Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What? Are Panthea or Pergamus still sitting by their masters' tombs today? Are Chabrias or Diotimus still by Hadrian's tomb? How foolish! Even if they were, would their dead masters know it? And if they knew, would they care? And if they cared, would that make these servants live forever? Weren't they also meant to grow old and die? And once they're dead, what happens to all that devotion? In the end, what is this all for? Just a bag of blood and rot.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 35 Book 8 · 41 of 67
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What? are either Panthea or Pergamus abiding to this day by their masters' tombs? or either Chabrias or Diotimus by that of Adrianus? O foolery! For what if they did, would their masters be sensible of It? or if sensible, would they be glad of it? or if glad, were these immortal? Was not it appointed unto them also (both men and women,) to become old in time, and then to die? And these once dead, what would become of these former? And when all is done, what is all this for, but for a mere bag of blood and corruption?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 35 Book 8 · 41 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Don't let thoughts about how miserable life can be disturb you. Don't let your mind wander and pile up all the troubles and disasters that might happen to you. Instead, when something specific bothers you, ask yourself: What exactly makes this present situation so unbearable? You'll be embarrassed to admit it. Then remember that the future can't hurt you, and neither can the past. Only the present moment can hurt you. And even that pain shrinks when you focus just on this one small moment. Then ask your mind: if it's only for this brief instant, can't you bear it with patience?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 34 Book 8 · 40 of 67
Calm Your Mind Facing Hardship Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Let not the general representation unto thyself of the wretchedness of this our mortal life, trouble thee. Let not thy mind wander up and down, and heap together in her thoughts the many troubles and grievous calamities which thou art as subject unto as any other. But as everything in particular doth happen, put this question unto thyself, and say: What is it that in this present matter, seems unto thee so intolerable? For thou wilt be ashamed to confess it. Then upon this presently call to mind, that neither that which is future, nor that which is past can hurt thee; but that only which is present. (And that also is much lessened, if thou dost lightly circumscribe it:) and then check thy mind if for so little a while, (a mere instant), it cannot hold out with patience.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 34 Book 8 · 40 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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