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School of Stoics

Marcus Aurelius Meditations

Marcus Aurelius: Is it so with thee, that hitherto thou…

Is it so with thee, that hitherto thou hast neither by word or deed wronged any of them? Remember withal through how many things thou hast already passed, and how many thou hast been able to endure; so that now the legend of thy life is full, and thy charge is accomplished.

The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.

One reading of this passage is a deathbed inventory: have you tried not to wrong people, and have you endured the life you were given? It is a useful question even when death is not near. We often postpone the assessment of our conduct as if we will have a cleaner chance later.

You have already survived more than you expected. You have handled losses, awkwardness, uncertainty, and hard work. Let that be evidence of your capacity, not merely a list of scars. Then ask the more important question: Are there ways I am still needlessly harming others through impatience, dishonesty, or neglect?

Do not wait for a crisis to become someone you can respect. Repair what you can. Let go of grievances that have outlived their usefulness. Continue your responsibilities with gratitude for the resilience you have already shown. Today is enough to make one part of your life's record more honorable.

Justice Courage Gratitude Perspective Shame Grief Fear

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