Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If you focus on what is right in front of you, following what is right and reasonable with care, steadiness, and gentleness — if you don't mix in other distractions but work only to keep your spirit clean and pure, and stick close to what is right without hoping for rewards or fearing consequences — if you content yourself with simple, honest truth in everything you do or say, then you will live happily. And no one can stop you from this.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 13 Book 3 · 23 of 28
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If thou shalt intend that which is present, following the rule of right and reason carefully, solidly, meekly, and shalt not intermix any other businesses, but shall study this only to preserve thy spirit unpolluted, and pure, and shall cleave unto him without either hope or fear of anything, in all things that thou shalt either do or speak, contenting thyself with heroical truth, thou shalt live happily; and from this, there is no man that can hinder thee.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 13 Book 3 · 23 of 28
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What am I focused on right now? What is it made of? How long will it last? Which virtue do I need for this situation? Gentleness, courage, honesty, loyalty, sincerity, contentment, or something else? For everything that happens, get used to saying: This comes directly from God. This comes from the chain of cause and effect. Or this happens by chance. When it comes to other people's actions, this comes from my neighbor, my relative, my fellow human. They act from ignorance because they don't know what's natural for them. But I do know. So I treat them according to the natural law of fellowship — with kindness and justice. For things that don't matter either way, I respond based on what I think each situation deserves.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 12 Book 3 · 22 of 28
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What is this, that now my fancy is set upon? of what things doth it consist? how long can it last? which of all the virtues is the proper virtue for this present use? as whether meekness, fortitude, truth, faith, sincerity, contentation, or any of the rest? Of everything therefore thou must use thyself to say, This immediately comes from God, this by that fatal connection, and concatenation of things, or (which almost comes to one) by some coincidental casualty. And as for this, it proceeds from my neighbour, my kinsman, my fellow: through his ignorance indeed, because he knows not what is truly natural unto him: but I know it, and therefore carry myself towards him according to the natural law of fellowship; that is kindly, and justly. As for those things that of themselves are altogether indifferent, as in my best judgment I conceive everything to deserve more or less, so I carry myself towards it.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 12 Book 3 · 22 of 28
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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