Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

The basic stuff that makes up the universe is flexible and workable. The rational force that governs it has no reason to do evil. It contains no evil itself. It cannot do anything evil, and nothing can be harmed by it. Everything happens according to its will and design.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 1 Book 6 · 1 of 64
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

The matter itself, of which the universe doth consist, is of itself very tractable and pliable. That rational essence that doth govern it, hath in itself no cause to do evil. It hath no evil in itself; neither can it do anything that is evil: neither can anything be hurt by it. And all things are done and determined according to its will and prescript.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 1 Book 6 · 1 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Let death surprise me when it will, and where it will. I can still be a happy man.

A person is happy who gives himself a good portion in life. A good portion means having good intentions, good desires, and good actions.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 30 Book 5 · 52 of 52
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Let death surprise me when it will, and where it will, I may be εὔμοιρος, or a happy man, nevertheless.

For he is a happy man, who in his lifetime dealeth unto himself a happy lot and portion. A happy lot and portion is, good inclinations of the soul, good desires, good actions.

Meditations, Book 5, Section 30 Book 5 · 52 of 52
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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