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Meditations · Marcus Aurelius

XXXIV. Thou must continually ponder and consider with thyself,

what manner of men they be, and for their minds and understandings

what is their present estate, whose good word and testimony thou

dost desire. For then neither wilt thou see cause to complain

of them that offend against their wills; or find any want

of their applause, if once thou dost but penetrate into the true

force and ground both of their opinions, and of their desires.

'No soul (saith he) is willingly bereft of the truth,'

and by consequent, neither of justice, or temperance, or kindness,

and mildness; nor of anything that is of the same kind.

It is most needful that thou shouldst always remember this.

For so shalt thou be far more gentle and moderate towards all men.