Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think of the old nurse in that comedy. When he has to leave, he makes a big show of asking for the child's toy rattle back. But he knows it's just a rattle. Do the same thing here. What is all this arguing and shouting in the courts really about? Have you forgotten what these things actually are? Sure, other people care deeply about them and think they matter. Does that mean you have to be foolish too? I was foolish once. That's enough.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 29 Book 5 · 51 of 52
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

But as that old foster-father in the comedy, being now to take his leave doth with a great deal of ceremony, require his foster-child's rhombus, or rattle-top, remembering nevertheless that it is but a rhombus; so here also do thou likewise. For indeed what is all this pleading and public bawling for at the courts? O man, hast thou forgotten what those things are! yea but they are things that others much care for, and highly esteem of. Wilt thou therefore be a fool too? Once I was; let that suffice.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 29 Book 5 · 51 of 52
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If this is not my fault, and it doesn't come from any wrong I've done, and the public isn't harmed by it — why should it concern me? And how could the public really be harmed? Don't be swept away by assumptions and popular opinion. You should help others as best you can when the situation calls for it, even if they suffer losses in worldly matters. But don't think they are truly hurt by these things. That's not the right way to see it.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 29 Book 5 · 50 of 52
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If this neither be my wicked act, nor an act anyways depending from any wickedness of mine, and that by it the public is not hurt; what doth it concern me? And wherein can the public be hurt? For thou must not altogether be carried by conceit and common opinion: as for help thou must afford that unto them after thy best ability, and as occasion shall require, though they sustain damage, but in these middle or worldly things; but however do not thou conceive that they are truly hurt thereby: for that is not right.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 29 Book 5 · 50 of 52
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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