The Art of Inner Control — Meditations

Matter is tractable; the rational essence governing it cannot do evil or be hurt. Marcus tells himself to keep doing duty whether he is praised or blamed, half frozen or warm, waking or dying, because death belongs on the same list as every other action. Look at true worth before glamour passes. Substances soon change, and if you cannot see with governing reason's sight you will wonder at what it already understands. The best revenge is not to become like those who wrong you. Let one sociable kind action lead to another with God in mind. The commanding mind shapes how everything appears. If the universe is ordered by providence, trust the governor; if it is mere chaos, why cling or rage at fate? When trouble throws you out of tune, return to yourself quickly. Philosophy is your natural mother; the court is only a stepmother you must honour but cannot make your home. Strip banquet food to fish carcass, wine to grape juice, purple robe to dyed wool, so outward pomp cannot beguile you when stakes feel highest. Value the rational sociable soul above herds, slaves, or clever craft.

A life is little more than exhalation; only motion according to your constitution should be dear. If applause is worthless, so is clattering tongues. Those who crave future ages' praise grieve like men who wish they weighed three hundred pounds instead of their allotted bulk. What is possible for any man is possible for you. At the palestra you may be wounded yet not treat your opponent as a permanent enemy: defend with friendly declination, not suspicious rage. If error is shown, retract gladly, because truth never hurt the man who accepted it. Do your part, call on the gods, and let even three hours suffice. Alexander of Macedon and the man who dressed his mules meet one end. Spell each duty letter by letter, like writing Antoninus, without quarreling back. Sinners head toward what they think is good; teach rather than rage. Death ends sense, passion, error, and bodily servitude. Beware the court's new tint: stay simple, worship, help men, and remember Antoninus Pius as patient, sincere, and free of vainglory.

Then wake from worldly spectacle as from dreams. The body is indifferent; the mind owns only present operations. Asia and Europe are corners of one drop; poison and fair things share one fountain. Fit yourself to fate and love those you must live with truly. Mark only what depends on your will as good or bad, and you need not hate men or complain against the gods. Even murmurers cooperate in the whole; sun and rain keep separate offices. As emperor your city is Rome; as man it is the world, and only what profits those cities is good for you. Theatre repeats until tedious. Philosopher-kings and scoffers alike are buried. What remains worth esteem is to converse meekly with the false. Comfort yourself by virtues visible in companions at hand. What harms the hive harms the bee. To men with jaundice honey seems bitter; error drives transgression as surely as poison drives rage. Nothing can hinder you from living as your nature requires.