How cruel it is not to allow men to strive After the things which appear to them to be suitable to their nature and profitable!
 Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (c. 170 - 180). copy citation

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Author Marcus Aurelius
Source Meditations
Topic
Date c. 170 - 180
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by George Long
Weblink https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15877/15877-h/15877-h.htm

Context

“Just so then in this life also remember that every duty is made up of certain parts. These it is thy duty to observe, and without being disturbed or showing anger towards those who are angry with thee, to go on thy way and finish that which is set before thee. 27. How cruel it is not to allow men to strive After the things which appear to them to be suitable to their nature and profitable! And yet in a manner thou dost not allow them to do this, when thou art vexed because they do wrong. For they are certainly moved towards things because they suppose them to be suitable to their nature and profitable to them.” source