Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: Do not ever conceive anything…
Do not ever conceive anything impossible to man, which by thee cannot, or not without much difficulty be effected; but whatsoever in general thou canst Conceive possible and proper unto any man, think that very possible unto thee also.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
Do not turn difficulty into a verdict about what you are capable of. If a human being can learn a skill, endure a hardship, develop discipline, or act with courage, then it belongs in the category of possible for you too—even if it takes time and help. Marcus is not promoting fantasy or ignoring real limits. We are not equally suited to every goal. But we often quit far earlier than reality requires because the first attempt feels clumsy. You see someone who can speak calmly in public, run a business, recover from loss, or maintain a habit, and you assume they possess a trait you lack. Usually they have repetitions you have not done yet. Replace “I can’t” with a more accurate sentence: “I cannot do this comfortably today.” Then take the next proportionate step. Today, choose one capability you admire and practice its smallest version.
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