Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

From Antisthenes: 'It is noble to do good while being criticized. It is shameful that the face can be shaped and dressed however the mind wants, while the mind does not take the same care to shape and dress itself properly.'

Meditations, Book 7, Section 24 Book 7 · 29 of 58
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Out of Antisthenes. 'It is a princely thing to do well, and to be ill-spoken of. It is a shameful thing that the face should be subject unto the mind, to be put into what shape it will, and to be dressed by it as it will; and that the mind should not bestow so much care upon herself, as to fashion herself, and to dress herself as best becometh her.'

Meditations, Book 7, Section 24 Book 7 · 29 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

From Plato: 'A person whose mind has true greatness, who has made a habit of thinking about all of time and all things in general — do you think this mortal life can seem like a big deal to him? It's not possible, he answered. Then such a person won't consider death a terrible thing either? Not at all.'

Meditations, Book 7, Section 23 Book 7 · 28 of 58
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Out of Plato. 'He then whose mind is endowed with true magnanimity, who hath accustomed himself to the contemplation both of all times, and of all things in general; can this mortal life (thinkest thou) seem any great matter unto him? It is not possible, answered he. Then neither will such a one account death a grievous thing? By no means.'

Meditations, Book 7, Section 23 Book 7 · 28 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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