But he who values a rational soul, a soul universal and fitted for political life, regards nothing else except this; and above all things he keeps his soul in a condition and in an activity conformable to reason and social life, and he co-operates to this end with those who are of the same kind as himself.
From his personal reflections, Marcus Aurelius describes the highest human value as a rational soul dedicated to social and civic life.
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There was in him nothing harsh, nor implacable, nor violent, nor, as one may say, anything carried to the sweating point; but he examined all things severally, as if he had abundance of time, and without confusion, in an orderly way…
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.
Be cheerful also, and seek not external help nor the tranquillity which others give.
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