The prime principle then in man's constitution is the social.
Marcus Aurelius: “The prime principle then in man's constitution is the social.”
Editor's note · Context
In his private journal, Marcus Aurelius identifies the fundamental characteristic of human nature as inherently social.
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For he who yields to pain and he who yields to anger, both are wounded and both submit.
Throw away thy books; no longer distract thyself: it is not allowed; but as if thou wast now dying, despise the flesh; it is blood and bones and network, a contexture of nerves, veins, and arteries.
Do not then consider life a thing of any value. + For look to the immensity of time behind thee, and to the time which is before thee, another boundless space.
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.





