Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

All things, someone says, follow a certain order and purpose. Even if only the basic elements do.

It's enough to remember that all things follow some order and purpose — or at least some things do. As for death, it will bring either scattering of atoms, or complete destruction, or going out like a flame, or moving to another place.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 25 of 58
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

All things (saith he) are by certain order and appointment. And what if the elements only.

It will suffice to remember, that all things in general are by certain order and appointment: or if it be but few. And as concerning death, that either dispersion, or the atoms, or annihilation, or extinction, or translation will ensue.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 25 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Clear away all opinions. Stop the force of wild desires and emotions. Focus on this moment. Look at whatever has happened to you or someone else. Break down everything you see into its basic parts. Think about your final hour. What your neighbor has done wrong — let the guilt stay with them. Think through whatever is said step by step. Let your mind see both the effects and the causes. Find joy in true simplicity and humility. Remember that all things between virtue and vice don't matter. Finally, love people and obey God.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 21 Book 7 · 24 of 58
Calm Your Mind Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Wipe off all opinion stay the force and violence of unreasonable lusts and affections: circumscribe the present time examine whatsoever it be that is happened, either to thyself or to another: divide all present objects, either in that which is formal or material think of the last hour. That which thy neighbour hath committed, where the guilt of it lieth, there let it rest. Examine in order whatsoever is spoken. Let thy mind penetrate both into the effects, and into the causes. Rejoice thyself with true simplicity, and modesty; and that all middle things between virtue and vice are indifferent unto thee. Finally, love mankind; obey God.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 21 Book 7 · 24 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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