From the vernacular body:
I was reminded of something Marcus Aurelius wrote . . .
"Words once in common use now sound archaic. And the names of the famous dead as well: Camillus, Caeso, Volesus, Dentatus...Scipio and Cato...Augustus...Hadrian and Antoninus, and...
Everything fades so quickly, turns into legend, and soon oblivion covers it.
And those are the ones who shone. The rest, "unknown, unasked for" a minute after death. What is "eternal" fame? Emptiness.
Then what should we work for?
Only this: proper understanding; unselfish action; truthful speech. A resolve to accept whatever happens as necessary and familiar, flowing like water from that same source and spring."
Perfectly said. Just hopely it doesn't flood.
Posted by: Cathy | 03 November 2004 at 07:02 PM
A very nice reminder. If I can just remember it. :)
This dark (political) moment is just a blip on the evolutionary ladder. Humanity's progression is a given. Natural selection will take care of the rest of the mess. It's only four more years.
Yack! (Hairball... I'm okay.)
Posted by: Kate S. | 03 November 2004 at 07:13 PM
ugh. it is a dark day. even john stuart looked depressed. but that is a good reminder.
Posted by: kat | 03 November 2004 at 07:53 PM