XII. From Alexander the Platonic, not frequently nor without necessity to say to any one, or to write in a letter, that I have no leisure; nor continually to excuse the neglect of duties required by our relation to those with whom we live, by alleging urgent occupations.
Alexanderthe Platonic
A rhetorician of Seleucia, made Marcus’s Greek secretary while headquarters were in Pannonia.
Where they were from
Where they were fromA rhetorician from Seleucia, appointed while headquarters were in Pannonia.
When, in his life
writing this
about 170–175
born 121
adopted 138
emperor 161
died 180
Appointed during this very campaign.
Where it comes from
"I have no leisure" as a way of getting out of an obligation. Seneca makes the same attack in On the Shortness of Life: people guard their money and squander the one thing they cannot get back.
Where he says it again
Book IV puts it as an instruction: do few things, if you would have tranquillity.