Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you need to lift your spirits, think about the good qualities of the people you spend time with each day. One person's hard work. Another's humility. Someone else's generosity. Different strengths in different people. Nothing will cheer you up more than seeing these virtues clearly in the people around you. Especially when you can see them all at once, like a collection of good examples. Keep these thoughts ready when you need them.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 43 Book 6 · 53 of 64
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou wilt comfort and cheer thyself, call to mind the several gifts and virtues of them, whom thou dost daily converse with; as for example, the industry of the one; the modesty of another; the liberality of a third; of another some other thing. For nothing can so much rejoice thee, as the resemblances and parallels of several virtues, visible and eminent in the dispositions of those who live with thee; especially when, all at once, as near as may be, they represent themselves unto thee. And therefore thou must have them always in a readiness.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 43 Book 6 · 53 of 64
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

There is one thing — and only one — that is worth caring about in this world. We should value it highly. That thing is this: to deal with dishonest and unfair people with truth and justice, but also with gentleness and love.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 42 Book 6 · 52 of 64
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

One thing there is, and that only, which is worth our while in this world, and ought by us much to be esteemed; and that is, according to truth and righteousness, meekly and lovingly to converse with false, and unrighteous men.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 42 Book 6 · 52 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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