Philosophy · Level 4 · 140 words
On Rising in the Morning
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book V, trans. George Long (1862). Public domain.
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, and dost thou not make haste to do that which is according to thy nature?
Comprehension questions
1. What is the author urging the reader to do?
- A Sleep longer to stay healthy
- B Rise and do the work proper to a human being
- C Avoid hard labor
- D Imitate the warmth of bed-clothes
Show answer
B. Rise and do the work proper to a human being
He reminds himself he was made "for action or exertion," not to lie warm in bed.
2. Why does the author mention plants, birds, ants, and bees?
- A To show nature is more beautiful than humans
- B As examples of beings that do their natural work without complaint
- C To suggest humans should live outdoors
- D To prove animals are happier than people
Show answer
B. As examples of beings that do their natural work without complaint
They all "work together to put in order their several parts of the universe" — a model for doing one's own natural work.
3. What excuse for staying in bed does the author consider and reject?
- A That it is too cold to work
- B That staying warm is more pleasant
- C That there is no work to do
- D That he is ill
Show answer
B. That staying warm is more pleasant
He raises "But this is more pleasant" and rejects it by asking whether he exists merely to take pleasure.
Source: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 AD). Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book V, trans. George Long (1862). Public domain.