Lately, I've been reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (mostly to procrastinate reading textbooks... ick..). I thought the following quotations were fascinating Historical advice for all generations. In fact, if I enjoy this enough, I might just continue to share interesting snippits from other historical figures as well. Or I might add more quotes to this note, or even discuss them later, but for now I just wanted to share.
"Never allow yourself to be swept off your feet: when an impulse stirs, see first that it will meet the claims of justice; when an impression forms, assure yourself first of its certainty."
"Do not copy the opinions of the arrogant, or let them dictate your own, but look at things in their true light."
" Observe how all things are continually being born of change; teach yourself to see that Nature's highest happiness lies in changing the things that are, and forming new things after their kind. Whatever is, is in some sense the seed of what is to emerge from it. Nothing can become a philosopher less than to imagine that seed can only be something that is planted in the earth or the womb."
"Observe carefully what guides the actions of the wise and what they shun or seek."
"Do not waste what remains of your life in speculating about your neighbours, unless with a view to some mutual benefit. To wonder what so-and-so is doing and why, or what he is saying, or thinking, or scheming...means a loss of opportunity for some other task."
