Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Second, when the soul turns against someone or is driven by desires that harm others — like the souls of angry people. Third, when it's overcome by pleasure or pain. Fourth, when it pretends and secretly does or says false things. Fifth, when it acts or tries to do something without a clear purpose, rashly and without thinking about how it fits with the common good. Even the smallest actions should relate to our purpose. And the purpose of thinking beings is to follow the reason that governs this great city and ancient community.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 18 of 20
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Secondly, when she either is averse from any man, or led by contrary desires or affections, tending to his hurt and prejudice; such as are the souls of them that are angry. Thirdly, when she is overcome by any pleasure or pain. Fourthly, when she doth dissemble, and covertly and falsely either doth or saith anything. Fifthly, when she doth either affect or endeavour anything to no certain end, but rashly and without due ratiocination and consideration, how consequent or inconsequent it is to the common end. For even the least things ought not to be done, without relation unto the end; and the end of the reasonable creatures is, to follow and obey him, who is the reason as it were, and the law of this great city, and ancient commonwealth.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 18 of 20
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

A person's soul harms and dishonors itself most when it becomes like a tumor or growth on the world. To be upset and angry about anything that happens is to rebel against the nature of the universe. We are all part of that universe.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 17 of 20
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

A man's soul doth wrong and disrespect itself first and especially, when as much as in itself lies it becomes an aposteme, and as it were an excrescency of the world, for to be grieved and displeased with anything that happens in the world, is direct apostacy from the nature of the universe; part of which, all particular natures of the world, are.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 14 Book 2 · 17 of 20
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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