How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter)
Quote #7
Everywhere and all the time it is up to you to honour god in contentment with your present circumstance, to treat the men who are your present company with justice, and to lavish thought on every present impression in your mind, so that nothing slips in past your understanding. (7.54)
Marcus defines his obligations carefully here, and all in reference to the present moment. He's very clear throughout Meditations to lay claim only to the present—since the past and the future are out of our reach. For the present, then, Marcus vows to give his full attention to the gods, to other people, and to his own thoughts. That should keep him busy for a bit.
Quote #8
Remind yourself of your duty to be a good man and rehearse what man's nature demands: then do it straight and unswerving, or say what you best think right. Always, though, in kindness, integrity, and sincerity. (8.5)
Marcus is not interested in shenanigans of any sort. He knows what it means to be a good person—and he knows that to be good is his life's goal. The only way for him to reach that goal is to do what his principles demand, without further delay. And as vexed as he often gets with his fellow men, he's determined to treat them with kindness, since that shows a tranquility of mind and a respect for the gods who created them all.
Quote #9
Just as those who try to block your progress along the straight path of reason will not be able to divert you from principled action, so you must not let them knock you out of your good will towards them. (11.9)
Again, Marcus emphasizes the need for a kind and tranquil response to even the most annoying of people. A calm demeanor is the sign of a well-disciplined mind. Marcus also knows that as a man of philosophy, he has to balance his desire to make his way through life on his own terms with the need to act as a social being, always looking out for the common good.