sea and Helvidius were. Plutarch has written
the lives of the two Catos, and of Dion and Brutus. Antoninus
probably alludes to Cato of Utica, who was a Stoic.

15. From Maximus[A] I learned self-government, and not to be led aside
by anything; and cheerfulness in all circumstances, as well as in
illness; and a just admixture in the moral character of sweetness and
dignity, and to do what was set before me without complaining. I
observed that everybody believed that he thought as he spoke, and that
in all that he did he never had any bad intention; and he never showed
amazement and surprise, and was never in a hurry, and never put off
doing a thing, nor was perplexed nor dejected, nor did he ever laugh to
disguise his vexation, nor, on the other hand, was he ever passionate or
suspicious. He was accustomed to do acts of beneficence, and was ready
to forgive, and was free from all falsehood; and he presented the
appearance of a man who could not be diverted from right, rather than of
a man who had been improved. I observed, too, that no man could ever
think that he was despised by Maximus, or ever venture to think himself
a better man. He had also the art of being humorous in an agreeable
way.+

[A] Claudius Maximus was a Stoic philosopher, who was highly
esteemed also by Antoninus Pius, Marcus' predecessor. The
character of Maximus is that of a perfect man. (See viii. 25.)

16. In my father[A] I observed mildness of temper, and unchangeable
resolution in the things which he had determined after due deliberation;
and no vain-glory in those things which men call honors; and a love of
labor and perseverance; and a readiness to listen to those who had
anything to propose for the common weal; and undeviating firmness in
giving to every man according to his deserts; and a knowledge derived
from experience of the occasions for vigorous action and for remission.
And I observed that he had overcome all passion for boys; and he
considered himself no more than any other citizen;[B] and he released
his friends from all obligation to sup with him or to attend him of
necessity when he went abroad, and those who had failed to accompany
him, by reason of any urgent circumstances, always found him the same. I
observed too his habit of careful inquiry in all matters of
deliberation, and his persistency, and that he never stopped his
investigation through being satisfied with appearances which first
present themselve