Marcus Aurelius: “Whatever this is that I am, it is a little flesh and breath, and the ruling part.”

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.

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

But everything else, whether it is in the power of thy will or not, is only lifeless ashes and smoke.

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!