Marcus Aurelius: “Constantly observe who those are whose approbation thou wishest to…”

On the recordJanuary 1, 175

Constantly observe who those are whose approbation thou wishest to have, and what ruling principles they possess.

Said by

Marcus Aurelius

Source

From his personal journal, this passage advises careful consideration of the character and principles of those whose approval one seeks.

More from Marcus Aurelius

Jan 1, 175

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

Jan 1, 175

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

Jan 1, 175

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

Jan 1, 175

Reflecting on all this, consider nothing to be great, except to act as thy nature leads thee, and to endure that which the common nature brings.

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Marcus Aurelius: “Constantly observe who those are whose approbation thou wishest to have, and what ruling principles they possess.”