Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Either this world is a beautiful, ordered system—everything arranged and governed by natural law—or it's a mixture that seems confused but is still beautiful. How could there be any beauty in you while the whole world contains nothing but chaos? All things are different from each other by their natural properties, yet they are connected and united by natural bonds.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 22 Book 4 · 29 of 54
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Either this world is a κόσμος or comely piece, because all disposed and governed by certain order: or if it be a mixture, though confused, yet still it is a comely piece. For is it possible that in thee there should be any beauty at all, and that in the whole world there should be nothing but disorder and confusion? and all things in it too, by natural different properties one from another differenced and distinguished; and yet all through diffused, and by natural sympathy, one to another united, as they are?

Meditations, Book 4, Section 22 Book 4 · 29 of 54
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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