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Quote by Marcus Aurelius

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Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

The 'Meditations' is a series of personal reflections and philosophical musings written by Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. The text is a compilation of his thoughts on Stoic philosophy, moral principles, and the nature of leadership. It serves as a guide to his own life and governance, reflecting on the challenges and responsibilities of his position while emphasizing the importance of self-discipline, virtue, and the pursuit of wisdom. more

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Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius, born in 121 AD and died in 180 AD, was an emperor of the Roman Empire. He is one of the Five Good Emperors and is known for his philosophical thoughts and the stability of his reign. He was not only an outstanding politician but also a famous Stoic philosopher, whose work 'Meditations' has had a profound impact on later generations. more

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“. . . These are notions of the mind, which is like a knife, always chipping away at the Tao, trying to render it graspable and manageable. But that which is beyond form is ungraspable, and that which is beyond knowing is unmanageable. There is, however, this consolation: She who lets go of the knife will find the Tao at her fingertips.”

“...a common observation, that few are mended by imprisonment, and that he, whose crimes have made confinement necessary, seldom makes any other use of his enlargement, than to do, with greater cunning, what he did before with less.”

“What I didn't realize was the severity of the crime, so to speak. I think that's important. That's one of the lessons learned here. You move to a new area, you really need to be sure of what the laws and penalties are. You hear those things. You hear, 'Don't speed in Virginia' when you get here, just in casual conversations. What's left out is why you don't speed in Virginia. I learned the hard way, that's for sure.”

“I want to get out in the community and make sure everyone knows I'm not some renegade driver that's out there and irresponsible and reckless. I really think this is just a one-time thing. You live and learn. If you do the crime, you do the time, so to speak. With that said, I got a lot going for me. I got a great job, a great career, a great family. This is just a little bump in the road. My spirit's not broke. I'm not down and out by any means.”