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“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.”

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— Marcus Aurelius

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Live wording check · 2026-10-26

MEDITATIONS By Marcus Aurelius maginative attempt to create again the period. MARCUS AURELIUS ANTONINUS THE ROMAN EMPEROR HIS FIRST BOOK concerning HIMSELF: Wherein Antoninus recordeth, What and of whom, whether Parents, Friends, or Masters; by their good examples, or good advice and counsel, he had learned: Divided into Numbers or Sections. ANTONINUS Book vi. Num. xlviii. Whensoever thou wilt rejoice thyself, think and meditate upon those good parts and especial gifts, which thou hast observed in any of them that live with thee: as industry 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 Public domain in the USA.
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Source

Title
Meditations
Type
Public-domain primary text · Primary source
Location
Book vi. Num. xlviii.
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Context

The prefatory excerpt explains why contemplating the virtues of companions brings joy.

What it means

A reflection on shared virtue as a source of happiness.

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Bibliography entry
Aurelius, Marcus. (n.d.). Meditations. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680.txt
Quotation citation
Aurelius (n.d., Book vi. Num. xlviii.)
In-text citation
(Aurelius, n.d., Book vi. Num. xlviii.)

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Provenance: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2680/pg2680.txt