Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If you can find anything in this life better than doing what's right, being truthful, showing self-control, and being brave — anything better than a mind that's satisfied with acting according to reason and accepting what happens beyond your control — if you can find anything better than this, then go after it with everything you have. Whatever is truly best, enjoy it freely.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 7 Book 3 · 14 of 28
What Matters Most Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If thou shalt find anything in this mortal life better than righteousness, than truth, temperance, fortitude, and in general better than a mind contented both with those things which according to right and reason she doth, and in those, which without her will and knowledge happen unto thee by the providence; if I say, thou canst find out anything better than this, apply thyself unto it with thy whole heart, and that which is best wheresoever thou dost find it, enjoy freely.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 7 Book 3 · 14 of 28
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Be cheerful. Don't depend on other people's help or attention. Don't depend on others for rest and peace. Be like someone who has always been upright on their own, not like someone who had to be corrected.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 6 Book 3 · 13 of 28
Knowing Yourself Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

To be cheerful, and to stand in no need, either of other men's help or attendance, or of that rest and tranquillity, which thou must be beholding to others for. Rather like one that is straight of himself, or hath ever been straight, than one that hath been rectified.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 6 Book 3 · 13 of 28
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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