumed in public, in which we may very
justly refuse to believe. But, assuming all this true, when we
consider Socrates, we must ask what manner of soul he had. Could he
find contentment in acting with justice towards men, and with piety
towards the Gods, neither vainly provoked by the vices of others, nor
servilely flattering them in their ignorance; counting nothing strange
that the Ruler of the Universe appointed, not sinking under anything
as intolerable, and never yielding up his soul in surrender to the
passions of the flesh.