Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What is wickedness? It is something you have seen many times before in the world. Whenever something happens that might upset you, remember this: you have already seen this kind of thing often. Look around you, high and low. You will find the same things everywhere. The same things that fill old stories, recent stories, and new stories. The same things that fill towns and houses. Nothing is new. Everything that exists is both common and short-lived.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 1 Book 7 · 1 of 58
Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What is wickedness? It is that which many time and often thou hast already seen and known in the world. And so oft as anything doth happen that might otherwise trouble thee, let this memento presently come to thy mind, that it is that which thou hast already often Seen and known. Generally, above and below, thou shalt find but the same things. The very same things whereof ancient stories, middle age stories, and fresh stories are full whereof towns are full, and houses full. There is nothing that is new. All things that are, are both usual and of little continuance.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 1 Book 7 · 1 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think about the kind of people they try to please, and what they hope to gain, and what they do to get it. Time will soon cover and bury all of this. Look how much it has already buried.

Meditations, Book 6, Section 54 Book 6 · 64 of 64
What Matters Most Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What manner of men they be whom they seek to please, and what to get, and by what actions: how soon time will cover and bury all things, and how many it hath already buried!

Meditations, Book 6, Section 54 Book 6 · 64 of 64
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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