Building upon many years of privately shared thoughts on the real benefits of Stoic Philosophy, Liam Milburn eventually published a selection of Stoic passages that had helped him to live well. They were accompanied by some of his own personal reflections. This blog hopes to continue his mission of encouraging the wisdom of Stoicism in the exercise of everyday life. All the reflections are taken from his notes, from late 1992 to early 2017.
The Death of Marcus Aurelius
Monday, November 5, 2018
Epictetus, Golden Sayings 45
Is there smoke in the room? If it be slight, I remain; if grievous, I leave it. For you must remember this and hold it fast, that the door stands open.
"You shall not dwell at Nicopolis!"
Well and good.
"Nor at Athens."
Then I will not dwell at Athens either.
"Nor at Rome."
Nor at Rome either.
"You shall dwell in Gyara!"
Well, but to dwell in Gyara seems to me like a grievous smoke. I depart to a place where none can forbid me to dwell: that habitation is open unto all!
As for the last garment of all, that is the poor body. Beyond that, none can do anything to me. This is why Demetrius said to Nero:
"You threaten me with death; it is Nature who threatens you!"
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