How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter)
Quote #4
In one respect, man is something with the closest affinity to us, in that it is our duty to do good to men and tolerate them. (5.20)
Marcus is using the royal "we" here (or the royal "us") and speaks as though he's of a completely different race from those around him. In many ways, he does feel that other people are aliens—that he's the only one who actually received his bit of reason from the Whole. But here, Marcus acknowledges kinship with other people, and he admits that they have the same basic purpose in life: to see to the common good and have patience with others, since we all have a common origin.
Quote #5
If you are doing your proper duty let it not matter to you whether you are cold or warm, whether you are sleepy or well-slept, whether men speak badly or well of you, even whether you are at the point of death or doing something else... (6.2)
Marcus has a lot to say about our purpose on this earth. Clearly, our purpose is not linked to pleasure in any way, nor is it linked to any concern for reputation or physical well-being. For Marcus, it's all about behaving in a way that is "proper to man." In other words, you have to do the things that are expected of rational creatures. This might vary from one person to the next, depending on your fate or where your talent lies. But once you are following the path designated by his reason, it truly is your duty and purpose in life to continue down it.
Quote #6
I do my own duty: the other things do not distract me. They are either inanimate or irrational, or have lost the road and are ignorant of the true way. (6.22)
The emperor is a single-minded guy—or at least he's talking a good game. Marcus speaks of being a kind of closed circuit at all times, retreating into the fortress of his mind to avoid the traps of earthly life. This isolation reaches into other aspects of his life as well. Though it's important for us to live for each other and to complete social acts that benefit the community, we must remain independent and totally focused on our purpose in life. Distractions might come in the form of quarrels, concerns about reputation or fame—even pleasure. If Marcus keeps his mind on the seriousness of his obligations and what he owes to the gods, he believes he has a better chance of getting it done.