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Aurelius, Meditations 4.4: If to understand and to be reasonable be common unto all men, then is that re...
aurelius meditations
If to understand and to be reasonable be common unto all men, then is that reason, for which we are termed reasonable, common unto all. If reason is general, then is that reason also, which prescribeth what is to be done and what not, common unto all. If that, then law. If law, then are we fellow-citizens. If so, then are we partners in some one commonweal. If so, then the world is as it were a city. For which other commonweal is it, that all men can be said to be members of? From this common city it is, that understanding, reason, and law is derived unto us, for from whence else? For as that which in me is earthly I have from some common earth; and that which is moist from some other element is imparted; as my breath and life hath its proper fountain; and that likewise which is dry and fiery in me: (for there is nothing which doth not proceed from something; as also there is nothing that can be reduced unto mere nothing:) so also is there some common beginning from whence my understanding hath proceeded.
- same section → Aurelius, Meditations 10.37: Use thyself; as often, as thou seest any man do anything, presently (if it be...
- same section → Aurelius, Meditations 8.50: 'They kill me, they cut my flesh; they persecute my person with curses.' What...
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