Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
Do every act of your life as if it were your last.
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
“If mind is common to us, then also the reason, whereby we are reasoning beings, is common. If this be so, then also the reason which enjoins what is to be done or left undone is common. If this be so, law also is common; if this be so, we are citizens; if this be so, we are partakers in one constitution; if this be so, the Universe is a kind of Commonwealth.” (4.4)
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
“At dawn of day, when you dislike being called, have this thought ready: ‘I am called to man’s labour; why then do I make a difficulty if I am going out to do what I was born to do and what I was brought into the world for?'” (5.1; both in Farquharson’s translation)
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good.
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
The best answer to anger is silence.
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)
A man when he has done a good act, does not call out for others to come and see, but he goes on to another act, as a vine goes on to produce again the grapes in season.
Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)