Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Judge all actions by this one example: bathing takes up so much of our time, but what is it really? Oil, sweat, dirt. The filth of the body. A disgusting mix of oils and lotions blended with body waste. All of it base and revolting. Almost every part of our life is like this. So is every worldly thing we chase.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 23 Book 8 · 27 of 67
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

By one action judge of the rest: this bathing which usually takes up so much of our time, what is it? Oil, sweat, filth; or the sordes of the body: an excrementitious viscosity, the excrements of oil and other ointments used about the body, and mixed with the sordes of the body: all base and loathsome. And such almost is every part of our life; and every worldly object.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 23 Book 8 · 27 of 67
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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