Meditations, Book 1, Section 1

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

From my grandfather Verus I learned to be gentle and calm, and to hold back anger and strong emotions. From the memory of my father I learned both humility and strength of character. From my mother I learned to be devout and generous. I learned not just to avoid doing evil, but to avoid even thinking it. I learned to be content with simple food and to stay away from the excesses that come with great wealth. From my great-grandfather I learned to attend public lectures and gatherings, and to hire good teachers for my home education. He taught me not to worry about the cost of such things.

Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Of my grandfather Verus I have learned to be gentle and meek, and to refrain from all anger and passion. From the fame and memory of him that begot me I have learned both shamefastness and manlike behaviour. Of my mother I have learned to be religious, and bountiful; and to forbear, not only to do, but to intend any evil; to content myself with a spare diet, and to fly all such excess as is incidental to great wealth. Of my great-grandfather, both to frequent public schools and auditories, and to get me good and able teachers at home; and that I ought not to think much, if upon such occasions, I were at excessive charges.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 1 — In Plain English