Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

You have caused yourself endless trouble and misery for one reason. It wasn't enough for you to be happy that your mind was working as it should. You didn't think that was sufficient happiness.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 24 Book 9 · 31 of 60
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Infinite are the troubles and miseries, that thou hast already been put to, by reason of this only, because that for all happiness it did not suffice thee, or, that thou didst not account it sufficient happiness, that thy understanding did operate according to its natural constitution.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 24 Book 9 · 31 of 60
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Look at the real nature of what causes something to happen. See it clearly, stripped of everything material. Then think about how long that cause can actually last.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 23 Book 9 · 30 of 60
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Go to the quality of the cause from which the effect doth proceed. Behold it by itself bare and naked, separated from all that is material. Then consider the utmost bounds of time that that cause, thus and thus qualified, can subsist and abide.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 23 Book 9 · 30 of 60
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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