Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you have done something good and helped someone, don't be foolish and expect a third reward on top of it. Don't expect praise from others or future favors in return. No one gets tired of what benefits them. Every natural action benefits you. So don't get tired of doing what benefits you, especially when it also helps others.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 43 Book 7 · 57 of 58
Doing The Right Thing Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou hast done well, and another is benefited by thy action, must thou like a very fool look for a third thing besides, as that it may appear unto others also that thou hast done well, or that thou mayest in time, receive one good turn for another? No man useth to be weary of that which is beneficial unto him. But every action according to nature, is beneficial. Be not weary then of doing that which is beneficial unto thee, whilst it is so unto others.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 43 Book 7 · 57 of 58
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When our mind meets something that offers nothing for reason or kindness, it rightly sees that thing as beneath itself.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 42 Book 7 · 56 of 58
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What object soever, our reasonable and sociable faculty doth meet with, that affords nothing either for the satisfaction of reason, or for the practice of charity, she worthily doth think unworthy of herself.

Meditations, Book 7, Section 42 Book 7 · 56 of 58
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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