Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: All men are made one for another:…
All men are made one for another: either then teach them better, or bear with them.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
There are only two constructive responses to another person’s mistake: help them improve or make room for their imperfection. Everything else—mockery, resentment, endless complaint—mostly poisons the person doing it. This does not mean you must remain close to someone harmful or tolerate repeated abuse. Teaching can include consequences, and bearing with someone can include a firm boundary. But when a coworker misunderstands, a child acts out, or a stranger is rude, begin with the recognition that humans are made for cooperation. Ask whether this is a moment for a clear correction or a little patience. Do not confuse anger with effectiveness. Today, pick one irritation involving another person and choose deliberately: can I teach this person something useful, or can I let it go? Either choice is better than carrying contempt.
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