Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Marcus Aurelius: Let death surprise me when it will, and…
Let death surprise me when it will, and where it will, I may be εὔμοιρος, or a happy man, nevertheless. For he is a happy man, who in his lifetime dealeth unto himself a happy lot and portion. A happy lot and portion is, good inclinations of the soul, good desires, good actions.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Meditations. The reading beside it is ours.
A good life is not secured by getting a long one. It is secured by the way you use the life in front of you. Death may arrive early or late, conveniently or terribly inconveniently; that part is never fully ours to schedule. But your share of happiness is still available now: clear intentions, decent desires, and honorable actions. You do not need to wait for the perfect job, a calmer season, or more certainty before living well. The person who tells the truth, helps where they can, and refuses to be ruled by appetite has already received the important prize. Think of today as a complete unit of life, not merely a rehearsal for later. If you could be interrupted at any time, what would make this day one you could stand behind? Choose one good action and make it your portion.
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