Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever exists right now, whatever has existed day by day — all the things we remember, and our minds and memories too — keep thinking about this: everything that exists changes and transforms. Train yourself to think about this often. The universe loves nothing more than changing what exists and making new things from the old. So we can say that everything now is just the seed of what will come next. If you think only plants and babies come from seeds, you're missing the point.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 29 Book 4 · 38 of 54
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whatsoever is now present, and from day to day hath its existence; all objects of memories, and the minds and memories themselves, incessantly consider, all things that are, have their being by change and alteration. Use thyself therefore often to meditate upon this, that the nature of the universe delights in nothing more, than in altering those things that are, and in making others like unto them. So that we may say, that whatsoever is, is but as it were the seed of that which shall be. For if thou think that that only is seed, which either the earth or the womb receiveth, thou art very simple.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 29 Book 4 · 38 of 54
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What should we focus our care and effort on? Only this: that our thoughts and intentions are just. That our actions are kind. That our words are never false, and our understanding is free from error. That we always accept whatever happens to us as necessary, normal, and ordinary — flowing from the same source that created both you and everything else. So willingly and completely surrender yourself to this chain of fate. Let the fates do with you as they will.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 28 Book 4 · 37 of 54
Doing The Right Thing Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What is it that we must bestow our care and diligence upon? even upon this only: that our minds and wills be just; that our actions be charitable; that our speech be never deceitful, or that our understanding be not subject to error; that our inclination be always set to embrace whatsoever shall happen unto us, as necessary, as usual, as ordinary, as flowing from such a beginning, and such a fountain, from which both thou thyself and all things are. Willingly therefore, and wholly surrender up thyself unto that fatal concatenation, yielding up thyself unto the fates, to be disposed of at their pleasure.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 28 Book 4 · 37 of 54
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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