Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

People who don't pay attention to their own inner state are rarely happy. Those who don't use reason to guide their thoughts and feelings will always be miserable.

Always keep these things in mind: What is the nature of the whole universe? What is my own nature? How do I fit into the bigger picture? What kind of part am I in what kind of whole? Remember that no one can stop you from acting and speaking in ways that match your true nature as part of this universe.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 5 Book 2 · 5 of 20
Knowing Yourself Freedom & Control Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

For not observing the state of another man's soul, scarce was ever any man known to be unhappy. Tell whosoever they be that intend not, and guide not by reason and discretion the motions of their own souls, they must of necessity be unhappy.

These things thou must always have in mind: What is the nature of the universe, and what is mine--in particular: This unto that what relation it hath: what kind of part, of what kind of universe it is: And that there is nobody that can hinder thee, but that thou mayest always both do and speak those things which are agreeable to that nature, whereof thou art a part.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 5 Book 2 · 5 of 20
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Why do these outside events distract you so much? Give yourself time to learn something worthwhile, and stop wandering around aimlessly. You must also watch out for another kind of wandering. Some people stay busy with work and effort, but they have no clear purpose to guide their actions and desires.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 4 Book 2 · 4 of 20
Calm Your Mind What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Why should any of these things that happen externally, so much distract thee? Give thyself leisure to learn some good thing, and cease roving and wandering to and fro. Thou must also take heed of another kind of wandering, for they are idle in their actions, who toil and labour in this life, and have no certain scope to which to direct all their motions, and desires.

Meditations, Book 2, Section 4 Book 2 · 4 of 20
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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