Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What does not hurt the city itself cannot hurt any citizen. Remember this rule when you feel wronged. If the whole city is not hurt by this, then neither am I. And if the whole is not damaged, why should I take it personally? Think instead about where the person who seems to have wronged you might be mistaken.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 35 of 52
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That which doth not hurt the city itself; cannot hurt any citizen. This rule thou must remember to apply and make use of upon every conceit and apprehension of wrong. If the whole city be not hurt by this, neither am I certainly. And if the whole be not, why should I make it my private grievance? consider rather what it is wherein he is overseen that is thought to have done the wrong.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 35 of 52
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Honor what is most important and powerful in the world — the thing that uses all things and governs all things. Do the same in yourself. Honor what is most important and powerful in you. It is the same kind of thing we just talked about. This same force inside you turns everything else to its own use. This is what governs your life.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 18 Book 5 · 34 of 52
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Honour that which is chiefest and most powerful in the world, and that is it, which makes use of all things, and governs all things. So also in thyself; honour that which is chiefest, and most powerful; and is of one kind and nature with that which we now spake of. For it is the very same, which being in thee, turneth all other things to its own use, and by whom also thy life is governed.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 18 Book 5 · 34 of 52
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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