Tag Archives: Marcus Aurelius

The Right Comparison

Posted on May 10, 2012 by AJ Kessler

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man … Continue reading →

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One Easy Step To Flatter People, Show You Care, and Demonstrate Your Dedication

Posted on March 14, 2012 by AJ Kessler

Don’t be ashamed to need help.  Like a soldier storming a wall, you have a mission to accomplish.  And if you’ve been wounded and you need a comrade to pull you up?  So what? – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 7 … Continue reading →

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Anxiety Comes Only From Within

Posted on November 25, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Today I escaped from anxiety.  Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions — not outside. – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 9 ¶ 13

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Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2011 by AJ Kessler

It’s nice that Americans (and Canadians) have a holiday dedicated to giving thanks.  But, it would be nicer still if we made an effort to do this more than once a year, especially if we could do it without being … Continue reading →

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Be The Stream

Posted on November 15, 2011 by AJ Kessler

A stream.  Fresh water bubbles up through the ground or down from the mountain.  It’s clear, and fresh, and sweet. No matter what you do to the water, it remains clear, and fresh, and sweet. You can throw mud, or … Continue reading →

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Other People’s Faults

Posted on November 11, 2011 by AJ Kessler

It’s silly to try to escape other people’s faults.  They are inescapable.  Just try to escape your own. – Marcus Aurelius, Book 7, ¶ 71 The ironic bit is, once you do escape some your own faults, you unthinkingly tend … Continue reading →

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The Idiocy of Worrying About Your Legacy

Posted on November 8, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Marcus Aurelius, the 16th Emperor of Rome, the most powerful man on earth for a time, kept a journal of thoughts and notes for himself, to keep himself grounded.  The twelve “books” worth of writings cover a broad range of … Continue reading →

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Remember What You’re Measured By

Posted on October 30, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Pointless bustling of processions, opera arias, herds of sheep and cattle, military exercises.  A bone flung to pet poodles, a little food in the fish tank.  The miserable servitude of ants, scampering of frightened mice, puppets jerked on strings. Surrounded … Continue reading →

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How To Ruin Your Life

Posted on October 13, 2011 by AJ Kessler

It can ruin your life only if it ruins your character.  Otherwise it cannot harm you — inside or out. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 4.8 A little preachy and smarmy for us modern folk?  Maybe.  But it’s still true.  And, … Continue reading →

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Appreciation For Inaptitude

Posted on August 18, 2011 by AJ Kessler

To the Gods: [Thanks] That I wasn’t more talented in rhetoric or poetry, or other areas.  If I’d felt that I was making better progress I might never have given them up. – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 1:17 You hear … Continue reading →

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Don’t Judge Me, Bro

Posted on August 12, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Judgment is a basic animal process.  A dog’s brain instantly processes hundreds of data points of sounds, smells, visual cues and behavioral phenomena to determine which animals are friendly and which are not.  The reactions are so quick because these … Continue reading →

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Who Are You?

Posted on July 30, 2011 by AJ Kessler

I’ve been posting a lot of quotes lately, mostly because I’ve been incredibly busy studying for and taking the bar, and partly because the extra motivation helps.  Some of my favorite ideas have come from Marcus Aurelius and his “book” … Continue reading →

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Endurance

Posted on July 29, 2011 by AJ Kessler

  Everything that happens is either endurable or not. If it’s endurable, then endure it.  Stop complaining. If it’s unendurable . . . then stop complaining.  Your destruction will mean its end as well. Just remember: you can endure anything … Continue reading →

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Aspire To Be The Grapevine

Posted on July 27, 2011 by AJ Kessler

Some people, when they do someone a favor, are always looking for a chance to call it in.  And some aren’t, but they’re still aware of it – still regard it as a debt.  But others don’t even do that.  … Continue reading →

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Motivation

Posted on July 13, 2011 by AJ Kessler

I’ve been studying for the bar for nearly two straight months now.  It’s now less than two weeks away, I still have lots to learn, but motivation is low. Even things like time tracking are less effective these days.  What … Continue reading →

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