Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

As for praise and blame, look at the minds of those who give it. See what state they are in. Notice what they run from and what they chase after. Just like at the beach, where new sand constantly covers up whatever was there before, so in life all past things are quickly buried by what comes next.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 27 of 58
What Matters Most Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As for praise and commendation, view their mind and understanding, what estate they are in; what kind of things they fly, and what things they seek after: and that as in the seaside, whatsoever was before to be seen, is by the continual succession of new heaps of sand cast up one upon another, soon hid and covered; so in this life, all former things by those which immediately succeed.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 27 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

And about pain: if it's unbearable, death will end it quickly. If it lasts a long time, it must be bearable. Meanwhile, the mind — which is everything — can cut itself off from the body. It can stop all connection and sympathy with the body and keep its peace. Pain doesn't damage your reasoning. As for the parts that hurt, let them speak for themselves if they can.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 26 of 58
Facing Hardship Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

And as concerning pain, that that which is intolerable is soon ended by death; and that which holds long must needs be tolerable; and that the mind in the meantime (which is all in all) may by way of interclusion, or interception, by stopping all manner of commerce and sympathy with the body, still retain its own tranquillity. Thy understanding is not made worse by it. As for those parts that suffer, let them, if they can, declare their grief themselves.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 22 Book 7 · 26 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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