Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

He also honored all true philosophers. He didn't criticize those who weren't philosophers. He was friendly and pleasant to talk with, but never boring. He took care of his body in reasonable ways. He didn't try to live forever or obsess over looking perfect. But he didn't neglect his health either. Because he took good care of himself, he rarely needed medicine or treatments. Most importantly, he graciously stepped back when others had special skills. If someone was a great speaker, or knew the law well, or understood old traditions, he supported them. He worked hard to make sure each person got respect for what they did best. He carefully followed the old customs of his ancestors. But he didn't make a show of it or want people to notice how traditional he was.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 18 of 30
Human Nature Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Moreover, how much he did honour all true philosophers, without upbraiding those that were not so; his sociableness, his gracious and delightful conversation, but never unto satiety; his care of his body within bounds and measure, not as one that desired to live long, or over-studious of neatness, and elegancy; and yet not as one that did not regard it: so that through his own care and providence, he seldom needed any inward physic, or outward applications: but especially how ingeniously he would yield to any that had obtained any peculiar faculty, as either eloquence, or the knowledge of the laws, or of ancient customs, or the like; and how he concurred with them, in his best care and endeavour that every one of them might in his kind, for that wherein he excelled, be regarded and esteemed: and although he did all things carefully after the ancient customs of his forefathers, yet even of this was he not desirous that men should take notice, that he did imitate ancient customs.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 18 of 30
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

He was not superstitious about the gods, nor did he try to win people over or chase popular praise. He stayed level-headed in everything. He always did what was right for the situation. He didn't chase after new trends. When fortune gave him comfort and ease, he enjoyed these things without arrogance or showing off. He used them freely when they were there. When they were gone, he didn't miss them. No one praised him as a brilliant scholar, a people-pleaser, or a smooth talker. Instead, they saw him as a mature man, a complete person who couldn't stand flattery. Someone who could govern both himself and others.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 17 of 30
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

How he was neither a superstitious worshipper of the gods, nor an ambitious pleaser of men, or studious of popular applause; but sober in all things, and everywhere observant of that which was fitting; no affecter of novelties: in those things which conduced to his ease and convenience, (plenty whereof his fortune did afford him,) without pride and bragging, yet with all freedom and liberty: so that as he did freely enjoy them without any anxiety or affectation when they were present; so when absent, he found no want of them. Moreover, that he was never commended by any man, as either a learned acute man, or an obsequious officious man, or a fine orator; but as a ripe mature man, a perfect sound man; one that could not endure to be flattered; able to govern both himself and others.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 13 Book 1 · 17 of 30
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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