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Single Idea 3067

[from 'The Meditations (To Himself)' by Marcus Aurelius, in 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People ]

Full Idea

As physicians have always their instruments and knives ready for cases which suddenly require their skill, so should you have principles ready for the understanding of things divine and human.

Gist of Idea

A philosopher should have principles ready for understanding, like a surgeon with instruments

Source

Marcus Aurelius (The Meditations (To Himself) [c.170], 3.13)

Book Reference

'Essential Works of Stoicism', ed/tr. Hadas,Moses [Bantam 1961], p.121


A Reaction

Nice. Philosophy is the training ground where wisdom and good living are made possible, but it cannot be a substitute for living.