Skip to content
What Would Stoics Do

Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE

Meditations 1.13 — Marcus Aurelius

Translation by George Long (1862)

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 1.13

From Catulus, not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault, even if he should find fault without reason, but to try to restore him to his usual disposition; and to be ready to speak well of teachers, as it is reported of Domitius and Athenodotus; and to love my children truly.
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 1.13 · tr. George Long (1862)Read in context →

Cite this passage

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 1.13, tr. George Long (1862)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/1.13

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

Read Book I in context →

In plain English

AI-written notes

When a friend criticises you, even unfairly, do not brush it off but try to restore the good feeling between you. Also speak well of your teachers, and love your children sincerely.

Older wording

“finds fault”
— criticises
“usual disposition”
— normal friendly mood toward you

Themes and situations

  • Friendship
  • Insult and criticism
  • Family and love
  • Gratitude
  • Trouble with a friend
  • Being criticised or insulted
  • Parenting

Quote cards

The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.