Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

But if you find nothing better than the spirit within you — nothing better than controlling your desires, thinking carefully before acting on any impulse, withdrawing from shallow pleasures (as Socrates said), serving the gods, and caring for all people — if everything else seems worthless by comparison, then don't give way to anything else. Once you let yourself be drawn to other things, you won't be able to pursue your true good without being torn in different directions.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 7 Book 3 · 15 of 28
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

But if nothing thou shalt find worthy to be preferred to that spirit which is within thee; if nothing better than to subject unto thee thine own lusts and desires, and not to give way to any fancies or imaginations before thou hast duly considered of them, nothing better than to withdraw thyself (to use Socrates his words) from all sensuality, and submit thyself unto the gods, and to have care of all men in general: if thou shalt find that all other things in comparison of this, are but vile, and of little moment; then give not way to any other thing, which being once though but affected and inclined unto, it will no more be in thy power without all distraction as thou oughtest to prefer and to pursue after that good, which is thine own and thy proper good.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 7 Book 3 · 15 of 28
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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