Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Does someone wrong you? They hurt themselves, not you. Why let it bother you? Has something bad happened to you? It's fine. Whatever it is, it was always meant for you from the beginning of time. Everything in your life was planned long ago. To sum it up: life is short. We must make the most of each moment with wisdom and fairness. Enjoy yourself, but don't go overboard.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 21 Book 4 · 28 of 54
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Doth any man offend? It is against himself that he doth offend: why should it trouble thee? Hath anything happened unto thee? It is well, whatsoever it be, it is that which of all the common chances of the world from the very beginning in the series of all other things that have, or shall happen, was destinated and appointed unto thee. To comprehend all in a few words, our life is short; we must endeavour to gain the present time with best discretion and justice. Use recreation with sobriety.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 21 Book 4 · 28 of 54
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Try living like a good person who is happy with whatever life brings their way. Someone who is content with doing what is right now and has a good heart for the future. See how that feels. You have tried the other way of living. Now test this one. Stop troubling yourself from now on. Make your life simple.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 21 Book 4 · 27 of 54
What Matters Most Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Try also how a good man's life; (of one, who is well pleased with those things whatsoever, which among the common changes and chances of this world fall to his own lot and share; and can live well contented and fully satisfied in the justice of his own proper present action, and in the goodness of his disposition for the future:) will agree with thee. Thou hast had experience of that other kind of life: make now trial of this also. Trouble not thyself any more henceforth, reduce thyself unto perfect simplicity.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 21 Book 4 · 27 of 54
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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