Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

But if the gods haven't deliberated at all — which would be deeply irreligious to believe, for then we should stop sacrificing, praying, honoring our oaths, and doing all the things we do because we trust the gods are present with us — but if they truly haven't deliberated about what happens to us, then at least I can be grateful for this: I'm allowed to deliberate about my own life. And my deliberation should focus on what's truly good for me.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 47 of 64
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

But if so be that they have not deliberated at all (which indeed is very irreligious for any man to believe: for then let us neither sacrifice, nor pray, nor respect our oaths, neither let us any more use any of those things, which we persuaded of the presence and secret conversation of the Gods among us, daily use and practise:) but, I say, if so be that they have not indeed either in general, or particular deliberated of any of those things, that happen unto us in this world; yet God be thanked, that of those things that concern myself, it is lawful for me to deliberate myself, and all my deliberation is but concerning that which may be to me most profitable.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 47 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If the gods have planned my life in detail, I must accept their plan. They are wise and careful. It's hard to imagine a god being foolish. And why would they want to hurt me? What good would that do them or the universe they care for? But maybe they haven't planned my life specifically. Maybe they just planned the big picture. Either way, whatever happens to me as part of their larger plan, I should welcome it and accept it.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 46 of 64
Freedom & Control Facing Hardship
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If so be that the Gods have deliberated in particular of those things that should happen unto me, I must stand to their deliberation, as discrete and wise. For that a God should be an imprudent God, is a thing hard even to conceive: and why should they resolve to do me hurt? for what profit either unto them or the universe (which they specially take care for) could arise from it? But if so be that they have not deliberated of me in particular, certainly they have of the whole in general, and those things which in consequence and coherence of this general deliberation happen unto me in particular, I am bound to embrace and accept of.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 46 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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