Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius — Marcus Aurelius — John Shaqi
Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius · en
8. Among the animals which have not reason one life is distributed; but
among reasonable animals one intelligent soul is distributed: just as
there is one earth of all things which are of an earthy nature, and we
see by one light, and breathe one air, all of us that have the faculty
of vision and all that have life.
9. All things which participate in anything which is common to them all
move towards that which is of the same kind with themselves. Everything
which is earthy turns towards the earth, everything which is liquid
flows together, and everything which is of an aerial kind does the
same, so that they require something to keep them asunder, and the
application of force. Fire indeed moves upwards on account of the
elemental fire, but it is so ready to be kindled together with all the
fire which is here, that even every substance which is somewhat dry is
easily ignited, because there is less mingled with it of that which is
a hindrance to ignition. Accordingly, then, everything also which
participates in the common intelligent nature moves in like manner
towards that which is of the same kind with itself, or moves even more.
For so much as it is superior in comparison with all other things, in
the same degree also is it more ready to mingle with and to be fused
with that which is akin to it. Accordingly among animals devoid of
reason we find swarms of bees, and herds of cattle, and the nurture of
young birds, and in a manner, loves; for even in animals there are
souls, and that power which brings them together is seen to exert
itself in the superior degree, and in such a way as never has been
observed in plants nor in stones nor in trees. But in rational animals
there are political communities and friendships, and families and
meetings of people; and in wars, treaties, and armistices. But in the
things which are still superior, even though they are separated from
one another, unity in a manner exists, as in the stars. Thus the ascent
to the higher degree is able to produce a sympathy even in things which
are separated. See, then, what now takes place; for only intelligent
animals have now forgotten this mutual desire and inclination, and in
them alone the property of flowing together is not seen. But still,
though men strive to avoid [this union], they are caught and held by
it, for their nature is too strong for them; and thou wilt see what I
say, if thou only observest. Sooner, then, will one find anything
earthy which comes in contact with no earthy thing, than a man
altogether separated from other men.
10. Both man and God and the universe produce fruit; at the proper
seasons each produces it. But and if usage has especially fixed these
terms to the vine and like things, this is nothing. Reason produces
fruit both for all and for itself, and there are produced from it other
things of the same kind as reason itself.