Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: In matter of writing or reading thou…
In matter of writing or reading thou must needs be taught before thou can do either: much more in matter of life. 'For thou art born a mere slave, to thy senses and brutish affections;' destitute without teaching of all true knowledge and sound reason.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
No one expects to read fluently without instruction and practice. Yet we often expect wisdom to arrive automatically with age. It does not. Our impulses are immediate; judgment is learned. Without training, hunger, anger, fear, desire, and social pressure take the wheel. Marcus is not insulting human beings. He is describing the starting point honestly. We are educable, but we need to be educated. That can mean reading carefully, seeking mentors, keeping a journal, reviewing mistakes, and practicing principles when the stakes are low. The person who wants to be calm in a crisis must rehearse calm before the crisis. Do not be embarrassed to be a beginner at living well. Be embarrassed only by refusing to learn. Choose one part of your character that needs instruction, and give it a small, regular practice this week.
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