19 Monday Dec 2016
Posted in Greek, Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Uncategorized
A translation of book 1 of The Emperor to Himself , a principle source text for the philosophy of Stoicism may be found here: meditations-book-1
Rather than a discussion of how to live, Marcus begins with a discussion of what he has received from others (friends, family and the gods).
16 Friday Dec 2016
Posted in Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Uncategorized
Whenever I was inclined to help someone in poverty or any other need, I never heard that there was no money from which I could supply the need; yet it never fell out that I needed to receive something like that from another person.
That my wife was so quick to listen, so affectionate, so unaffected!
There were always enough tutors for my children to thrive.
That by means of dreams it was given the aid to not spit blood nor suffer vertigo; and that in Caieta: “just as needed.”
And that once I desired philosophy, I did not fall into the hands of any sophist, nor sit with the authors, nor untie syllogisms, nor concern myself with meteorology. Fro all these things need the gods help and good luck.
Among the Quadi at the Granua.
Greek Text and Notes:
14 Wednesday Dec 2016
Posted in Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Uncategorized
These are some additional benefits which Marcus Aurelius counted as having received from the gods: the strength of his body; two instances of controlling his behavior; spending time with his mother.
That my body prevailed against such a life as this.
That I did not touch Benedicta or Theodotus: but when erotic passion happened, I returned to health.
While Rusticus repeatedly irritated me, I did nothing for which I would later repent.
It came about that the one who gave me birth, died young; nevertheless she lived with me during her final years.
Greek Text and Notes:
14 Wednesday Dec 2016
Posted in Greek, Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Uncategorized
I came quickly to appoint honors for those who cared for me, which they certainly desired me to do. I didn’t ignore their hope for such help from me, because they were also young.
I had a clear understanding of life according to Nature and of what it entails: in as much as depends upon the gods and the communications from them, their assistance and inspiration; and there was nothing to hinder me from a life which accords with Nature; so that failure was my own fault — and also from not paying careful attention to the reminders (almost the instructions) of the gods .
Greek Text and Notes:
13 Tuesday Dec 2016
Posted in Greek, Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Philosophy, Uncategorized
The previous section of this translation may be found here
I happened to have such a brother who always able to help me have proper concern for myself; and also to cheer me with respect and love.
That my children were not born stupid or deformed.
That I didn’t make more progress in rhetoric or poetry — other like concerns — because if I did I would have been consumed by them if I thought I was doing well.
Greek Text and Notes:
06 Sunday Nov 2016
Posted in Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Uncategorized
A lot of this advice concerns one presentation at court, the way one looks as an emperor. With the election coming up, it is interesting to see how an actual emperor thought it right to live. He thanks the gods that he learned from his father:
17.3:
To be governed by a lord and father, who was able to drive off all my vanity; and who led me to the worthy understanding that one is able to live at court and not need body guards, or stunning clothes, or torches and statutes and such-like — nor any other such boasts. That one was able to live much like a private citizen — while not neglecting nor passing over the obligations of public rule.
Greek Text and Notes Below the Break:
30 Monday May 2016
Posted in Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Uncategorized
Marcus has just thanked the gods that he was spared circumstances which would put him to the test. Here he gives an example of another test from which he was spared:
I was not longer raised by my grandfather’s woman — I was even saved that hour where I would be “made a man” — instead, that time came later.
Greek Text and Notes
27 Friday May 2016
Posted in Greek, Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Uncategorized
(The prior post in this translation series is here
From the gods:
Good grandparents
Good parents
A good sister
Good teachers
Good companions
Good family
Friends close at hand
— And that I never played that false note with them, even though I have that disposition which — if by chance, the right circumstance were to arise, I would play it wrong.
Greek Text and Notes
03 Sunday Apr 2016
(You can find the translation and notes on 16:3-4 here)
He also honored those who were true philosophers. As for the others, he didn’t despise them; but, he certainly didn’t follow them! He was sociable and gracious without being cloying.
He took proper care for his body: not like someone who adored health or beauty; but he didn’t mistreat himself, either. Due to his care, he didn’t need physicians, potions or creams.
He had a ready willingness to defer, without envy, to anyone who possessed a skill in speech, legal history, ethics, or any other particular task. He gave the strong encouragement so that each would receive credit in his area of expertise.
He did all things according to custom, but he never made a show of it.
Greek Text and Notes:
23 Saturday Jan 2016
Posted in Greek, Greek Translation, Marcus Aurelius, Uncategorized
The previous post will be found here
16.3-4
He squelched applause and every sort of flattery directed toward him; his unceasing attention to the demands of government; husbanding resources; his patience before everything that comes with criticism; concerning the gods: not superstitious; concerning men: he would not court, pander to, nor flatter the mob; sober in everything; never one for the vulgar or novel.Now concerning those things which bring comfort to life — which Chance supplies to full — he used them without pride or prejudice: when they were present, he used them without excuse; when they were gone, he didn’t need them. No one ever called him a sophist, smart aleck or egghead; rather he was a man in full, complete, beyond flattery, able to command himself and other.
Greek Text and Notes:
