Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Give yourself this present moment. People who chase fame after death don't realize something. The future generations will be just like the people alive now — the same people they can barely stand. And those future people will also die. But think about it clearly. If many people make noise about you or have opinions about you, what does that matter to you?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 42 Book 8 · 47 of 67
What Matters Most Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

This time that is now present, bestow thou upon thyself. They that rather hunt for fame after death, do not consider, that those men that shall be hereafter, will be even such, as these whom now they can so hardly bear with. And besides they also will be mortal men. But to consider the thing in itself, if so many with so many voices, shall make such and such a sound, or shall have such and such an opinion concerning thee, what is it to thee?

Meditations, Book 8, Section 42 Book 8 · 47 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Why should I trouble myself? I have never willingly troubled anyone else. Different things make different people happy. This is what brings me joy: when my mind is clear and healthy. When I don't turn away from any person or reject the things that come with being human. When I can look at everything in the world with gentleness and kindness. When I accept all things and respond to each according to its true value.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 41 Book 8 · 46 of 67
Knowing Yourself Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Why should I grieve myself; who never did willingly grieve any other! One thing rejoices one and another thing another. As for me, this is my joy, if my understanding be right and sound, as neither averse from any man, nor refusing any of those things which as a man I am subject unto; if I can look upon all things in the world meekly and kindly; accept all things and carry myself towards everything according to to true worth of the thing itself.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 41 Book 8 · 46 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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