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, August 3, 2020
Epictetus, Golden Sayings 125
Know you not that the thing is like warfare?
One man's duty is to mount guard, another must go out to reconnoiter, a third to battle; all cannot be in one place, nor would it even be expedient.
But you, instead of executing your Commander's orders, complain if anything harsher than usual is enjoined; not understanding to what condition you are bringing the army, so far as in you lies.
If all were to follow your example, none would dig a trench, none would cast a rampart around the camp, none would keep watch, or expose himself to danger; but all turn out useless for the service of war. . . .
Thus it is here also. Every life is a warfare, and that long and various. You must fulfill a soldier's duty, and obey each order at your Commander's nod.
Yes, if it be possible, divine what He would have done; for between that Command and this, there is no comparison, either in might or in excellence.
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