Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 6.23 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.23
As to the animals which have no reason and generally all things and objects, do thou, since thou hast reason and they have none, make use of them with a generous and liberal spirit. But towards human beings, as they have reason, behave in a social spirit. And on all occasions call on the gods, and do not perplex thyself about the length of time in which thou shalt do this; for even three hours so spent are sufficient.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.23, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/6.23
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesUse animals and things generously because you have reason and they do not, and deal with fellow humans in a cooperative spirit. Do not fret about how long you will get to live this way, since even a few hours lived well are enough.
Older wording
- “liberal”
- — generous
Themes and situations
- Duty and roles
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Community and our duty to others
- Time and the present
- Fear of death
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