Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Don't worry about what other people think or understand. Look straight ahead to where nature leads you. This includes the nature of the universe in what happens to you, and your own nature in what you do. Everyone must do what fits their true natural purpose. All other things exist to serve reasoning creatures. In everything, we see that lower things are made for higher things. Reasoning creatures are made to serve each other.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 30 Book 7 · 38 of 58
Freedom & Control Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Look not about upon other men's minds and understandings; but look right on forwards whither nature, both that of the universe, in those things that happen unto thee; and thine in particular, in those things that are done by thee: doth lead, and direct thee. Now every one is bound to do that, which is consequent and agreeable to that end which by his true natural constitution he was ordained unto. As for all other things, they are ordained for the use of reasonable creatures: as in all things we see that that which is worse and inferior, is made for that which is better. Reasonable creatures, they are ordained one for another.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 30 Book 7 · 38 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When something can be done according to reason — the same reason that gods and humans share — there is no good reason to grieve or worry. When you can gain the fruit of an action that was started well and carried out according to human nature, or when success is certain, it makes no sense to fear damage. Everywhere and always, you have the power to accept whatever God has given you with reverence. You can deal justly with the people you encounter. You can carefully examine every thought that comes to mind, so nothing slips past before you truly understand what it is.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 29 Book 7 · 37 of 58
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Where the matter may be effected agreeably to that reason, which both unto the Gods and men is common, there can be no just cause of grief or sorrow. For where the fruit and benefit of an action well begun and prosecuted according to the proper constitution of man may be reaped and obtained, or is sure and certain, it is against reason that any damage should there be suspected. In all places, and at all times, it is in thy power religiously to embrace whatsoever by God's appointment is happened unto thee, and justly to converse with those men, whom thou hast to do with, and accurately to examine every fancy that presents itself, that nothing may slip and steal in, before thou hast rightly apprehended the true nature of it.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 29 Book 7 · 37 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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