《沉思录·卷三·写于卡尔农图姆》第11条
To the aids which have been mentioned let this one still be added: Make for thyself a definition or description of the thing which is presented to thee, so as to see distinctly what kind of a thing it is in its substance, in its nudity, in its complete entirety, and tell thyself its proper name, and the names of the things of which it has been compounded, and into which it will be resolved. For nothing is so productive of elevation of mind as to be able to examine methodically and truly every object which is presented to thee in life, and always to look at things so as to see at the same time what kind of universe this is, and what kind of use everything performs in it, and what value everything has with reference to the whole, and what with reference to man, who is a citizen of the highest city, of which all other cities are like families; what each thing is, and of what it is composed, and how long it is the nature of this thing to endure which now makes an impression on me, and what virtue I have need of with respect to it, such as gentleness, manliness, truth, fidelity, simplicity, contentment, and the rest. Wherefore, on every occasion a man should say: This comes from god; and this is according to the apportionment + and spinning of the thread of destiny, and such-like coincidence and chance; and this is from one of the same stock, and a kinsman and partner, one who knows not, however, what is according to his nature. But I know; for this reason I behave towards him according to the natural law of fellowship with benevolence and justice. At the same time, however, in things indifferent I attempt to ascertain the value of each.
注释摘要
奥勒留在这里提供了一种根本性的心灵训练方法，他称之为前文已经提到的诸种辅助手段之外的又一种。这种方法直指斯多葛派的一个核心实践，即对表象进行严格的分析，使心灵不被事物的表面辉煌或恐怖所动摇。他要求我们在每一个对象或事件呈现于心灵时，立刻为它制作一个定义或描述。这不是字面上的字典定义，而是一种穿透性的观看：剥除它身上一切外在的、因习俗或激情而被添加的附属物，…