Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If all other things are shared with lesser people, then what makes a good man unique is this: He accepts everything that happens to him. He doesn't trouble the spirit in his chest with useless worries and fantasies. He keeps that spirit calm and obeys it like a god. He never speaks lies or acts unjustly. This is what sets a good man apart. Even if no one believes he lives with integrity or contentment, he doesn't get angry about it. He doesn't let it pull him off the path that leads to life's end. A man must walk that path with purity, always ready to leave, willingly fitting himself to whatever fate gives him.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 17 Book 3 · 28 of 28
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If therefore all things else be common to these likewise, it follows, that for a man to like and embrace all things that happen and are destinated unto him, and not to trouble and molest that spirit which is seated in the temple of his own breast, with a multitude of vain fancies and imaginations, but to keep him propitious and to obey him as a god, never either speaking anything contrary to truth, or doing anything contrary to justice, is the only true property of a good man. And such a one, though no man should believe that he liveth as he doth, either sincerely and conscionably, or cheerful and contentedly; yet is he neither with any man at all angry for it, nor diverted by it from the way that leadeth to the end of his life, through which a man must pass pure, ever ready to depart, and willing of himself without any compulsion to fit and accommodate himself to his proper lot and portion.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 17 Book 3 · 28 of 28
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Both humans and animals can form mental pictures and imagine things. Being driven by wild desires is something we share with beasts and monsters like tyrants Phalaris and Nero. Even following basic reasoning for daily tasks is common to those who don't believe in gods, who would betray their country for personal gain, and who do shameful things in private.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 17 Book 3 · 27 of 28
Human Nature Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

To be capable of fancies and imaginations, is common to man and beast. To be violently drawn and moved by the lusts and desires of the soul, is proper to wild beasts and monsters, such as Phalaris and Nero were. To follow reason for ordinary duties and actions is common to them also, who believe not that there be any gods, and for their advantage would make no conscience to betray their own country; and who when once the doors be shut upon them, dare do anything.

Meditations, Book 3, Section 17 Book 3 · 27 of 28
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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