Humanitext Reader

Marcus Aurelius · Meditations §4.9.1

Necessity Arising from the Nature of the Useful

Passage 59 of 486 · Greek

Summary

This section explains that the principle mentioned in the previous section—that what does not harm a human does not harm their life—is a necessary consequence of the nature of what is advantageous.

§4.9.1Ἠνάγκασται ἡ τοῦ συμφέροντος φύσις τοῦτο ποιεῖν.
The nature of what is advantageous is compelled to do this.

Notes

  1. §4.9.1ἡ τοῦ συμφέροντος φύσις — Meaning "the nature of what is advantageous" or "the nature of the beneficial." συμφέρον is the substantivated neuter singular genitive of the present participle of συμφέρω (to be useful/beneficial), referring to "that which is of advantage." This phrase serves as the subject, explaining the cosmic and natural necessity behind the principle of non-harm stated in the preceding section.
  2. §4.9.1Ἠνάγκασται — Third-person singular perfect passive indicative of ἀναγκάζω (to compel/constrain), meaning "is compelled" or "is constrained." The perfect tense denotes not a temporary coercion, but a lasting state prescribed by the established, universal laws of the universe.

Cite this passage

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations §4.9.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0562.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:4.9.1

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