Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Should I do it? I will — as long as my action helps people. Does something go wrong or hurt me? I accept it. I know it comes from the gods and their plan. Everything that happens flows from that source.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 22 Book 8 · 26 of 67
Doing The Right Thing Facing Hardship
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Shall I do it? I will; so the end of my action be to do good unto men. Doth anything by way of cross or adversity happen unto me? I accept it, with reference unto the Gods, and their providence; the fountain of all things, from which whatsoever comes to pass, doth hang and depend.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 22 Book 8 · 26 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

These things happened to you for good reason. So why don't you change? Oh, but you would rather become good tomorrow than today.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 21 Book 8 · 25 of 67
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Most justly have these things happened unto thee: why dost not thou amend? O but thou hadst rather become good to-morrow, than to be so to-day.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 21 Book 8 · 25 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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