You should take no action unwillingly, selfishly, uncritically, or with conflicting motives. Do not dress up your thoughs in smart finery: do not be a gabbler or a meddler. Further, let the god that is within you be the champion of the being you are – a male, mature in years, a statesman, a Roman, a ruler: one who has taken his post like a soldier waiting for the Retreat from life to sound, and ready to depart, past the need for any loyal oath or human witness. And see that you keep a cheerful demeanour, and retain your independence of outside help and the peace which others can give. Your duty is to stand straight – not held straight.

Marcus Aurelius