Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever pain you are in, remember this right away: pain is not shameful. It cannot damage the part of you that makes decisions and rules over everything else. Pain cannot change or corrupt your mind, either in what it is or in its purpose to serve the common good. In most pain, you can also find help in this thought from Epicurus: pain is 'neither unbearable nor eternal' — as long as you stay within the bounds of reason and do not give in to wild thoughts.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 35 Book 7 · 46 of 58
Facing Hardship Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What pain soever thou art in, let this presently come to thy mind, that it is not a thing whereof thou needest to be ashamed, neither is it a thing whereby thy understanding, that hath the government of all, can be made worse. For neither in regard of the substance of it, nor in regard of the end of it (which is, to intend the common good) can it alter and corrupt it. This also of Epicurus mayst thou in most pains find some help of, that it is 'neither intolerable, nor eternal;' so thou keep thyself to the true bounds and limits of reason and give not way to opinion.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 35 Book 7 · 46 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

You must always think carefully about the people whose approval you want. What kind of people are they? What is their state of mind right now? When you understand this, you won't complain when they act badly without meaning to. You also won't need their praise so much. Once you see the real reasons behind their opinions and desires, everything changes. No one chooses to be cut off from truth. And no one chooses to be cut off from justice, self-control, kindness, or gentleness. You must always remember this. It will make you much more patient and calm with everyone.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 34 Book 7 · 45 of 58
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Thou must continually ponder and consider with thyself, what manner of men they be, and for their minds and understandings what is their present estate, whose good word and testimony thou dost desire. For then neither wilt thou see cause to complain of them that offend against their wills; or find any want of their applause, if once thou dost but penetrate into the true force and ground both of their opinions, and of their desires. 'No soul (saith he) is willingly bereft of the truth,' and by consequent, neither of justice, or temperance, or kindness, and mildness; nor of anything that is of the same kind. It is most needful that thou shouldst always remember this. For so shalt thou be far more gentle and moderate towards all men.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 34 Book 7 · 45 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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