"A man should be upright, not be kept upright"

Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the value of self-governance and the importance of developing an internal sense of morality and rectitude. His message advocates for a life led by personal integrity rather than dependence on external forces or the vigilance of others. The distinction lies between being upright by one’s own volition versus being upheld through external prop or supervision.

To be upright is to hold oneself to the standards of virtue, honesty, and righteousness without requiring continual guidance or correction from outside sources. It speaks to a developed inner character where discipline and ethical behavior come naturally, springing from conscious self-examination and philosophical resolve. Such a person acts justly whether or not anyone is watching; virtue is not a performance, but a state of being.

On the contrary, those who are “kept upright” may only behave well out of fear of consequences, societal expectations, or because others ensure their compliance. Their sense of right and wrong is fragile, reliant on external structures or authorities to keep them from straying; it is not internalized. This approach can lead to hypocrisy, a divided self, or moral lapses once that external pressure is removed.

Marcus Aurelius encourages cultivating an inner compass, a stoic independence, where an individual actively chooses ethical conduct at all times. Such inner-directed virtue fosters resilience and authentic self-respect. It prepares a person to face challenges and temptations with steady resolve, rendering them less susceptible to corruption or manipulation by circumstance.

Ultimately, his wisdom urges people to take responsibility for their own moral development. Upholding virtue should be a personal endeavor, rooted in philosophy, reflection, and the ongoing effort to harmonize actions with principle. This produces a genuinely upright life, impervious to changing external conditions, grounded in the stability of one's own character.