Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever happens to anyone serves the good of the whole. This alone should be enough to satisfy us — that it benefits everyone. But you will also notice, if you pay close attention, that whatever happens to any person... And now I am content to use the word 'beneficial' more broadly. I mean those things we usually call neutral — like health, wealth, and similar things.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 40 Book 6 · 49 of 64
Freedom & Control What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whatsoever in any kind doth happen to any one, is expedient to the whole. And thus much to content us might suffice, that it is expedient for the whole in general. But yet this also shalt thou generally perceive, if thou dost diligently take heed, that whatsoever doth happen to any one man or men.... And now I am content that the word expedient, should more generally be understood of those things which we otherwise call middle things, or things indifferent; as health, wealth, and the like.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 40 Book 6 · 49 of 64
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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