Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think about the times of Emperor Vespasian, for example. You see the same things: people marrying, raising children, getting sick, dying, fighting, celebrating, doing business, farming, flattering others, bragging, plotting, wishing they were dead, complaining about their lives, courting lovers, hoarding money, seeking political office, chasing power. And now that whole era is completely over and done. Look at the times of Emperor Trajan. You see exactly the same activities. That age is also over and finished.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 27 Book 4 · 34 of 54
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Consider in my mind, for example's sake, the times of Vespasian: thou shalt see but the same things: some marrying, some bringing up children, some sick, some dying, some fighting, some feasting, some merchandising, some tilling, some flattering, some boasting, some suspecting, some undermining, some wishing to die, some fretting and murmuring at their present estate, some wooing, some hoarding, some seeking after magistracies, and some after kingdoms. And is not that their age quite over, and ended? Again, consider now the times of Trajan. There likewise thou seest the very self-same things, and that age also is now over and ended.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 27 Book 4 · 34 of 54
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever skill or work you have learned, try to love it and find comfort in it. Live the rest of your life as someone who completely trusts the gods with himself and everything he owns. As for other people, don't act like a tyrant or a slave toward anyone.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 26 Book 4 · 33 of 54
What Matters Most Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What art and profession soever thou hast learned, endeavour to affect it, and comfort thyself in it; and pass the remainder of thy life as one who from his whole heart commits himself and whatsoever belongs unto him, unto the gods: and as for men, carry not thyself either tyrannically or servilely towards any.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 26 Book 4 · 33 of 54
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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