Nine Rules From Marcus Aurelius

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“Remember these nine rules, as if thou hadst received them as a gift from the Muses, and begin at last to be a man while thou livest.” –Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 11

In The Meditations, Book 11, I came upon nine rules that Marcus Aurelius advised himself to follow.  I found them to be thoughtful and helpful, in pondering “how to live.”  Not really anything fundamental, but some things to think about.

Here’s the first of the nine: Continue reading

A Personal Creed: Do You Have One?

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I am a man of action, leading with passionate equanimity, rational self-interest, and never forgetting the power of individual liberty.  I will never forget that my wife is my queen, and I her king, and that my children are my gift to humanity.  I will respect the dignity of all, but measure the character of each.  I will honor my body and mind by taking care of them. I will light a candle in darkness.

The passage above is my creed.  This is not some fancy introduction to something I read, it really is mine.  I developed it over a period of years.  Continue reading

Participating with Your Neighbor

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The third question I should answer “yes” to on my deathbed (yes, you should read this first) is “Did you Participate?”

This is a tough one for me to nail down.  Is it about giving?  Yes.  Is it about working? Yes.  Doing your best?  Sure.  I suppose the question could be “Did you share your life with others?”  However, that’s not really it either, as sharing implies only giving. Continue reading

Three “Yes’s” on My Deathbed

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From Monty Python and the Holy Grail:

  • Bridgekeeper: “Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.”
  •  Sir Lancelot: “Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I am not afraid.”

What is my general outlook on life?  Well, at least what should it be?  In the end, and I really mean in the end, Continue reading