Marcus Aurelius: “Thus then always abide by the first appearances, and add nothing…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 175

Thus then always abide by the first appearances, and add nothing thyself from within, and then nothing happens to thee.

Said by

Marcus Aurelius

Source

Marcus Aurelius instructs himself to adhere strictly to initial observations, refraining from internal additions to avoid distress.

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Jan 1, 175

All that is from the gods is full of providence.

Jan 1, 175

Begin the morning by saying to thyself, I shall meet with the busybody, the ungrateful, arrogant, deceitful, envious, unsocial.

Jan 1, 175

It is thy duty to leave another man's wrongful act there where it is (vii. 29; ix. 38).

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He was also easy in conversation, and he made himself agreeable without any offensive affectation.

Other voices in this conversation

Marcus Aurelius: “Thus then always abide by the first appearances, and add nothing thyself from within, and then nothing happens to thee.”