Good thing Quote by Marcus Aurelius
““XXV. How hast thou carried thyself hitherto towards the Gods? towards thy parents? towards thy brethren? towards thy wife? towards thy children? towards thy masters? thy foster-fathers? thy friends? thy domestics? thy servants? 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. Again, how many truly good things have certainly by thee been discerned? how many pleasures, how many pains hast thou passed over with contempt? how many things eternally glorious hast thou despised? towards how many perverse unreasonable men hast thou carried thyself kindly, and discreetly?””
About This Quote
Source Book: Meditations, Book X, c. 180 AD
The passage asks one to reflect on how they have treated all relationships and duties, urging honest self‑assessment of virtues and failures.
In simple terms: Reflect on how you have treated everyone in your life.
Key Takeaway
Evaluate your actions toward all relationships.
Themes
self‑reflection
virtue
responsibility
relationships
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- family life
- workplace
- friendships
- community involvement
Key Concepts
Stoicism
ethical self‑audit
Questions to Reflect On
- What relationships need your honest review?
- How can you improve your treatment of others?
A Different Perspective
Self‑assessment may be biased by memory or denial.