On Rising in the Morning
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book V, trans. George Long (1862). Public domain.
Source: Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 AD)
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In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present: I am rising to the work of a human being. Why then am I dissatisfied if I am going to do the things for which I exist and for which I was brought into the world? Or have I been made for this, to lie in the bed-clothes and keep myself warm? But this is more pleasant.
Dost thou exist then to take thy pleasure, and not at all for action or exertion? Dost thou not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together to put in order their several parts of the universe? And art thou unwilling to do the work of a human being, and dost thou not make haste to do that which is according to thy nature?
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Questions
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Question 1 of 4
What does Marcus Aurelius urge himself to do?
The answer is B: Rise and perform your human duty
He reminds himself he was made "for action or exertion," not to lie warm in bed.
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Question 2 of 4
Why does the author mention plants, birds, ants, and bees?
The answer is B: As examples of beings that do their natural work without complaint
They all "work together to put in order their several parts of the universe," a model for doing one's own natural work.
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Question 3 of 4
What excuse for staying in bed does the author consider and reject?
The answer is B: That staying warm is more pleasant
He raises "But this is more pleasant" and rejects it by asking whether he exists merely to take pleasure.
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Question 4 of 4
As used here, "exertion" most nearly means:
The answer is C: effort and hard work
He asks whether he exists for pleasure "and not at all for action or exertion." Exertion is effortful work, the opposite of lying warm in the bed-clothes.
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