Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Someone who fears death either fears having no awareness at all, or fears that his awareness will be different. But he should comfort himself with this: either there is no awareness at all, and so no sense of suffering; or if there is awareness, then it's another life, and so not really death.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 55 Book 8 · 64 of 67
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

He that feareth death, either feareth that he shall have no sense at all, or that his senses will not be the same. Whereas, he should rather comfort himself, that either no sense at all, and so no sense of evil; or if any sense, then another life, and so no death properly.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 55 Book 8 · 64 of 67
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

The mind should spread its influence like sunlight — not pouring out wildly, but extending steadily. Whatever obstacles and blocks the mind meets, it must not attack them violently or crash into them. It must not collapse either. Instead, it should stand firm and shine light on whatever can receive it. As for what refuses the light, that's its own fault and loss.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 54 Book 8 · 63 of 67
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

such must the diffusion in the mind be; not an effusion, but an extension. What obstacles and impediments soever she meeteth within her way, she must not violently, and by way of an impetuous onset light upon them; neither must she fall down; but she must stand, and give light unto that which doth admit of it. For as for that which doth not, it is its own fault and loss, if it bereave itself of her light.

Meditations, Book 8, Section 54 Book 8 · 63 of 67
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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