Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Look at the state of people's minds. Watch those the world calls wise. See what they run from and fear. See what they chase after.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 31 Book 4 · 40 of 54
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Behold and observe, what is the state of their rational part; and those that the world doth account wise, see what things they fly and are afraid of; and what things they hunt after.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 31 Book 4 · 40 of 54
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

You are ready to die, but you have not reached perfect simplicity. You are still troubled by many worries. You are not free from fear of what might happen. You are not as kind to people as you should be. You do not act like someone whose only goal is to be just.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 30 Book 4 · 39 of 54
Death & Mortality Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Thou art now ready to die, and yet hast thou not attained to that perfect simplicity: thou art yet subject to many troubles and perturbations; not yet free from all fear and suspicion of external accidents; nor yet either so meekly disposed towards all men, as thou shouldest; or so affected as one, whose only study and only wisdom is, to be just in all his actions.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 30 Book 4 · 39 of 54
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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