Humanitext Reader

Marcus Aurelius · Meditations §7.62.1

Reflecting on the Ruling Principles of Those Whose Praise Is Sought

Passage 258 of 486 · Greek

Summary

The author urges to constantly reflect on the character and ruling principles of those whose approval is desired, noting that understanding the sources of their judgments and impulses will free one from blaming their mistakes or needing their approval.

§7.62.1Συνεχῶς ἐφιστάναι, τίνες εἰσὶν οὗτοι, ὑφ’ ὧν μαρτυρεῖσθαι θέλεις, καὶ τίνα ἡγεμονικὰ ἔχουσιν· οὔτε γὰρ μέμψῃ τοῖς ἀκουσίως πταίουσιν οὔτε ἐπιμαρτυρήσεως δεήσῃ, ἐμβλέπων εἰς τὰς πηγὰς τῆς ὑπολήψεως καὶ ὁρμῆς αὐτῶν.
Constantly reflect on who these people are by whom you wish to be commended, and what ruling principles they possess; for you will neither blame those who stumble involuntarily, nor will you require their commendation, if you look into the sources of their opinions and impulses.

Notes

  1. §7.62.1ἐφιστάναι — Present active infinitive, used here as an imperative infinitive. It functions intransitively (or with the omission of τὸν νοῦν, 'the mind') meaning 'to direct one's attention' or 'to reflect'.
  2. §7.62.1μαρτυρεῖσθαι — Present passive infinitive. Together with the preceding prepositional phrase ὑφ’ ὧν ('by whom'), it forms a passive construction meaning 'to be witnessed for', 'to be approved', or 'to be commended'.
  3. §7.62.1ἐμβλέπων — Present active participle, nominative masculine singular, agreeing with the implied subject of the main clause ('you'). It functions adverbially, expressing condition ('if you look') or time ('when looking').

Cite this passage

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations §7.62.1. Humanitext Reader, https://reader.humanitext.ai/en/text/urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0562.tlg001.humanitext-grc2:7.62.1

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