Meditation I

Chapter 2

According to the facts I have seen with my own eyes, my late father was such a person: he would show a thoughtful attitude and habits in dealing with all important matters. When dealing with matters, a preliminary satisfactory plan was obtained, but he stopped and ended hastily; when it came to dealing with friends, my late father always kept the tree of friendship between himself and his friends evergreen, and he would not like the new and dislike the old, while maintaining a consistent He has the mentality of making friends with gentlemen; no matter what unexpected situation arises, he can face it calmly, and shows a very good mentality in dealing with things; his late father was quite far-sighted when looking at things, and he was able to see the big from the small; He can reflect on the blind praise and all kinds of flattery that are rushing towards him; Take responsibility for mistakes and accept the accusations of others; he is not superstitious about gods in belief, and he will not adopt vulgar methods of giving gifts, bribes, courtship or flattery in dealing with others; The demeanor shown in any matter.He does not commit any base or unscrupulous thought or action, nor does he engage in any new and meaningless tricks.

As for those natural gifts which are more or less beneficial to the quality of daily life, he uses them with neither indifference nor fanaticism, so that when he acquires them, he will not show an artificial and exaggerated display of insatiable enjoyment. ; and when he doesn't get these things, he won't force them.No one ever said that he was a sophist, nor was he a slave, nor was he a pedantic scholar who could only show off his knowledge; in the eyes of almost everyone, he was a mature, stable and impeccable person , and never listen to slander, not only can properly handle their own affairs, but also help others solve problems.In addition, he particularly respects those philosophers who deserve their names. Although he will not criticize those pseudo-philosophers, he will not be easily disturbed and influenced by these pseudo-philosophers.When talking to people, he can make what he said to be accepted without making people feel that he is hiding a knife.He maintained a proper concern for his own physical health.He is neither the type to pay particular attention to the details of life, nor the type to be indifferent to personal appearance (though not the type to be slovenly at all).Under his own care, he didn't go to the doctor much, and he didn't take much internal medicine or external medicine.

For those who are gifted, such as some natural eloquent eloquents, scholars who are proficient in legal or ethical knowledge, and other people with special talents, he has always upheld a willingness to recommend people, and he will not have the slightest He will help these people as much as possible, and make them obtain the unanimous praise of the public for their special talents; he always acts in accordance with the various rules and regulations of the country, and never falsifies.Moreover, he doesn't like the moving life that often changes his address, but prefers to live in the same place, because it allows him to use some familiar things conveniently; He regained his vigor, and finished his unfinished work again.He has almost no secrets that are unknown, and even if there are, they are all related to his official duties; in the construction of tourist buildings and public buildings, he shows a rare rigorous and economical attitude, especially in donations. Because his point of view is that in these matters, what needs to be paid attention to is the legitimacy and rationality of doing these things, rather than paying attention to gaining extra reputation through these actions.

He feels that even when taking a bath, he should avoid untimely and embarrassing scenes. He doesn't think it's a good thing to build a large building. Getting along was not something he particularly cared about.All his clothes were brought from his beach house, Ronem, and some of them were usually brought from Ranuviam.We all know that when the tax collector from Tuschutus asked him to forgive, he forgave the man, and it was in keeping with his character.This is how he is, he never asks for blame, let alone justifies others.He was never rough, and some even said that nothing made his hair stand up at all; he would take his time and examine things one by one, as if he had enough time.He does things so orderly, never messes up, and the most admirable thing is that he can always maintain a state of energy from time to time.Some stories of Socrates also happened to him, because he was also able to give up those temptations that could have been enjoyed, and temptations are often things that many people cannot resist because of weak will, and even indulge in them.This ability to be strong enough to resist certain temptations and at the same time remain sober is a rare personality trait in itself, and the unmistakable mark of an invincible man with a perfect soul.This has been clearly shown in his example of Maximus' disease.

Thank God that I have such kind grandparents, parents, sisters, teachers, partners, relatives and friends, I am grateful for everything I have.Also, I would like to thank heaven: I was lucky enough not to offend any of them.In fact, as far as my personality is concerned, it is still possible to do things that offend them.But with their help and care, I was fortunate not to encounter such a thing.In addition, I want to thank God that although my grandfather's concubine has not raised me for a long time, I can still maintain a healthy youth until I finally have the opportunity to show my bloody man at the right time True color.With the help of my father, a competent and good teacher, I have no arrogance in me, and I am well aware that living in a palace guarded by guards, wearing gold and silver every day, brightly lit by torches, and surrounded by statues Here is not the only definition of a happy life, everyone can live a different happy life according to their own preferences.

At the same time, not living that kind of luxurious life by no means means that this person is still insufficient in ideological awareness or lacks the diligent attitude of practicing it, but it may be because he pays more attention to another value appeal, that is, we should do everything. Taking into account the public interest, only in this way can it benefit the supreme commander's national governance strategy.I thank the gods for having such a good brother④, because he always spurs and inspires me with his own example.Moreover, his respect and affection for me made me feel like a spring breeze; I thank God for blessing my children to grow up healthily and vigorously; Believe that I may indulge in it; I am fortunate to be able to repay those who have carefully cultivated me in time during my lifetime, and let them get the corresponding glory. Before they are too old, I let them realize what they once placed on me high hopes.I had the good fortune to know Apelonius, Lastix, Maximus.I am fortunate to have established such a firm belief in life that is ascetic, that is, everything must be practiced on the premise of following the laws of nature.As long as we have gods in our hearts, we will naturally receive their gifts and help, and they will also give us inspiration.

My firm belief in living according to nature cannot be changed by other reasons.Even so, if I slack in my faith in the gods, or if I give up their dominion deep down, I will make all kinds of mistakes; I never reached the heights of Benedictine and Theodos, and only after experiencing a relationship did I find the feeling of being redeemed.Although I don't have the temperament and demeanor of Rustics, fortunately, I haven't done anything that I regret; although my mother unfortunately died young, I am still grateful to be with her. Through my last days; whenever I reached out to those in need, it was answered; and I never needed extra help from others.What I am also grateful for is that my wife is not only deeply affectionate to me, but also my good wife, with simple and good qualities; I am glad that I can invite so many excellent teachers to teach my children; I am glad that I actually found a panacea for vomiting blood and dizziness in my dream... When I decided to study philosophy, I was lucky not to step into the footsteps of sophists, nor to waste time in boring historical research and syllogisms. In the end, I didn't pour my heart and blood into the illusory exploration of heaven; all the above things are due to the help of the gods and the arrangements of fate in the dark.

This essay was written by me at Quetta de Granoire.

① His father's name was Anius Villes.

②A local governor in ancient times. ——Translator's Note
③ Refers to his adoptive father, Emperor Antony Pius.

④ Refers to his adopted brother L. Wellers.

(End of this chapter)