Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Just as you were made to help complete and perfect the community you belong to, every action you take should help perfect a life that serves others. Any action that doesn't serve the common good — whether directly or indirectly — is wrong and chaotic. It's like rebellion. It's like someone in a unified group who breaks away and divides what should be whole.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 21 Book 9 · 28 of 60
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As thou thyself, whoever thou art, were made for the perfection and consummation, being a member of it, of a common society; so must every action of thine tend to the perfection and consummation of a life that is truly sociable. What action soever of thine therefore that either immediately or afar off, hath not reference to the common good, that is an exorbitant and disorderly action; yea it is seditious; as one among the people who from such and such a consent and unity, should factiously divide and separate himself.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 21 Book 9 · 28 of 60
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you need help, turn quickly to one of three sources. Turn to your own mind, so it chooses nothing against justice. Turn to the mind of the universe, so you remember you are part of something larger. Or turn to the mind of whoever you are dealing with right now. Consider whether they act from ignorance or knowledge. And remember — they are your fellow human being.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 20 Book 9 · 27 of 60
Doing The Right Thing Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As occasion shall require, either to thine own understanding, or to that of the universe, or to his, whom thou hast now to do with, let thy refuge be with all speed. To thine own, that it resolve upon nothing against justice. To that of the universe, that thou mayest remember, part of whom thou art. Of his, that thou mayest consider whether in the estate of ignorance, or of knowledge. And then also must thou call to mind, that he is thy kinsman.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 20 Book 9 · 27 of 60
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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