Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 4.24 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.24
Occupy thyself with few things, says the philosopher, if thou wouldst be tranquil.—But consider if it would not be better to say, Do what is necessary, and whatever the reason of the animal which is naturally social requires, and as it requires. For this brings not only the tranquility which comes from doing well, but also that which comes from doing few things. For the greatest part of what we say and do being unnecessary, if a man takes this away, he will have more leisure and less uneasiness. Accordingly on every occasion a man should ask himself, Is this one of the unnecessary things? Now a man should take away not only unnecessary acts, but also, unnecessary thoughts, for thus superfluous acts will not follow after.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.24, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/4.24
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesDoing fewer things brings calm, but a better rule is to do what is necessary and what your social nature requires. Most of what we say and do is unnecessary, so cutting it gives you more free time and less unease. Ask on every occasion whether this is one of the unnecessary things, and weed out unnecessary thoughts too.
Older wording
- “superfluous”
- — unnecessary
- “leisure”
- — free time
Themes and situations
- Peace of mind
- Simplicity and frugality
- Self-discipline and habit
- Time and the present
- Burnout and overwork
- Feeling life is slipping by
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.