What is it that we must bestow our care and diligence upon? even upon this only: that our minds and wills be just; that our actions be charitable; that our speech be never deceitful, or that our understanding be not subject to error; that our inclination be always set to embrace whatsoever shall happen unto us, as necessary, as usual, as ordinary, as flowing from such a beginning, and such a fountain, from which both thou thyself and all things are.
Where these words come from
- Lots of sources credit Marcus Aurelius with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680-images.html
More from Marcus Aurelius
See allYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusWe are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth.Marcus AureliusThe best way of avenging thyself is not to become like the wrong doer.Marcus AureliusGive thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around.Marcus Aurelius
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusNever let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.Marcus AureliusWe are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth.Marcus AureliusThe best way of avenging thyself is not to become like the wrong doer.Marcus AureliusGive thyself time to learn something new and good, and cease to be whirled around.Marcus AureliusMore on kindness
Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow.
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.
Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.
Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.
HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
William Shakespeare
Chief JosephNo one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for any one else.Charles DickensThere is only one enduring happiness in life — to live for others.Leo TolstoyAmong individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.Benito JuárezAs to diseases, make a habit of two things — to help, or at least, to do no harm.HippocratesThe quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.William Shakespeare