Quotation archive
“Do the right thing. The rest doesn't matter.”
Marcus Aurelius · Meditations
Quote record
Author
Marcus Aurelius
Source
Meditations
Chapter / location
Book 12, section 29
Tradition
stoicism · duty · action
Source information
From Meditations, Book 12, section 29.
Original language: Greek
Translation
Translated from Greek into English using a named scholarly edition.
Context
Read the contextual commentary in this archive entry.
Interpretation
A late passage from Meditations on direct action, justice, and attention to the present task.
Knowledge network
Related Archive Records
Original Text
This short sentence is recorded as an English translation, with a precise book and section reference.
Translation
Its force and grammar vary between editions.
Context
Book 12 returns repeatedly to acting justly without distraction by reputation or delay.
Meaning
The line is a prompt toward responsibility, not a substitute for deliberation about what justice requires.
Learning Path
Part of a Structured Collection
Continue Learning
Knowledge NetworkNext Step
Continue your learning path
- topic
Discipline
Related through Stoicism
- answer
How to Accept Death?
Related through Stoicism
- thinker
Marcus Aurelius
Related through Stoicism
- book
Meditations
Related through Stoicism
- wisdom
Discipline
Related through Stoicism
- philosophy
Stoicism
Related through Discipline
- answer
How to Deal with Change?
Related through Stoicism
- quote
Living Each Day as If It Were the Last
Related through Stoicism
Archive references
Sources
- 01MeditationsBy Marcus Aurelius; translated by Gregory HaysBook 12.29. New York: Modern Library, 2002.
- 02StoicismBy Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyConsult source
ZHAIBIAN Editorial Board reviewed
Reviewed by ZHAIBIAN AI Editorial Review · 2026-07-22