Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you find it hard to get up and wake from sleep, remind yourself of this: doing things for the common good is what your nature requires. It's what human nature requires. But sleeping? Even dumb animals do that. What could be more natural and satisfying than acting according to your true nature?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 11 Book 8 · 13 of 67
Doing The Right Thing Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou art hard to be stirred up and awaked out of thy sleep, admonish thyself and call to mind, that, to perform actions tending to the common good is that which thine own proper constitution, and that which the nature of man do require. But to sleep, is common to unreasonable creatures also. And what more proper and natural, yea what more kind and pleasing, than that which is according to nature?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 11 Book 8 · 13 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When something comes before you, ask yourself: What is this thing really? What is it made of? What is its purpose? Why does it exist in this world, and how long will it last? You must examine everything this way.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 10 Book 8 · 12 of 67
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

This, what is it in itself, and by itself, according to its proper constitution? What is the substance of it? What is the matter, or proper use? What is the form or efficient cause? What is it for in this world, and how long will it abide? Thus must thou examine all things, that present themselves unto thee.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 10 Book 8 · 12 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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