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BOOK OF THE DAY #3
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Written in the mid second century by the philosopher Emperor Marcus
Aurelius, Meditations presents a noble approach to life. Schooled in the
classic tradition, Marcus Aurelius reflects the mature harvest of the
Stoic school of philosophy. His philosophy is best summed up by the
saying "Do not be too concerned, for tomorrow you die". Lest this sounds
too bleak, the awareness of mortality motivates a good, noble and
upright life. Since we all die, the best thing is to live nobly and
honestly. This is not only the way to live well, but also the way to
avoid suffering. Meditations is composed of aphorisms and insights from
Marcus Aurelius that allow his philosophy to be lived out.
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"Above
all, never struggle or strain; but be the master of yourself, and view
life as a man, as a human being, as a citizen, and as a mortal. Among
the truths you will do well to contemplate most frequently are these
two: first, that things can never touch the soul, but stand inert
outside it, so that disquiet can arise only from fancies within; and
secondly, that all visible objects change in a moment, and will be no
more. Think of the countless changes in which you yourself have had a
part. The whole universe is change, and life itself is but what you deem
it."
-excerpt from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, translated by Maxwell Staniforth
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