Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 7.52 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.52
Another may be more expert in casting his opponent; but he is not more social, nor more modest, nor better disciplined to meet all that happens, nor more considerate with respect to the faults of his neighbours.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.52, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/7.52
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesSomeone else may be more skilled at beating an opponent, but that does not make them more sociable, modest, well-disciplined in facing whatever comes, or patient with their neighbours' faults. Character is the measure that counts, not a single competitive talent.
Older wording
- “casting his opponent”
- — throwing a wrestling opponent
Themes and situations
- Virtue and character
- Pride and humility
- Envy and comparison
- Community and our duty to others
- Envy and comparison
- A career setback
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