On responsibility.
'Whether the universe is a concurrence of atoms, or nature is a system, let this first be established: that I am a part of the whole that is governed by nature; next, that I stand in some intimate connection with other kindred parts.' - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book X, § 6.
Marcus Aurelius, an emperor of Rome and by all intents the most powerful man on earth at the time, wrote his classic work 'Meditations' as a series of self-reflections on the meaning of reason, conscience, and stoic piety.
Marcus Aurelius recognized that none of us stand alone and that we are all dominated by the forces of nature, time, and our own mortality. We all share this very basic connection and no man or woman, not even the kings and queens of the world can escape this.
Although at the top, Marcus Aurelius reminded himself that we all stand together and form a system, where the behavior of each part depends on and affects the other. Even emperors know that they owe their position to those around them.
Regardless of the gifts and sorrows that fortune and nature gave you, it is impossible to escape responsibility, no matter who you are.
Assume this responsibility and be worthy of the position you wish to take in this world, whatever that may be, since your actions will be judged by those intimate to you and most importantly, your future self.
