Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 6.26 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.26
If any man should propose to thee the question, how the name Antoninus is written, wouldst thou with a straining of the voice utter each letter? What then if they grow angry, wilt thou be angry too? Wilt thou not go on with composure and number every letter? just so then in this life also remember that every duty is made up of certain parts. These it is thy duty to observe and without being disturbed or showing anger towards those who are angry with thee to go on thy way and finish that which is set before thee.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.26, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/6.26
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf someone asked you to spell your name and got furious while you did it calmly, you would just keep spelling letter by letter. Treat every duty the same way: it is made of steps, so carry out each one and finish the job without matching the anger of people who are angry with you.
Older wording
- “Antoninus”
- — Marcus's own family name as emperor
Themes and situations
- Anger
- Duty and roles
- Peace of mind
- Self-discipline and habit
- Conflict at work
- Everyday irritations
- Being angry with someone
- A difficult boss
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