“Either there is a fatal necessity and invincible order, or a kind Providence, or a confusion without a purpose and without a director. If then there is an invincible necessity, why dost thou resist? But if there is a Providence which allows itself to be propitiated, make thyself worthy of the help of the divinity. But if there is a confusion without governor, be content that in such a tempest thou hast in thyself a certain ruling intelligence. And even if the tempest carry thee away, let it carry away the poor flesh, the poor breath, everything else; for the intelligence at least it will not carry away.” Marcus’ Meditations Final Book.

So many of us want a sure bet, a final answer, a dead ringer for the truth. Continue reading →

“Wipe out imagination: check desire: extinguish appetite: keep the ruling faculty in its own power.” Marcus Aurelius Meditations Book 9

How often are we engaged in a battle within ourselves?   This battle rages on we imagine worst case scenarios, while at the same time we desire for our lives to be different.  Me personally, not you, I am rather content.  I really have little to complain about.  I reflect on this when I rest my head on my pillow.  I have no physical pain usually, my eyes and ears still work, my room is not too cold, nor is it too hot (and if it were, I could adjust the temperature).  My children and wife are currently healthy and relatively happy.  My family seems to get along just fine.

and yet… Continue reading →