Dr.
Ilham Sadoqi
Assignment 4
Course : Cross-Cultural Reading in World Literature
Goal : From Theory to practice
Lesson 4 : Roman literature: Stoicism
Literary text : Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
The Text : Excerpts from Meditations (George Long Translation)
Book 2, Section 1
Begin the morning by saying to thyself: I shall meet with the busy-body, the ungrateful, arrogant,
deceitful, envious, unsocial. All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what
is good and evil.
But I who have seen the nature of the good that it is beautiful, and of the bad that it is ugly, and
the nature of him who does wrong, that it is akin to me, not only of the same blood or seed, but
that it participates in the same intelligence and the same portion of the divinity, I can neither be
injured by any of them, for no one can fix on me what is ugly, nor can I be angry with my kinsman,
nor hate him.
For we are made for co-operation, like feet, like hands, like eyelids, like the rows of the upper and
lower teeth.
To act against one another then is contrary to nature; and it is acting against one another to be
vexed and to turn away.
Book 4, Section 3
Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, sea-shores, and mountains; and thou too
art wont to desire such things very much.
But this is altogether a mark of the most common sort of men, for it is in thy power whenever
thou shalt choose to retire into thyself.
For nowhere either with more quiet or more freedom from trouble does a man retire than into his
own soul, particularly when he has within him such thoughts that by looking into them he is
immediately in perfect tranquillity; and I affirm that tranquillity is nothing else than the good
ordering of the mind.
Constantly then give to thyself this retreat, and renew thyself.
Book 5, Section 1
In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present—
I am rising to the work of a human being.
Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was
brought into the world?
Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed-clothes and keep myself warm?
But this is more pleasant.
Dost thou exist then to take thy pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion?
Dost thou not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together
to put in order their several parts of the universe?
And art thou unwilling to do the work of a human being?
Book 6, Section 30
Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up, if thou wilt ever dig.
Book 7, Section 47
Consider how swiftly all things are swept away and carried off: the bodies in the universe, and the
remembrance of them in time.
What is the nature of all sensible things, and particularly those which attract with the bait of
pleasure or terrify by pain or are noised abroad by vapoury fame?
How worthless, and contemptible, and sordid, and perishable, and dead they are—all this it is the
part of the intellectual faculty to observe.
Book 12, Section 36
All that thou seest will quickly perish, and those who have been spectators of its dissolution will
very soon perish too.
And he who dies at the extremest old age will be brought into the same condition with him who
died prematurely.
Reading Comprehension Assignment
1-Language Task :
Match the stoic concepts with their definitions
1-Virtue 6-Mindfulness
2-Nature 7-Resilience
3-The dichotomy of control 8-Inner freedom
4-Acceptance 9-Gratitude
5-Self-ReflectioN 10-Momento-Mori
-----a) The Latin phrase meaning "remember that you will die." This concept is central to Stoic
philosophy and serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living
virtuously.
-------b) The Stoic idea that some things are within our control (our thoughts, actions) and others
are not (external events, other people's opinions). Students can explore how Marcus Aurelius
applies this concept in his daily life and decision-making.
---------c) The practice of being present and aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and
surroundings. Marcus Aurelius advocates for mindfulness as a way to cultivate inner peace and
clarity of thought.
--------d) The ability to bounce back from adversity and remain steadfast in the face of
challenges. Students can explore how Marcus Aurelius develops resilience through his Stoic
practices.
--------e) The Stoic idea that true freedom comes from within, from being in control of one's
thoughts and attitudes. Marcus Aurelius often reflects on the concept of inner freedom and its
relationship to external circumstances.
--------f) The practice of accepting external events and circumstances as they are, without
judgment or resistance. Marcus Aurelius often emphasizes the importance of acceptance in
maintaining inner peace.
--------g) The practice of examining one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. Marcus Aurelius
frequently engages in self-reflection in "Meditations," and students can explore how this practice
contributes to his philosophical outlook.
-------h) The practice of being thankful for what one has, rather than focusing on what is lacking.
Marcus Aurelius encourages gratitude as a way to cultivate contentment and resilience.
---------i) A concept of moral excellence and righteousness, which is central to Stoic philosophy
and Marcus Aurelius' teachings. Students can explore how Marcus Aurelius defines virtue and its
importance in leading a good life.
--------j) The natural order of the universe, which Stoics believe is governed by reason. Marcus
Aurelius often reflects on living in accordance with nature and accepting the natural course of
events.
2-Comprehension Task:
Answer the following questions about texts above from Meditations By Marcus Aurelius
Book 2, Section 1
1-How does Marcus Aurelius describe the relationship between human beings?
2-What does the comparison to “feet,” “hands,” and “teeth” suggest about society?
3-Do you agree that harmful behavior often comes from ignorance rather than evil? Explain.
Book 4, Section 3
4-What does he mean by “retiring into oneself”?
5-What does he mean by saying tranquillity is “the good ordering of the mind”?
6-Can inner peace exist without changing external circumstances? Why or why not?
Book 5, Section 1
7-What examples from nature does he give to illustrate work and duty?
8-What question does he ask about pleasure and human purpose?
9-Why does Marcus Aurelius compare humans to plants, ants, and bees?
10-Why might discipline be considered a Stoic virtue?
Book 6, Section 30
11-What must a person do to find this goodness?
12-What does the “fountain” symbolize in this passage?
13-How can self-reflection improve decision-making?
Book 7, Section 47
14-Why does Marcus Aurelius describe fame as “vapoury”?
15-What does this passage suggest about material success?
16-Why might awareness of mortality encourage meaningful living?
Book 12, Section 36
17-What comparison does he make between dying young and dying old?
18-What idea about death is Marcus Aurelius trying to communicate?
19- Is death something to fear or accept? Support your view.
3-Task Personal Practice:
Individual practical application of stoicism in your life
Choose one practice and write a short descriptive essay :
Virtue exploration:
Choose one of the four Stoic virtues (wisdom, courage, justice, temperance) and write about a
time when you embodied this virtue or how you can cultivate it further.
The dichotomy of control:
Reflect on a recent event in your life and categorize what was within your control and what was
not. How does recognizing this dichotomy help you accept the situation.
Gratitude journal:
Keep a gratitude journal for a week, writing down three things you are grateful for each day.
Then reflect on how this practice affects your outlook on life.