Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: As every fancy and imagination presents…
As every fancy and imagination presents itself unto thee, consider (if it be possible) the true nature, and the proper qualities of it, and reason with thyself about it.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
Thoughts arrive quickly and confidently, especially the ones fueled by fear, anger, or desire. Marcus recommends treating each one as an object to inspect rather than a command to follow. What is this idea claiming? Is it supported by facts? What emotion is attached to it? What action would it push me toward? This is a simple practice with enormous consequences. The thought “they do not respect me” can lead to an unnecessary fight. The thought “I will fail anyway” can stop you before you begin. The thought “I deserve this” can become an excuse for choices you will regret. You do not need to eliminate every unhelpful thought; that is impossible. You need to develop the habit of meeting them with curiosity instead of obedience. Today, when a strong thought appears, pause long enough to investigate it. A few seconds of examination can save you from hours of repair.
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