Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whether you speak in the Senate or to any person, let your speech always be serious and humble. But don't make a show of using perfect, formal language about what is truly good and civil. Don't openly display your knowledge of how vain the world and worldly people are, even though truth and reason tell you this is so.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 28 Book 8 · 32 of 67
Human Nature Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whether thou speak in the Senate or whether thou speak to any particular, let thy speech In always grave and modest. But thou must not openly and vulgarly observe that sound and exact form of speaking, concerning that which is truly good and truly civil; the vanity of the world, and of worldly men: which otherwise truth and reason doth prescribe.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 28 Book 8 · 32 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Clear away all pointless thoughts. Keep telling yourself this: Right now, if I choose, I have the power to keep all wickedness out of my soul. All lust and desire. All trouble and confusion. Instead, I can see things as they really are and respond to each thing based on its true worth. Remember this power that nature gave you.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 27 Book 8 · 31 of 67
Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Wipe off all idle fancies, and say unto thyself incessantly; Now if I will, it is in my power to keep out of this my soul all wickedness, all lust, and concupiscences, all trouble and confusion. But on the contrary to behold and consider all things according to their true nature, and to carry myself towards everything according to its true worth. Remember then this thy power that nature hath given thee.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 27 Book 8 · 31 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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