These are the properties of the rational soul: it sees itself, analyzes itself, and makes itself such as it chooses; the fruit which it bears itself enjoys--for the fruits of plants and that in animals which corresponds to fruits others enjoy--it obtains its own end, wherever the limit of life may be fixed.
Marcus Aurelius describes the unique self-aware and self-determining qualities of the rational soul.
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What remains, except to enjoy life by joining one good thing to another so as not to leave even the smallest intervals between?
But intellect in a peculiar manner tends to that which is of the same kin, and combines with it, and the feeling for communion is not interrupted.
But if it is easy to set little value on all these things, turn to that which remains, which is to follow reason and God.
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