Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 4.12 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.12
A man should always have these two rules in readiness; the one, to do only whatever the reason of the ruling and legislating faculty may suggest for the use of men; the other, to change thy opinion, if there is anyone at hand who sets thee right and moves thee from any opinion. But this change of opinion must proceed only from a certain persuasion, as of what is just or of common advantage, and the like, not because it appears pleasant or brings reputation.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.12, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/4.12
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesKeep two rules handy: act only on what your reason judges good for people, and be willing to change your mind when someone corrects you, but only because you have been convinced of what is just or beneficial, not because changing is pleasant or makes you look good.
Older wording
- “ruling and legislating faculty”
- — your governing reason
- “common advantage”
- — the benefit of everyone
Themes and situations
- Judgements and impressions
- Justice and fairness
- Virtue and character
- Learning and progress
- A hard decision
- Being criticised or insulted
- An ethical dilemma
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