“Constantly regard the universe as one living being, having one substance and one soul; and observe how all things have reference to one perception, the perception of this one living being; and how all things act with one movement; and how all things are the cooperating causes of all things which exist; observe too the continuous spinning of the thread and the contexture of the web.”  
 – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations IV, 40.           
     —  (Emperor of Rome, 161-180 AD).

This ancient quotation could hardly be more modern.  It correctly describes the vital, living interdependence of Earth’s ecology.  The quotation also describes the interdependence of both technologies and cultures, and even foreshadows today’s “Worldwide Web” of shared information.  

Marcus Aurelius was not only a successful Roman Emperor, he was also a well-respected Stoic Philosopher.  He wrote this famous quotation in his work, Meditations, which is still widely read today. 

Stoicism is a forerunner to J.X. Mason’s own book, Continuing Creation: A Spiritual Path Based on Nature, Reason, & Science, (without any myths or miracle stories), which is available to everyone on the Web — free and without advertisments.    

   — J.X. Mason 1-25-22