It is not possible that any nature should be inferior unto art, since that all arts imitate nature.
 Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 - 180). copy citation

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Author Marcus Aurelius
Source Meditations
Topic art
Date c. 170 - 180
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Meric Casaubon
Weblink https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus_-_His_Meditatio...

Context

“(either in the one to give over for fear, or in the other to forsake thy natural affection towards him, who by nature is both thy friend and thy kinsman) is equally base, and much savouring of the disposition of a cowardly fugitive soldier. IX. It is not possible that any nature should be inferior unto art, since that all arts imitate nature. If this be so; that the most perfect and general nature of all natures should in her operation come short of the skill of arts, is most improbable. Now common is it to all arts, to make that which is worse for the better's sake.” source