Look Within

The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, who reigned from 161 to his death in 180, wrote his Meditations, as they have come to be known, while on campaign with his legions on the Danube. He wrote the work in Greek and gave it the title ΤΩΝ ΕΙΣ ΕΑΥΤΟΝ, meaning literally ‘Of the things (addressed) to himself’. The inward quality of the work is evident throughout. As Charles Haines, the editor of the Loeb edition observes, ‘[Marcus Aurelius] is not trying to teach anyone. He is reasoning with his own soul and championing its cause against the persuasions and impulses of the flesh.’

In this journal from time to time I shall be citing some of my favourite short passages from this most profitable book (μεγαλωφελεστατον βιβλιον), as Bishop Arethas described it. Here is one for today:

Ἐνδον σκεπε. ἐνδον ἡ πηγη του ἀγαθου και ἀει ἀναβλυειν δυναμενη, ἐαν ἀει σκαπτῃς.  (7.59)

‘Look within. Within is the well-spring of good: ever dig, and it will ever flow.’

The passage has a mantra-like quality in the Greek and is well worth committing to memory.

Compare John 4.14.