Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Theater shows and other entertainment affect you the same way. You see the same things over and over in the same style. The sight becomes dull and boring. All the things we see throughout our lives work the same way. Everything above and below stays the same. It all comes from the same causes. When will this end?

Meditations, Book 6, Section 41 Book 6 · 50 of 64
What Matters Most Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As the ordinary shows of the theatre and of other such places, when thou art presented with them, affect thee; as the same things still seen, and in the same fashion, make the sight ingrateful and tedious; so must all the things that we see all our life long affect us. For all things, above and below, are still the same, and from the same causes. When then will there be an end?

Meditations, Book 6, Section 41 Book 6 · 50 of 64
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
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support