Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Remember that everything is just opinion and belief. This truth was clear to Monimus the Cynic. And it's just as clear how useful this insight can be, if you accept what is true and serious about it along with what feels good and pleasant.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 13 Book 2 · 16 of 20
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Remember that all is but opinion and conceit, for those things are plain and apparent, which were spoken unto Monimus the Cynic; and as plain and apparent is the use that may be made of those things, if that which is true and serious in them, be received as well as that which is sweet and pleasing.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 13 Book 2 · 16 of 20
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Remember two things. First, all things in the world have always followed the same patterns forever. The same cycles repeat endlessly. So it doesn't matter much whether you see these patterns for a hundred years, two hundred years, or forever — they're always the same. Second, the life that the longest-lived person loses at death is exactly the same length as the life the shortest-lived person loses. Both lose only the present moment. That's all anyone ever has. You can't lose what you never had.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 15 of 20
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

These two things therefore thou must remember. First, that all things in the world from all eternity, by a perpetual revolution of the same times and things ever continued and renewed, are of one kind and nature; so that whether for a hundred or two hundred years only, or for an infinite space of time, a man see those things which are still the same, it can be no matter of great moment. And secondly, that that life which any the longest liver, or the shortest liver parts with, is for length and duration the very same, for that only which is present, is that, which either of them can lose, as being that only which they have; for that which he hath not, no man can truly be said to lose.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 12 Book 2 · 15 of 20
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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