Humanitext Reader

Marcus Aurelius · Meditations §2.15.1

Utility of Monimus' Saying That Everything Is Opinion

Passage 32 of 486 · Greek

Summary

The author introduces the saying of Monimus the Cynic that "everything is opinion," pointing out its practical utility as long as it is accepted within the limits of truth.

§2.15.1Ὅτι πᾶν ὑπόληψις.
That everything is but opinion.
δῆλα μὲν γὰρ τὰ πρὸς τὸν Κυνικὸν Μόνιμον λεγόμενα· δῆλον δὲ καὶ τὸ χρήσιμον τοῦ λεγομένου, ἐάν τις αὐτοῦ τὸ νόστιμον μέχρι τοῦ ἀληθοῦς δέχηται.
For what was said to Monimus the Cynic is obvious; but obvious too is the usefulness of what was said, if one accepts its kernel so far as it is true.

Notes

  1. §2.15.1Ὅτι πᾶν ὑπόληψις — The introductory ὅτι introduces a noun clause presenting a general maxim or topic of the chapter ("That everything is..."). The copula ἐστί is omitted between πᾶν and ὑπόληψις. The word ὑπόληψις refers to subjective opinion, judgment, or mental representation in contrast to objective reality.
  2. §2.15.1τὸ νόστιμον — The neuter singular of the adjective νόστιμος (belonging to a return home, hence wholesome, savory, or profitable) used substantively. Here it means the "kernel," "pith," or "essence" of the saying.
  3. §2.15.1μέχρι τοῦ ἀληθοῦς — Meaning "up to the limit of truth" or "so far as it is true." It suggests that one should not take Monimus' cynical statement to an extreme absolute, but rather accept it within the boundaries where it holds a practical, psychological truth.

Cite this passage

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations §2.15.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0562.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:2.15.1

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