Marcus Aurelius · 121–180 CE
Meditations 7.60 — Marcus Aurelius
Translation by George Long (1862)
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.60
The body ought to be compact, and to show no irregularity either in motion or attitude. For what the mind shows in the face by maintaining in it the expression of intelligence and propriety, that ought to be required also in the whole body. But all of these things should be observed without affectation.
Cite this passage
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 7.60, tr. George Long (1862)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/meditations/7.60
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, tr. George Long (1862). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesCarry your body with the same composure and intelligence your face should show, steady in movement and posture with nothing erratic. Do it naturally, without showing off or acting a part.
Older wording
- “affectation”
- — a showy, artificial manner
- “attitude”
- — posture
Themes and situations
- Self-discipline and habit
- Virtue and character
- Nerves before a big moment
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