Commentary on Meditations: B1.7

7. From Rusticus: to grasp the idea of wanting correction and treatment for my character; not to be diverted into a taste for rhetoric, so not writing up my own speculations, delivering my own little moral sermons, or presenting a glorified picture of the ascetic or the philanthropist; to keep clear of speechifying, versifying, and pretentious language; not to walk around at home in ceremonial dress, or do anything else like that; to write letters in an unaffected style, like his own letter written to my mother from Sinuessa; to be readily recalled to conciliation with those who have taken or given offence, just as soon as they themselves are willing to turn back; to read carefully, not satisfied with my own superficial thoughts or quick to accept the facile views of others; to have encountered the Discourses of Epictetus, to which he introduced me with his own copy.

To want correction and treatment for my character means that Marcus learned to appreciate feedback as a gift.  The sooner we accept this concept; the sooner we achieve improvement and progression. Some may not like getting feedback simply because of the way it was delivered. But if regardless of how it is delivered, a person can always learn to appreciate advice in order to improve.

To not to be diverted by a taste for rhetoric might be modernized into a plain-speaking translation of (quote) don't be a pompous ass (close quote).  The urban dictionary does a fine job defining what a pompous ass is: a person who seems full of themselves and who grabs every opportunity to let others know of their feelings of superiority. More importantly, the aim of philosophy is to live it, not write about it. Indeed, writing can help ingrain ideas in your mind, but this is a means to an end.  The end is to live a good life.

When you do write letters, do so in an unaffected style. You should write and speak plainly, succinctly and to the point.

Next, Marcus learns to be readily recalled to conciliation. This is similar to the teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 5:25, where he teaches settle matters quickly and fix relationships before, they become too damaged. We should maintain good and healthy relationships with all people.  If something is broken, we should fix it quickly.

When it comes to reading, we should read carefully. We should avoid jumping to conclusions and use sound reason and logic.  My senior high school English teacher, Mr. Puckett, loved to say, "don't assume, because it will make an ass out of you and me.”

Marcus read and studied Epictetus and so should you!