Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When someone accuses you falsely or speaks hatefully to you, look into their minds right away. See what kind of people they really are. You will find there is no reason to be troubled by what people like that think of you. But you must still love them. By nature, they are your friends. Even the gods help these people through dreams and signs when they ask for important things.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 25 Book 9 · 32 of 60
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When any shall either impeach thee with false accusations, or hatefully reproach thee, or shall use any such carriage towards thee, get thee presently to their minds and understandings, and look in them, and behold what manner of men they be. Thou shalt see, that there is no such occasion why it should trouble thee, what such as they are think of thee. Yet must thou love them still, for by nature they are thy friends. And the Gods themselves, in those things that they seek from them as matters of great moment, are well content, all manner of ways, as by dreams and oracles, to help them as well as others.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 25 Book 9 · 32 of 60
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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