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 neighbors.
Marcus Aurelius contrasts external skills with internal virtues, emphasizing the greater value of character traits.
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With respect to that which happens conformably to nature, we ought to blame neither gods, for they do nothing wrong either voluntarily or involuntarily, nor men, for they do nothing wrong except involuntarily.
Whatever this is that I am, it is a little flesh and breath, and the ruling part.
All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil.
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