“Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth.”
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MEDITATIONS By Marcus Aurelius ustry in one, in another modesty, in another bountifulness, in another some other thing. For nothing can so much rejoice thee, as the resemblances and parallels of several virtues, eminent in the dispositions of them that live with thee, especially when all at once, as it were, they represent themselves unto thee. See therefore, that thou have them always in a readiness. THE FIRST BOOK I. Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame and memory of him that begot me I have learned both shamefastness and manlike behaviour. Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth. Of my great-grandfather, both to frequent public schools and auditories, and to get me good and able teachers at home; and that I ought not to think much, if upon such occasions, I were at excessive charges. II. Of him that brought me up, not to be fondly addicted to either of the two great factions of the coursers in the circus, called Prasini, and Veneti: nor in the amphitheatre partially to favour any of the gladiators, or fencers, as either the Parmularii, or the Secutores. Moreover, to endure labour; nor to need many things; when I have anything to do, to do it myself rather than by othe Public domain in the USA.Read evidence
Source
- Title
- Meditations
- Type
- Public-domain primary text · Primary source
- Location
- THE FIRST BOOK
Context
Section I credits his mother with generosity, moral intention, and simplicity.
What it means
Marcus connects ethical conduct with intentions and moderation despite wealth.
Cite this source
- Bibliography entry
- Aurelius, Marcus. (n.d.). Meditations. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680.txt
- Quotation citation
- Aurelius (n.d., THE FIRST BOOK)
- In-text citation
- (Aurelius, n.d., THE FIRST BOOK)
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Provenance: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680.txt