Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think of someone tossing up a ball. Is the ball any better when it goes up? Is it worse when it comes down or hits the ground? The same goes for a bubble. If it lasts, is it any better? If it pops, is it any worse? A candle is the same way.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 19 Book 8 · 21 of 67
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As one that tosseth up a ball. And what is a ball the better, if the motion of it be upwards; or the worse if it be downwards; or if it chance to fall upon the ground? So for the bubble; if it continue, what it the better? and if it dissolve, what is it the worse And so is it of a candle too.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 19 Book 8 · 21 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Nature has its purpose in the ending and completion of things, just as much as in their beginning and continuation.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 18 Book 8 · 20 of 67
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Nature hath its end as well in the end and final consummation of anything that is, as in the begin-nine and continuation of it.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 18 Book 8 · 20 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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