《沉思录·卷六·宇宙即变化》第23条
As to the animals which have no reason, and generally all things and objects, do thou, since thou hast reason and they have none, make use of them with a generous and liberal spirit. But towards human beings, as they have reason, behave in a social spirit. And on all occasions call on the gods, and do not perplex thyself about the length of time in which thou shalt do this; for even three hours so spent are sufficient.
注释摘要
这条札记在斯多葛式的宇宙观里画出一条清晰的分界线，划分的根据是理性。奥勒留把世界上的存在物分成两类，一类是没有理性的，包括动物和一般的无生命之物；另一类是有理性的，也就是人。他的推理很直接，既然宇宙里理性是最高的原则，而人分有了这个理性，那么面对不同性质的对象，人这个有理性的存在就该采取截然不同的态度。对有理性者，施以社会精神；对无理性者，则以一种慷慨自由…