Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

The universe is always busy moving things around. It takes what is here and moves it there. It changes things and then moves them somewhere else. So you don't need to fear anything new. Everything follows the same patterns. All things are handled fairly.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 5 Book 8 · 6 of 67
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That which the nature of the universe doth busy herself about, is; that which is here, to transfer it thither, to change it, and thence again to take it away, and to carry it to another place. So that thou needest not fear any new thing. For all things are usual and ordinary; and all things are disposed by equality.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 5 Book 8 · 6 of 67
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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