Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

People will keep doing what they do, even if you kill yourself over it. First, don't let it upset you. All things, good and bad, happen according to the nature of the world. And very soon, everything will be finished. No one will be remembered — just like Africanus and Augustus are already forgotten. Second, focus on the thing itself. Look at it clearly. Remember that you must still be a good person. Remember what your nature requires of you as a human being. Don't get distracted from your purpose. Speak what seems most just to you. But speak kindly, humbly, and without pretense.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 4 Book 8 · 5 of 67
Freedom & Control Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What they have done, they will still do, although thou shouldst hang thyself. First; let it not trouble thee. For all things both good and evil: come to pass according to the nature and general condition of the universe, and within a very little while, all things will be at an end; no man will be remembered: as now of Africanus (for example) and Augustus it is already come to pass. Then secondly; fix thy mind upon the thing itself; look into it, and remembering thyself, that thou art bound nevertheless to be a good man, and what it is that thy nature requireth of thee as thou art a man, be not diverted from what thou art about, and speak that which seemeth unto thee most just: only speak it kindly, modestly, and without hypocrisy.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 4 Book 8 · 5 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Alexander, Caesar, Pompey — what are they compared to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? The philosophers saw into the true nature of things. They understood causes and studied reality deeply. They had real power and authority over these matters. But the conquerors? Their slavery was as vast as their errors.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 3 Book 8 · 4 of 67
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Alexander, Caius, Pompeius; what are these to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? These penetrated into the true nature of things; into all causes, and all subjects: and upon these did they exercise their power and authority. But as for those, as the extent of their error was, so far did their slavery extend.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 3 Book 8 · 4 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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