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What Would Stoics Do

Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE

Meditations 10.37 — Marcus Aurelius

Translation by George Long (1862)

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.37

Accustom thyself as much as possible on the occasion of anything being done by any person to inquire with thyself, For what object is this man doing this? But begin with thyself, and examine thyself first.
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.37 · tr. George Long (1862)Read in context →

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Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.37, tr. George Long (1862)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/10.37

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

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Whenever someone does something that affects you, make a habit of asking what they are actually trying to achieve, and begin the same inquiry with your own motives first.

Themes and situations

  • Judgements and impressions
  • Anger
  • Kindness and forgiveness
  • Learning and progress
  • Being angry with someone
  • Conflict at work
  • Family conflict

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