Passage of the day · Thursday 5 November 2026
The best way of defending yourself is not to become like the wrongdoer.
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 6.6 · modern English rendering · check the source
George Long translation
The best way of avenging thyself is not to become like [the wrong-doer].
Modern reading
When someone treats us badly, the urge is to answer in kind. Marcus suggests the most satisfying response is the one that refuses to copy them. If you stay fair while they are unfair, their behaviour hasn't changed who you are.
One thing to do today
If someone gets under your skin today, wait ten minutes before replying, and make the reply one you'd be happy to have read aloud.
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