Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Of all my thoughts and worries, only one thing matters: that I do nothing against human nature. Nothing wrong in what I do, how I do it, or when I do it. Soon you will forget everything. Soon everyone will forget you too. While you are here, focus on what makes you most human. Love even those who wrong you. Remember they are your family. They hurt you through ignorance, not knowing what they do. Soon both of you will be gone. Most important: they cannot actually harm you. Your mind stays clear. Your character stays whole.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 16 Book 7 · 19 of 58
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Of all my thoughts and cares, one only thing shall be the object, that I myself do nothing which to the proper constitution of man, (either in regard of the thing itself, or in regard of the manner, or of the time of doing,) is contrary. The time when thou shalt have forgotten all things, is at hand. And that time also is at hand, when thou thyself shalt be forgotten by all. Whilst thou art, apply thyself to that especially which unto man as he is a mart, is most proper and agreeable, and that is, for a man even to love them that transgress against him. This shall be, if at the same time that any such thing doth happen, thou call to mind, that they are thy kinsmen; that it is through ignorance and against their wills that they sin; and that within a very short while after, both thou and he shall be no more. But above all things, that he hath not done thee any hurt; for that by him thy mind and understanding is not made worse or more vile than it was before.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 16 Book 7 · 19 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

All individual bodies flow through the substance of the universe like a rushing river. They all share the same nature and work together with the universe itself, just like the many parts of one body work together. How many great minds like Chrysippus, Socrates, and Epictetus has the world already swallowed up? When you think about any person or project, remember this truth. It will keep your thoughts from getting scattered and stop your mind from becoming too attached to anything.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 16 Book 7 · 18 of 58
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Through the substance of the universe, as through a torrent pass all particular bodies, being all of the same nature, and all joint workers with the universe itself as in one of our bodies so many members among themselves. How many such as Chrysippus, how many such as Socrates, how many such as Epictetus, hath the age of the world long since swallowed up and devoured? Let this, be it either men or businesses, that thou hast occasion to think of, to the end that thy thoughts be not distracted and thy mind too earnestly set upon anything, upon every such occasion presently come to thy mind.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 16 Book 7 · 18 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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