Marcus Aurelius: “And how small a part of the whole substance; and how small a part of…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 175

And how small a part of the whole substance; and how small a part of the universal soul; and on what a small clod of the whole earth thou creepest!

Said by

Marcus Aurelius

Source

Marcus Aurelius reflects on the physical insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of the universe.

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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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What remains, except to enjoy life by joining one good thing to another so as not to leave even the smallest intervals between?

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Depart then satisfied, for he also who releases thee is satisfied.

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But it is inconsistent with honoring reason and God to be troubled because by death a man will be deprived of the other things.

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Marcus Aurelius: “And how small a part of the whole substance; and how small a part of the universal soul; and on what a small clod of the…”