Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.36

From Antisthenes:

It is royal to do good and to be abused.

—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 7 (tr Long)

Once again, this is the sort of saying that raises eyebrows and gets you crossed off the invite list for parties.

It would indeed be foolish to desire or prefer abuse, but what is truly noble is the willingness to do what is right and good even when, and especially when, one faces disapproval and opposition for doing so.

The merit of any action proceeds not only from what is done, but also from the conditions under which it is done, and from the reasons why it is done. Morality, in this sense, is more than a set of rules to blindly follow; it is the relationship of a deliberate intention for the sake of a worthy goal. 

For this reason, the politician who smiles at you may not be kind at all, if he only does so to get your vote. The businessman who donates his money may not be charitable at all, if he only does so to get a break on his taxes. The priest who gives a good sermon may not be pious at all, if he only does so to be revered.

The true test of virtue is rather to practice integrity, commitment, fairness, or moderation for their own sake, and nothing beyond that. There is a reason we say that a good deed is its own reward, because the dignity of choice and action requires nothing beyond itself to be complete. Whether there are any further consequences that may be convenient, or profitable, or advantageous need not enter into our thinking. It is enough for happiness to have lived well.

This is especially true if conscience meets an obstacle. Perhaps my choices will clash with dismissal, rejection, ridicule, or downright hatred. Perhaps my actions will mean losing my wealth, my influence, my comfort, or even my life. If it must be so, I must let it be so, and I should embrace such burdens with grace and good will. It is a small price to pay with my circumstances for the state of my own soul, as the value of what I do is far greater than the value of what is done to me.

I will recognize the virtuous man as being noble, as being royal, as even being divine, when he continues to do what is right in the face of what is wrong, and when he is willing to treat others well, even when they treat him poorly.

Antisthenes was a student of Socrates, and is often considered the first of the Cynic philosophers. His words may seem odd to the man who defines himself by his status, but they are a pleasant encouragement to the man who defines himself by his character. 

Written in 11/2007