Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What is most profitable for everyone is what fits their own nature. My nature is to be rational in all I do. As a good citizen, I should be kind and helpful to my fellow members of society. As Antoninus, my city is Rome. As a human being, my city is the whole world. Therefore, what is good for these communities is the only thing that is good for me.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 48 of 64
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Now that unto every one is most profitable, which is according to his own constitution and nature. And my nature is, to be rational in all my actions and as a good, and natural member of a city and commonwealth, towards my fellow members ever to be sociably and kindly disposed and affected. My city and country as I am Antoninus, is Rome; as a man, the whole world. Those things therefore that are expedient and profitable to those cities, are the only things that are good and expedient for me.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 39 Book 6 · 48 of 64
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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