Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 6.19 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.19
If a thing is difficult to be accomplished by thyself, do not think that it is impossible for man: but if anything is possible for man and conformable to his nature, think that this can be attained by thyself too.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.19, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/6.19
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesDo not conclude that something is impossible just because you are finding it hard. If other people can do it and it fits human nature, assume you can achieve it too.
Themes and situations
- Courage
- Learning and progress
- Resilience and endurance
- Self-discipline and habit
- Fear of failure
- Procrastination
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.