And if that which is nearest to it, the poor body, is cut, burnt, filled with matter and rottenness, nevertheless let the part which forms opinions about these things be quiet; that is, let it judge that nothing is either bad or good which can happen equally to the bad man and the good.
Marcus Aurelius instructs himself to maintain inner tranquility and proper judgment even when the body suffers extreme pain or decay.
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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.
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.
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!
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