Irony of “not to be indifferent” - Book I
Aurelius expounds, “From Catullus, not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault even if he should find fault without reason, but try to restore him to his usual disposition.” This endorsement is ironic seeing that friends who ‘find fault without reason’ are not inspired by legitimacy. An unaffected friend would not seek to unearth non-existent flaws. Being indifferent is inescapable in such scenarios. Nevertheless, the ironic endorsement offers insights on dealing with conceited friends.
The Irony of Hippocrates - Book III
Aurelius writes, “Hippocrates, after curing many diseases, himself fell sick and died.” Ordinarily, it would be anticipated that Hippocrates would use his vast medical familiarity to prolong his existence or to avert his death. However, death is not selective, all humans submit to it notwithstanding their prowess in medical concerns. Humans cannot subvert their departure.
