Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When anything happens to you that feels like a burden or disaster, remember other people who faced the same thing. What did they do? They grieved. They wondered why it happened. They complained. And where are they now? All dead and gone. Do you want to be like them?

Meditations, Book 7, Section 31 Book 7 · 41 of 58
Facing Hardship Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

And as anything doth happen unto thee by way of cross, or calamity, call to mind presently and set before thine eyes, the examples of some other men, to whom the self-same thing did once happen likewise. Well, what did they? They grieved; they wondered; they complained. And where are they now? All dead and gone. Wilt thou also be like one of them?

Meditations, Book 7, Section 31 Book 7 · 41 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Live as someone who has already lived fully and is ready to die with dignity. Whatever time remains, give it all as a generous bonus to a good life. Love and embrace whatever happens to you, whatever fate has planned. What could be more sensible than this?

Meditations, Book 7, Section 31 Book 7 · 40 of 58
Death & Mortality Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As one who had lived, and were now to die by right, whatsoever is yet remaining, bestow that wholly as a gracious overplus upon a virtuous life. Love and affect that only, whatsoever it be that happeneth, and is by the fates appointed unto thee. For what can be more reasonable?

Meditations, Book 7, Section 31 Book 7 · 40 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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