Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

That I was not skilled in rhetoric and poetry and other subjects that I might have spent too much time on if I had been good at them. That I promoted the people who raised me to the positions they wanted while they could still enjoy them. I didn't make them wait with promises that I would reward them later when they were older. That I got to know Apollonius and Rusticus and Maximus.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 14 Book 1 · 23 of 30
Knowing Yourself Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That I was no great proficient in the study of rhetoric and poetry, and of other faculties, which perchance I might have dwelt upon, if I had found myself to go on in them with success. That I did by times prefer those, by whom I was brought up, to such places and dignities, which they seemed unto me most to desire; and that I did not put them off with hope and expectation, that (since that they were yet but young) I would do the same hereafter. That I ever knew Apollonius and Rusticus, and Maximus.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 14 Book 1 · 23 of 30
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

That I lived under my adoptive father, who taught me to put aside all pride and show. He showed me that a ruler doesn't need troops of guards, fancy clothes, torches, statues, and all the other trappings of power. A person can live almost like a private citizen and still handle public duties that require real authority. That I had such a brother who stirred me to better thoughts by his example, and whose respect and love brought me joy. That my children were born healthy and without any deformities.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 14 Book 1 · 22 of 30
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That I lived under the government of my lord and father, who would take away from me all pride and vainglory, and reduce me to that conceit and opinion that it was not impossible for a prince to live in the court without a troop of guards and followers, extraordinary apparel, such and such torches and statues, and other like particulars of state and magnificence; but that a man may reduce and contract himself almost to the state of a private man, and yet for all that not to become the more base and remiss in those public matters and affairs, wherein power and authority is requisite. That I have had such a brother, who by his own example might stir me up to think of myself; and by his respect and love, delight and please me. That I have got ingenuous children, and that they were not born distorted, nor with any other natural deformity.

Meditations, Book 1, Section 14 Book 1 · 22 of 30
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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