The Death of Marcus Aurelius

The Death of Marcus Aurelius

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Chuang Tzu 6.5


In this way they were one and the same in all their likings and dislikings. Where they liked, they were the same; where they did not like, they were the same. 

In the former case where they liked, they were fellow-workers with the Heavenly in them; in the latter where they disliked, they were co-workers with the Human in them. 

The one of these elements in their nature did not overcome the other. Such were those who are called the True men. 

Death and life are ordained, just as we have the constant succession of night and day; in both cases from Heaven. Men have no power to do anything in reference to them; such is the constitution of things. 

There are those who specially regard Heaven as their father, and they still love It, distant as It is; how much more should they love That which stands out, Superior and Alone! 

Some specially regard their ruler as superior to themselves, and will give their bodies to die for him; how much more should they do so for That which is their true Ruler! 

When the springs are dried up, the fishes collect together on the land. Than that they should moisten one another there by the damp about them, and keep one another wet by their slime, it would be better for them to forget one another in the rivers and lakes. 

And when men praise Yâo and condemn Kieh, it would be better to forget them both, and seek the renovation of the Tâo. 



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