Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever dies and falls, however and wherever it dies and falls, it cannot fall out of the world. Here it lives and changes. Here it dissolves back into its basic parts. These are the same elements that make up the world and that make up you. When these elements change, they don't complain. Why should you?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 16 Book 8 · 18 of 67
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whatsoever dieth and falleth, however and wheresoever it die and fall, it cannot fall out of the world, here it have its abode and change, here also shall it have its dissolution into its proper elements. The same are the world's elements, and the elements of which thou dost consist. And they when they are changed, they murmur not; why shouldest thou?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 16 Book 8 · 18 of 67
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
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support