December 14th, 2021
Soon you will die, and still you aren't sincere, undisturbed, or free from suspicion that external things can harm you, nor are you gracious to all, knowing that wisdom and acting justly are one and the same.
Marcus Aurelius is speaking about his own mortality. Marcus Aurelius is considered one of the greatest Roman leaders, but even with all of his accomplishments, he still dealt with anxiousness and vexation. He also knew that he still had a chance to make good choices and this could provide some relief.
The lesson learned from "The Daily Stoic" is that if we have time left, we should still do all that we can to do good. We are not our complete versions until the very end. Learning this early on allows us to "enjoy the fruits of the labor on our character" as the authors mention.