Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 7.24 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.24
A scowling look is altogether unnatural; when it is often assumed, the result is that all comeliness dies away, and at last is so completely extinguished that it cannot be again lighted up at all. Try to conclude from this very fact that it is contrary to reason. For if even the perception of doing wrong shall depart, what reason is there for living any longer?
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.24, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/7.24
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesHabitually scowling is unnatural, and wearing a hostile expression often enough wears away your natural warmth until it cannot be relit, which suggests the habit goes against reason. If even the awareness of doing wrong disappears, nothing worthwhile is left in such a life.
Older wording
- “comeliness”
- — natural attractiveness or grace
- “scowling”
- — frowning angrily
Themes and situations
- Emotions and the passions
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Virtue and character
- Self-discipline and habit
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