Marcus Aurelius' Meditations offers profound insights into Stoic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and rational thought. Lecture 28 highlights key selections that explore themes such as the nature of the universe, the significance of justice, and the transient nature of life. This lecture is essential for students of philosophy and anyone interested in personal development through Stoic principles. It provides a deep dive into Aurelius' reflections on human behavior and the pursuit of virtue, making it a valuable resource for both academic study and personal growth.

Key Points

  • Explores the key themes of Stoicism in Marcus Aurelius' Meditations.
  • Highlights the importance of rational thought and inner tranquility.
  • Discusses the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death.
  • Emphasizes justice and the interconnectedness of humanity.
  • Provides insights into personal development through Stoic principles.
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1
The Meditations By Marcus Aurelius
Written 167 A.C.E.
Translated by George Long
Book Four
Provided by The Internet Classics Archive.
That which rules within, when it is according to nature, is so affected with respect to the
events which happen, that it always easily adapts itself to that which is and is presented to
it. For it requires no definite material, but it moves towards its purpose, under certain
conditions however; and it makes a material for itself out of that which opposes it, as fire
lays hold of what falls into it, by which a small light would have been extinguished: but
when the fire is strong, it soon appropriates to itself the matter which is heaped on it, and
consumes it, and rises higher by means of this very material.
Let no act be done without a purpose, nor otherwise than according to the perfect
principles of art.
Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, sea-shores, and mountains; and
thou too art wont to desire such things very much. But this is altogether a mark of the
most common sort of men, for it is in thy power whenever thou shalt choose to retire into
thyself. For nowhere either with more quiet or more freedom from trouble does a man
retire than into his own soul, particularly when he has within him such thoughts that by
looking into them he is immediately in perfect tranquility; and I affirm that tranquility is
nothing else than the good ordering of the mind. Constantly then give to thyself this
retreat, and renew thyself; and let thy principles be brief and fundamental, which, as soon
as thou shalt recur to them, will be sufficient to cleanse the soul completely, and to send
thee back free from all discontent with the things to which thou returnest. For with what
art thou discontented? With the badness of men? Recall to thy mind this conclusion, that
rational animals exist for one another, and that to endure is a part of justice, and that men
do wrong involuntarily; and consider how many already, after mutual enmity, suspicion,
hatred, and fighting, have been stretched dead, reduced to ashes; and be quiet at last.- But
perhaps thou art dissatisfied with that which is assigned to thee out of the universe.-
Recall to thy recollection this alternative; either there is providence or atoms, fortuitous
concurrence of things; or remember the arguments by which it has been proved that the
world is a kind of political community, and be quiet at last.- But perhaps corporeal things
will still fasten upon thee.- Consider then further that the mind mingles not with the
breath, whether moving gently or violently, when it has once drawn itself apart and
discovered its own power, and think also of all that thou hast heard and assented to about
pain and pleasure, and be quiet at last.- But perhaps the desire of the thing called fame
will torment thee.- See how soon everything is forgotten, and look at the chaos of infinite
time on each side of the present, and the emptiness of applause, and the changeableness
and want of judgement in those who pretend to give praise, and the narrowness of the
space within which it is circumscribed, and be quiet at last. For the whole earth is a point,
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and how small a nook in it is this thy dwelling, and how few are there in it, and what kind
of people are they who will praise thee.
This then remains: Remember to retire into this little territory of thy own, and above all
do not distract or strain thyself, but be free, and look at things as a man, as a human
being, as a citizen, as a mortal. But among the things readiest to thy hand to which thou
shalt turn, let there be these, which are two. One is that things do not touch the soul, for
they are external and remain immovable; but our perturbations come only from the
opinion which is within. The other is that all these things, which thou seest, change
immediately and will no longer be; and constantly bear in mind how many of these
changes thou hast already witnessed. The universe is transformation: life is opinion.
If our intellectual part is common, the reason also, in respect of which we are rational
beings, is common: if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to
do, and what not to do; if this is so, there is a common law also; if this is so, we are
fellow-citizens; if this is so, we are members of some political community; if this is so,
the world is in a manner a state. For of what other common political community will any
one say that the whole human race are members? And from thence, from this common
political community comes also our very intellectual faculty and reasoning faculty and
our capacity for law; or whence do they come? For as my earthly part is a portion given
to me from certain earth, and that which is watery from another element, and that which
is hot and fiery from some peculiar source (for nothing comes out of that which is
nothing, as nothing also returns to non-existence), so also the intellectual part comes from
some source.
Death is such as generation is, a mystery of nature; a composition out of the same
elements, and a decomposition into the same; and altogether not a thing of which any
man should be ashamed, for it is not contrary to the nature of a reasonable animal, and
not contrary to the reason of our constitution.
It is natural that these things should be done by such persons, it is a matter of necessity;
and if a man will not have it so, he will not allow the fig-tree to have juice. But by all
means bear this in mind, that within a very short time both thou and he will be dead; and
soon not even your names will be left behind.
Take away thy opinion, and then there is taken away the complaint, "I have been
harmed." Take away the complaint, "I have been harmed," and the harm is taken away.
That which does not make a man worse than he was, also does not make his life worse,
nor does it harm him either from without or from within.
The nature of that which is universally useful has been compelled to do this.
Consider that everything which happens, happens justly, and if thou observest carefully,
thou wilt find it to be so. I do not say only with respect to the continuity of the series of
things, but with respect to what is just, and as if it were done by one who assigns to each
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thing its value. Observe then as thou hast begun; and whatever thou doest, do it in
conjunction with this, the being good, and in the sense in which a man is properly
understood to be good. Keep to this in every action.
Do not have such an opinion of things as he has who does thee wrong, or such as he
wishes thee to have, but look at them as they are in truth.
A man should always have these two rules in readiness; the one, to do only whatever the
reason of the ruling and legislating faculty may suggest for the use of men; the other, to
change thy opinion, if there is any one at hand who sets thee right and moves thee from
any opinion. But this change of opinion must proceed only from a certain persuasion, as
of what is just or of common advantage, and the like, not because it appears pleasant or
brings reputation.
Hast thou reason? I have.- Why then dost not thou use it? For if this does its own work,
what else dost thou wish?
Thou hast existed as a part. Thou shalt disappear in that which produced thee; but rather
thou shalt be received back into its seminal principle by transmutation.
Many grains of frankincense on the same altar: one falls before, another falls after; but it
makes no difference.
Within ten days thou wilt seem a god to those to whom thou art now a beast and an ape,
if thou wilt return to thy principles and the worship of reason.
Do not act as if thou were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over thee. While
thou livest, while it is in thy power, be good.
How much trouble he avoids who does not look to see what his neighbour says or does or
thinks, but only to what he does himself, that it may be just and pure; or as Agathon says,
look not round at the depraved morals of others, but run straight along the line without
deviating from it.
He who has a vehement desire for posthumous fame does not consider that every one of
those who remember him will himself also die very soon; then again also they who have
succeeded them, until the whole remembrance shall have been extinguished as it is
transmitted through men who foolishly admire and perish. But suppose that those who
will remember are even immortal, and that the remembrance will be immortal, what then
is this to thee? And I say not what is it to the dead, but what is it to the living? What is
praise except indeed so far as it has a certain utility? For thou now rejectest unseasonably
the gift of nature, clinging to something else...
Everything which is in any way beautiful is beautiful in itself, and terminates in itself, not
having praise as part of itself. Neither worse then nor better is a thing made by being
praised. I affirm this also of the things which are called beautiful by the vulgar, for
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FAQs

What are the main themes discussed in Lecture 28 of Meditations?
Lecture 28 of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations focuses on several central themes of Stoic philosophy, including the nature of the universe and the importance of living in accordance with reason. Aurelius emphasizes that all events are part of a larger cosmic order, urging individuals to accept their circumstances with grace. The lecture also highlights the significance of justice, suggesting that rational beings exist to support one another. Additionally, it discusses the fleeting nature of life, encouraging readers to focus on virtue and personal growth.
How does Marcus Aurelius view the concept of justice?
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius presents justice as a fundamental virtue that aligns with the rational nature of humanity. He argues that rational beings are created to assist one another, and thus, acting unjustly is a violation of this natural order. Aurelius encourages individuals to maintain a perspective that fosters understanding and compassion, even in the face of wrongdoing. By recognizing that others may act out of ignorance, one can cultivate patience and avoid unnecessary conflict.
What insights does Lecture 28 provide about the nature of life and death?
Lecture 28 offers profound insights into the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death, a recurring theme in Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. He reflects on how life is a fleeting experience, urging individuals to focus on what truly matters—living virtuously and in harmony with nature. Aurelius suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural part of existence that should be accepted with dignity. This perspective encourages readers to appreciate the present moment and to live meaningfully.
How does Aurelius suggest one can achieve inner peace?
Marcus Aurelius advocates for achieving inner peace through the practice of rational thought and self-reflection. He emphasizes the importance of withdrawing into oneself to find tranquility, regardless of external circumstances. By focusing on one's own thoughts and opinions, individuals can cultivate a sense of calm and clarity. Aurelius also suggests that understanding the nature of events and accepting them as part of a larger cosmic order can help alleviate discontent and foster a peaceful mind.
What role does reason play in Aurelius' philosophy?
Reason plays a central role in Marcus Aurelius' philosophy, as he views it as the guiding principle for human behavior. He believes that rational thought allows individuals to navigate life's challenges and make just decisions. Aurelius encourages readers to align their actions with reason, which leads to a harmonious existence within the universe. By prioritizing reason over emotions, one can achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life, ultimately contributing to the common good.

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