Meditations: A New Translation (Modern Library Classics)

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Enter their minds, and you’ll find the judges you’re so afraid of–and how judiciously they judge themselves. 9.18 Then what should you work for? Only this: proper understanding; unselfish action; truthful speech. A resolve to accept whatever happens as necessary and familiar, flowing like water from that same source and spring. 4.33 The body and its parts are a river, the soul is a dream and mist, life is warfare and a journey far from home, lasting reputation is oblivion. 2.17 To follow the logos in all things is to be relaxed and energetic, joyful and serious at once. 10.12

An athlete in the greatest of all contests — the struggle not to beoverwhelmedby anything that happens. 3.4 The third discipline of will is in a sense the counterpart to the second, the discipline of action. Action governs our approach to the things in our control. The discipline of will governs our attitude to things that are not within our control The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the quality of your thoughts. 5.16 It never ceases toamazeme: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own. 12.4 The discipline of perception requires that we maintain absolute objectivity of thought: that we see things dispassionately for what they are.It’s unfortunate that this has happened. No. It is fortunate that this has happened and I’ve remained unharmed by it–not shattered by the present or frightened of the future. 4.49 Everything you’re trying to reach–by taking the long way round–you could have right now, this moment. If you’d only stop thwarting your own attempts. If you’d only let go of the past, entrust the future to God, and guide the present towards reverence and justice. 12.1

If you can cut free of impressions that cling to the mind, of future and past–then you can spend the time you have left in tranquility. And in kindness. And at peace with the spirit within you. 12.3 Objectivejudgment now at this very moment. Unselfish action, now at this very moment. Willing acceptance, now at this very moment. Of all external events. That’s all you need. 9.6 Today Iescapedfrom anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions–not outside. 9.13 Our duty is to exercise stringent control over the faculty of perception, with the aim of protecting our mind from error.To have that. Not a cistern but a perpetual spring. How? By working to win your freedom. Hour by hour. Throughpatience, honesty, and humility. 8.51

Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now take what’s left and live it properly. 7.56Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? Can any process take place without something being changed? 7.18 Awaken; return to yourself. Now, no longer asleep, knowing they were only dreams, clear-headed again, treat everything around you as a dream. 6.31 It’s the pursuit of these things, and your attempts to avoid them, that leave your mind in such turmoil. And yet they aren’t seeking you out; you are the one seeking them.Suspendjudgmentabout them. And at once they will lie still, and you will be freed from fleeing and pursuing. 11.11