The Death of Marcus Aurelius

The Death of Marcus Aurelius

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Stoic Snippets 182


Suppose that men kill you, cut you in pieces, curse you. 

What then can these things do to prevent your mind from remaining pure, wise, sober, just? 

For instance, if a man should stand by a limpid pure spring, and curse it, the spring never ceases sending up potable water; and if he should cast clay into it or filth, it will speedily disperse them and wash them out, and will not be at all polluted. 

How then shall you possess a perpetual fountain and not a mere well? By forming yourself hourly to freedom conjoined with contentment, simplicity, and modesty. 

—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.51 



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