Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Do I have the skills and understanding for this task? If I do, I'll use them like any other tool I was born with. No need for applause or showing off. If I don't have what it takes, and this isn't really my job anyway, I'll either drop it and let someone better handle it, or I'll try it with help from others. Together we might accomplish something useful for everyone. Whatever I do, alone or with others, the only thing that matters is whether it serves the common good.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 5 Book 7 · 6 of 58
Doing The Right Thing Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Is my reason, and understanding sufficient for this, or no? If it be sufficient, without any private applause, or public ostentation as of an instrument, which by nature I am provided of, I will make use of it for the work in hand, as of an instrument, which by nature I am provided of. if it be not, and that otherwise it belong not unto me particularly as a private duty, I will either give it over, and leave it to some other that can better effect it: or I will endeavour it; but with the help of some other, who with the joint help of my reason, is able to bring somewhat to pass, that will now be seasonable and useful for the common good. For whatsoever I do either by myself, or with some other, the only thing that I must intend, is, that it be good and expedient for the public.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 5 Book 7 · 6 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

You must think about each word by itself to understand what is really being said. The same goes for actions — look at each purpose one at a time. Just as you need to see the real use and meaning of every action, you need to understand what each word truly means. Don't just accept how people commonly use words. Look for their real meaning according to truth and nature.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 4 Book 7 · 5 of 58
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Word after word, every one by itself, must the things that are spoken be conceived and understood; and so the things that are done, purpose after purpose, every one by itself likewise. And as in matter of purposes and actions, we must presently see what is the proper use and relation of every one; so of words must we be as ready, to consider of every one what is the true meaning, and signification of it according to truth and nature, however it be taken in common use.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 4 Book 7 · 5 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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