Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When someone wrongs me, that's their problem. They are responsible for their own choices and actions. Meanwhile, I have what nature intended me to have. And I do what my own nature tells me to do.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 38 of 52
Freedom & Control Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Again: another doth trespass against me. Let him look to that. He is master of his own disposition, and of his own operation. I for my part am in the meantime in possession of as much, as the common nature would have me to possess: and that which mine own nature would have me do, I do.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 38 of 52
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Aren't you being foolish then? You get puffed up with pride over these things. You worry yourself sick about them. You complain as if they would bother you forever. Think about the whole universe — you are just a tiny part of it. Think about all of time — you get only a brief moment. Think about everything that happens in the world — how much of it really affects you?

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 37 of 52
What Matters Most Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Art not thou then a very fool, who for these things, art either puffed up with pride, or distracted with cares, or canst find in thy heart to make such moans as for a thing that would trouble thee for a very long time? Consider the whole universe whereof thou art but a very little part, and the whole age of the world together, whereof but a short and very momentary portion is allotted unto thee, and all the fates and destinies together, of which how much is it that comes to thy part and share!

Meditations, Book 5, Section 19 Book 5 · 37 of 52
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support