Before asking why they did it, ask why you do it.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.37
Before asking why they did it, ask why you do it.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 10.37
The source
"Before asking why they did it, ask why you do it." Marcus Aurelius said it in Meditations 10.37. Translated by George Long, 1862.
"For what object is this man doing this? But begin with thyself, and examine thyself first"George Long, 1862, Meditations 10.37.
Who said it
Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD). Roman emperor who wrote private notes to himself on a military campaign. We know them as the Meditations.
Questions
- Who said "Before asking why they did it, ask why you do it."?
- Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD). Source: Meditations 10.37.
- What is the original wording?
- For what object is this man doing this? But begin with thyself, and examine thyself first (George Long, 1862). Translated by George Long, 1862.
Filed under Character.
Wear Marcus Aurelius
Be the headland. Let the waves break.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.49
from$46
Drop the story. Round the point. Find the flat bay.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 12.22
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Caught in the storm? You still steer your own mind.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 12.14
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Never be surprised by a headwind.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.15
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More from Marcus Aurelius
- Be the headland. Let the waves break.Meditations 4.49
- Stand firm and calm the water around you.Meditations 4.49
- Bad luck? Bearing it well is good luck.Meditations 4.49
- Drop the story. Round the point. Find the flat bay.Meditations 12.22
- Caught in the storm? You still steer your own mind.Meditations 12.14
- The whole sea is one drop in the universe.Meditations 6.36