Yet he has this privilege certainly from Zeus, who framed society, for it is in our power to grow again to that which is near to us, and again to become a part which helps to make up the whole.
Contemplating human nature, this passage highlights the inherent capacity for individuals to reconnect with society after separation.
Share
More from Marcus Aurelius
One is that things do not touch the soul, for they are external and remain immovable; but our perturbations come only from the opinion which is within.
But to be strong enough both to bear the one and to be sober in the other is the mark of a man who has a perfect and invincible soul, such as he showed in the illness of Maximus.
Further, he was not fond of change nor unsteady, but he loved to stay in the same places, and to employ himself about the same things; and after his paroxysms of headache he came immediately fresh and vigorous to his usual occupations.
But if there is a providence which allows itself to be propitiated, make thyself worthy of the help of the divinity.
Other voices in this conversation
