Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

He examined things carefully in meetings and listened patiently to others. He would not quickly give up searching for answers, unlike those who are satisfied with first impressions. He took care of his friends. He never treated them with scorn or grew tired of them. But he also never became foolishly obsessed with them. He was content with everything. His face was cheerful. He could see problems coming from far away and handle small matters quietly, without drama. He shut down all praise and flattery. He watched carefully over everything needed to run the government. He kept track of public spending. He patiently endured criticism from some people who thought his careful approach was too strict.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 16 of 30
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

His accurate examination of things in consultations, and patient hearing of others. He would not hastily give over the search of the matter, as one easy to be satisfied with sudden notions and apprehensions. His care to preserve his friends; how neither at any time he would carry himself towards them with disdainful neglect, and grow weary of them; nor yet at any time be madly fond of them. His contented mind in all things, his cheerful countenance, his care to foresee things afar off, and to take order for the least, without any noise or clamour. Moreover how all acclamations and flattery were repressed by him: how carefully he observed all things necessary to the government, and kept an account of the common expenses, and how patiently he did abide that he was reprehended by some for this his strict and rigid kind of dealing.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 16 of 30
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

In my father, I saw his gentle nature and his steady resolve. Once he had thought something through carefully, he stuck with it. He never showed off about his honors or titles. He worked hard and was always ready to listen to anyone who had something to say for the common good. He treated everyone fairly and knew when to be strict and when to show mercy. He stayed away from inappropriate relationships with young men. He was considerate of others' needs like any ordinary person. He never demanded that his friends join him for every meal or trip. And whenever he had to put off some business, when he returned to it later, he was the same steady person he had always been.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 15 of 30
Knowing Yourself Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

In my father, I observed his meekness; his constancy without wavering in those things, which after a due examination and deliberation, he had determined. How free from all vanity he carried himself in matter of honour and dignity, (as they are esteemed:) his laboriousness and assiduity, his readiness to hear any man, that had aught to say tending to any common good: how generally and impartially he would give every man his due; his skill and knowledge, when rigour or extremity, or when remissness or moderation was in season; how he did abstain from all unchaste love of youths; his moderate condescending to other men's occasions as an ordinary man, neither absolutely requiring of his friends, that they should wait upon him at his ordinary meals, nor that they should of necessity accompany him in his journeys; and that whensoever any business upon some necessary occasions was to be put off and omitted before it could be ended, he was ever found when he went about it again, the same man that he was before.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 15 of 30
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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