Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Do everything as a student of Antoninus Pius would. Remember how steady he was when he acted with reason. Remember his calm in all situations, his integrity, his cheerful face, his kindness. He was never vain. He cared about understanding things fully and would not stop until he completely grasped what he was dealing with. He bore patiently with people who wrongly blamed him, never arguing back. He was never hasty. He did not listen to rumors or accusations. Instead, he carefully watched and studied how people acted and what drove them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 28 Book 6 · 32 of 64
Knowing Yourself Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Do all things as becometh the disciple of Antoninus Pius. Remember his resolute constancy in things that were done by him according to reason, his equability in all things, his sanctity; the cheerfulness of his countenance, his sweetness, and how free he was from all vainglory; how careful to come to the true and exact knowledge of matters in hand, and how he would by no means give over till he did fully, and plainly understand the whole state of the business; and how patiently, and without any contestation he would bear with them, that did unjustly condemn him: how he would never be over-hasty in anything, nor give ear to slanders and false accusations, but examine and observe with best diligence the several actions and dispositions of men.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 28 Book 6 · 32 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Keep yourself simple, good, honest, serious, and free from showing off. Love what is just. Be religious, kind, and tender-hearted. Be strong enough to handle whatever duty requires of you. Try to stay the way philosophy would have made you if you had followed it completely. Honor the gods and help other people. This life is short. Kind actions and a holy heart are the only real rewards of earthly life.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 27 Book 6 · 31 of 64
Doing The Right Thing What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Keep thyself therefore, truly simple, good, sincere, grave, free from all ostentation, a lover of that which is just, religious, kind, tender-hearted, strong and vigorous to undergo anything that becomes thee. Endeavour to continue such, as philosophy (hadst thou wholly and constantly applied thyself unto it) would have made, and secured thee. Worship the Gods, procure the welfare of men, this life is short. Charitable actions, and a holy disposition, is the only fruit of this earthly life.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 27 Book 6 · 31 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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