Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

You can always succeed if you choose the right path. This means following a true method in both your thoughts and your actions. Two things are common to all souls — God's soul, human souls, and every thinking creature. First, nothing can stop them from doing their proper work. Second, their happiness comes from wanting to do right and actually doing right. This is where their desire ends.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 28 Book 5 · 49 of 52
Doing The Right Thing What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Thou mayest always speed, if thou wilt but make choice of the right way; if in the course both of thine opinions and actions, thou wilt observe a true method. These two things be common to the souls, as of God, so of men, and of every reasonable creature, first that in their own proper work they cannot be hindered by anything: and secondly, that their happiness doth consist in a disposition to, and in the practice of righteousness; and that in these their desire is terminated.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 28 Book 5 · 49 of 52
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

So what keeps you here? Physical things change and fall apart. Your senses are cloudy and often wrong. Your soul is just breath from blood. Being praised by people like this is empty. What are you waiting for then? Death or change — either one should find you calm and ready. But until that time comes, what will satisfy you? Only this: honor the gods and help people. Put up with others. Don't harm them. Remember that everything outside — this broken body, this life — none of it belongs to you. None of it is under your control.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 27 Book 5 · 48 of 52
Freedom & Control What Matters Most Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What is it then that doth keep thee here, if things sensible be so mutable and unsettled? and the senses so obscure, and so fallible? and our souls nothing but an exhalation of blood? and to be in credit among such, be but vanity? What is it that thou dost stay for? an extinction, or a translation; either of them with a propitious and contented mind. But still that time come, what will content thee? what else, but to worship and praise the Gods; and to do good unto men. To bear with them, and to forbear to do them any wrong. And for all external things belonging either to this thy wretched body, or life, to remember that they are neither thine, nor in thy power.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 27 Book 5 · 48 of 52
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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