Humanitext Reader

Marcus Aurelius · Meditations §7.36.1

Doing Good and Bearing Ill Repute as Kingly

Passage 232 of 486 · Greek

Summary

Presents the maxim that it is a kingly thing to do good and yet be ill spoken of.

§7.36.1ʽΒασιλικὸν εὖ μὲν πράττειν, κακῶς δὲ ἀκούειν. ʼ
'It is kingly to do good and to be evil spoken of.'

Notes

  1. §7.36.1Βασιλικόν — A neuter singular adjective functioning as a predicate, with the copula (ἐστί) omitted. The subject is the two subsequent infinitive phrases.
  2. §7.36.1κακῶς δὲ ἀκούειν — The verb ἀκούω accompanied by an adverb functions in a passive sense, meaning 'to be spoken of' or 'to have a reputation'. Thus, κακῶς ἀκούειν means 'to be ill spoken of' or 'to be defamed'.

Cite this passage

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations §7.36.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0562.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:7.36.1

Please note the AI-draft status of the translation and the date accessed.

Translation, notes and summary are AI-generated drafts, revised through reader feedback.