Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: Continue then to take notice of it, as…
Continue then to take notice of it, as thou hast begun, and whatsoever thou dost, do it not without this proviso, that it be a thing of that nature that a good man (as the word good is properly taken) may do it. This observe carefully in every action.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
Before any action, use a simple filter: can a good person do this and remain good? Not can I get away with it. Not will it impress people. Not does everyone else do it. Can I explain it without hiding the important part? This test is useful because life rarely presents choices labeled noble or corrupt. The temptation may be a small exaggeration in a report, a cutting joke, a shortcut that shifts the burden to someone else, or silence when fairness requires speaking. Character is built in those ordinary moments. You do not need a perfect theory to recognize when an action makes you smaller. Today, pause before one decision and imagine someone you respect watching it. Choose the option you would be comfortable owning aloud.
Related passages
- Marcus Aurelius As for that which is truly good, what can it stand in need of more than either justice or truth; or more than either…
- Marcus Aurelius Let us do our best endeavours to persuade them; but however, if reason and justice lead thee to it, do it, though they…
- Marcus Aurelius Never esteem of anything as profitable, which shall ever constrain thee either to break thy faith, or to lose thy…