Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Your evil cannot exist in another person's mind. It cannot exist in your body either — your body is just the house your soul lives in. So where can evil exist? Only in the part of you that forms ideas about suffering. Don't let that part accept the idea that you are suffering, and all will be well. Your body might be cut or burned or rot away. But let the part of you that judges these things stay calm. Let it judge this way: whatever happens equally to good people and bad people is neither good nor evil. What happens to those who live according to nature and those who don't is neither natural nor unnatural. So it is neither good nor bad.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 32 Book 4 · 41 of 54
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

In another man's mind and understanding thy evil Cannot subsist, nor in any proper temper or distemper of the natural constitution of thy body, which is but as it were the coat or cottage of thy soul. Wherein then, but in that part of thee, wherein the conceit, and apprehension of any misery can subsist? Let not that part therefore admit any such conceit, and then all is well. Though thy body which is so near it should either be cut or burnt, or suffer any corruption or putrefaction, yet let that part to which it belongs to judge of these, be still at rest; that is, let her judge this, that whatsoever it is, that equally may happen to a wicked man, and to a good man, is neither good nor evil. For that which happens equally to him that lives according to nature, and to him that doth not, is neither according to nature, nor against it; and by consequent, neither good nor bad.

Meditations, Book 4, Section 32 Book 4 · 41 of 54
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
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support