Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Isn't it cruel to stop people from going after what they think is best for them? What they believe will help them most? But you deny them this freedom every time you get angry at their mistakes. They are drawn to these wrong choices because they think it will benefit them. 'But they're wrong,' you might say. Then teach them better. Show them the truth. But don't be angry with them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 25 Book 6 · 28 of 64
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Is it not a cruel thing to forbid men to affect those things, which they conceive to agree best with their own natures, and to tend most to their own proper good and behoof? But thou after a sort deniest them this liberty, as often as thou art angry with them for their sins. For surely they are led unto those sins whatsoever they be, as to their proper good and commodity. But it is not so (thou wilt object perchance). Thou therefore teach them better, and make it appear unto them: but be not thou angry with them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 25 Book 6 · 28 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If someone asked you how to spell the word 'Antoninus,' you would focus and say each letter in order. If they started arguing with you about it, would you argue back? Or would you calmly continue until you had spelled out every letter? Remember this when facing your duties. Every task has its steps, like letters in a word. Stay calm and work through each step in order. Don't fight with people who want to pick fights with you.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 24 Book 6 · 27 of 64
Calm Your Mind Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

if any should put this question unto thee, how this word Antoninus is written, wouldst thou not presently fix thine intention upon it, and utter out in order every letter of it? And if any shall begin to gainsay thee, and quarrel with thee about it; wilt thou quarrel with him again, or rather go on meekly as thou hast begun, until thou hast numbered out every letter? Here then likewise remember, that every duty that belongs unto a man doth consist of some certain letters or numbers as it were, to which without any noise or tumult keeping thyself thou must orderly proceed to thy proposed end, forbearing to quarrel with him that would quarrel and fall out with thee.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 24 Book 6 · 27 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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