Set thyself in motion

The George Long translation of 1862:

Set thyself in motion, if it is in thy power, and do not look about thee to see if any one will observe it, nor yet expect Plato's Republic: but be content if the smallest thing goes on well, and consider such an event to be no small matter.  Marcus Aurelius.  Meditations.  Book 9.

Chrystal's 2017 rendering based on the Foulis translation of 1742:

O man! that which Nature now requires of you. Set about it if you have the means; and look not around you to see if any be taking notice, neither hope to realize Plato’s Republic. Be satisfied if the smallest thing go well. Consider even such an event as no small matter. Marcus Aurelius.  Meditations.  Book 9.


Image: Detail of Plato from The School of Athens fresco by Raphael, 1509, at the Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

 

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