Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If you can just pull back your assumptions and opinions about what seems harmful and upsetting, you are as safe as you can be. You yourself? Who is that? Your reason. 'But I am not just reason.' Fine. Still, don't let your reason accept grief. If there's something in you that feels grieved, let that part — whatever it is — deal with its own grief, if it can.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 38 Book 8 · 43 of 67
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If thou canst but withdraw conceit and opinion concerning that which may seem hurtful and offensive, thou thyself art as safe, as safe may be. Thou thyself? and who is that? Thy reason. 'Yea, but I am not reason.' Well, be it so. However, let not thy reason or understanding admit of grief, and if there be anything in thee that is grieved, let that, (whatsoever it be,) conceive its own grief, if it can.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 38 Book 8 · 43 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If you are quick to see things clearly, use that gift for good judgment and wise decisions.

In the whole makeup of human nature, I don't see any virtue that opposes justice. But I do see one virtue that can resist pleasure and self-indulgence: self-control.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 36 Book 8 · 42 of 67
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If thou beest quick-sighted, be so in matter of judgment, and best discretion, saith he.

In the whole constitution of man, I see not any virtue contrary to justice, whereby it may be resisted and opposed. But one whereby pleasure and voluptuousness may be resisted and opposed, I see: continence.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 36 Book 8 · 42 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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