KEEP THE OLD WARM

Labor not unwillingly, nor without regard to the common interest, nor without due consideration, nor with distraction; nor express your thoughts with studied eloquence. Be neither a man of many words, or busy about too many things. Make the divinity within you guardian of a living being, manly, of ripe age, a statesman, a Roman, and an emperor, who keeps his post like a man waiting for the signal to summon him from life, ready to go, needing neither the oath nor any man’s testimony. Be cheerful also, and depend not on external help or on the tranquility which others give. A man must stand erect, not be held erect be others. – Marcus Aurelius: Meditations III:5

These are the reflections of the Roman Emperor and general Marcus Aurelius.

He paints a picture of a man doing his duty in each moment, ready to embrace death without regret if it is his time. A man that is prepared for the end.

A man with focus, diligence, cheer, and independence. Doing his best now so when the end comes he will not shudder with shame.

He councils himself, and now us, to stand on our own and to not be held up by others. Then we may embrace death proudly, having done our duty.

We can take help from our brothers and sisters, but it is always us who must raise ourselves up and make our way through life. We are prepared for the end, by doing our best now.

Prepare for your death. Do your best now.