Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 8.29 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.29
Wipe out thy imaginations by often saying to thyself: now it is in my power to let no badness be in this soul, nor desire nor any perturbation at all; but looking at all things I see what is their nature, and I use each according to its value.—Remember this power which thou hast from nature.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.29, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/8.29
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesClear away mental pictures and stories by reminding yourself that right now you have the power to keep badness, craving and emotional turmoil out of your mind. Look at each thing as it truly is, use it for what it is worth, and remember that nature gave you this ability.
Older wording
- “imaginations”
- — the impressions and stories your mind adds to events
- “perturbation”
- — emotional disturbance
Themes and situations
- What is in our control
- Judgements and impressions
- Emotions and the passions
- Peace of mind
- Anxiety about the future
- Being angry with someone
Quote cards
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