Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If something were your doing and in your power, would you do it? If it weren't, who are you blaming? The atoms, or the gods? Either way, that's madness. Don't blame anyone. If you can fix what's wrong, fix it. If you can't, what's the point of complaining? Everything should be done with some purpose.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 15 Book 8 · 17 of 67
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If it were thine act and in thine own power, wouldest thou do it? If it were not, whom dost tin accuse? the atoms, or the Gods? For to do either, the part of a mad man. Thou must therefore blame nobody, but if it be in thy power, redress what is amiss; if it be not, to what end is it to complain? For nothing should be done but to some certain end.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 15 Book 8 · 17 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Remember that changing your mind when the situation calls for it, and following someone who can correct you, is just as honest as figuring out what's right on your own from the start. Nothing is required of you that goes beyond your own thinking and judgment, and your own understanding.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 14 Book 8 · 16 of 67
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Remember, that to change thy mind upon occasion, and to follow him that is able to rectify thee, is equally ingenuous, as to find out at the first, what is right and just, without help. For of thee nothing is required, ti, is beyond the extent of thine own deliberation and jun. merit, and of thine own understanding.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 14 Book 8 · 16 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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