Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

All things change quickly. They either dissolve back into one universal substance, or they scatter and break apart—depending on which theory you believe. The Rational Force that governs everything understands itself perfectly. It knows its own nature, its work, and what it deals with. So it acts accordingly. We don't understand ourselves this well. No wonder we're confused by so much around us.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 4 Book 6 · 4 of 64
Calm Your Mind Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

All substances come soon to their change, and either they shall be resolved by way of exhalation (if so be that all things shall be reunited into one substance), or as others maintain, they shall be scattered and dispersed. As for that Rational Essence by which all things are governed, as it best understandeth itself, both its own disposition, and what it doth, and what matter it hath to do with and accordingly doth all things; so we that do not, no wonder, if we wonder at many things, the reasons whereof we cannot comprehend.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 4 Book 6 · 4 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Look within yourself. Don't let the true nature or real value of anything slip past you before you fully understand it.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 3 Book 6 · 3 of 64
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Look in, let not either the proper quality, or the true worth of anything pass thee, before thou hast fully apprehended it.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 3 Book 6 · 3 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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