Labor not unwillingly, nor without regard to the common interest, nor without due consideration, nor with distraction; nor let studied ornament set off thy thoughts, and be not either a man of many words, or busy about too many things.
In his personal reflections, Marcus Aurelius outlines principles for diligent and focused work, emphasizing purpose and simplicity.
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From thence all things flow; and there is besides necessity, and that which is for the advantage of the whole universe, of which thou art a part.
For every judgment and movement and desire and aversion is within, and no evil ascends so high.
Either there is a fatal necessity and invincible order, or a kind providence, or a confusion without a purpose and without a director (iv. 27).
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.
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