Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Now think about which group you belong to. The Administrator of all will use you whether you want it or not. He will make you work with him as part of the whole. Whatever you do will help his plans move forward. But don't be the kind of part that is like a bad, laughable line in a play — the kind Chrysippus mentions somewhere.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 37 Book 6 · 44 of 64
Freedom & Control Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Now do thou consider among which of these thou wilt rank thyself. For as for him who is the Administrator of all, he will make good use of thee whether thou wilt or no, and make thee (as a part and member of the whole) so to co-operate with him, that whatsoever thou doest, shall turn to the furtherance of his own counsels, and resolutions. But be not thou for shame such a part of the whole, as that vile and ridiculous verse (which Chrysippus in a place doth mention) is a part of the comedy.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 37 Book 6 · 44 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

We all work toward the same outcome. Some do it willingly, understanding what they're doing. Others work without knowing it. Heraclitus said that even sleeping people do their part and contribute to how the world works. One person helps in one way, another person helps differently. Even the person who complains and tries to resist and get in the way — even he contributes as much as anyone else. The world needs people like that too.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 37 Book 6 · 43 of 64
Human Nature Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

We all work to one effect, some willingly, and with a rational apprehension of what we do: others without any such knowledge. As I think Heraclitus in a place speaketh of them that sleep, that even they do work in their kind, and do confer to the general operations of the world. One man therefore doth co-operate after one sort, and another after another sort; but even he that doth murmur, and to his power doth resist and hinder; even he as much as any doth co-operate. For of such also did the world stand in need.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 37 Book 6 · 43 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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