Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

But there may be some outward obstacle or problem. There is nothing that can stop you from doing whatever you do justly, with self-control, and in service to God. Yes, but something might block one of your actions. When that happens, you can be content with that very obstacle. By gently shifting your mind to accept what is possible instead of what you first planned, a new action takes the place of the old one. This new action fits just as well with living each moment fully.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 30 Book 8 · 35 of 67
Freedom & Control Facing Hardship
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

But there may be some outward let and impediment. Not any, that can hinder thee, but that whatsoever thou dost, thou may do it, justly, temperately, and with the praise of God. Yea, but there may be somewhat, whereby some operation or other of thine may be hindered. And then, with that very thing that doth hinder, thou mayest he well pleased, and so by this gentle and equanimious conversion of thy mind unto that which may be, instead of that which at first thou didst intend, in the room of that former action there succeedeth another, which agrees as well with this contraction of thy life, that we now speak of.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 30 Book 8 · 35 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Shrink your whole life down to the size of one single action. If in each thing you do, you perform what is right to the best of your ability, let that be enough. And who can stop you from doing what is right?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 30 Book 8 · 34 of 67
Doing The Right Thing What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Contract thy whole life to the measure and proportion of one single action. And if in every particular action thou dost perform what is fitting to the utmost of thy power, let it suffice thee. And who can hinder thee, but that thou mayest perform what is fitting?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 30 Book 8 · 34 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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