Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 10.12 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.12
What need is there of suspicious fear, since it is in thy power to inquire what ought to be done? And if thou seest clear, go by this way content, without turning back: but if thou dost not see clear, stop and take the best advisers. But if any other things oppose thee, go on according to thy powers with due consideration, keeping to that which appears to be just. For it is best to reach this object, and if thou dost fail, let thy failure be in attempting this. He who follows reason in all things is both tranquil and active at the same time, and also cheerful and collected.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.12, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/10.12
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesThere is no need for fearful suspicion, because you can always work out what ought to be done. If it is clear, go ahead calmly, and if it is not, pause and consult the best advisers; if obstacles arise, keep to what seems just, since failing while attempting that is the best kind of failure. Following reason makes a person calm, active, cheerful and composed.
Older wording
- “suspicious fear”
- — distrustful anxiety about what might go wrong
- “collected”
- — composed and self-possessed
Themes and situations
- Fear and anxiety
- Courage
- Peace of mind
- Virtue and character
- A hard decision
- Anxiety about the future
- Fear of failure
- An ethical dilemma
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