Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

The same ordinary things happen over and over through the ages. They never change. Either the mind of the universe thinks about each thing before it happens — and if that's true, then accept what such perfect wisdom decides. Or the universe made one decision about everything long ago, and now each thing follows from that original choice. Everything is connected. Either there is a God and all is well, or everything happens by chance. But even then, you can still use your own good judgment for the things that are up to you. And then you are well.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 26 Book 9 · 33 of 60
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Up and down, from one age to another, go the ordinary things of the world; being still the same. And either of everything in particular before it come to pass, the mind of the universe doth consider with itself and deliberate: and if so, then submit for shame unto the determination of such an excellent understanding: or once for all it did resolve upon all things in general; and since that whatsoever happens, happens by a necessary consequence, and all things indivisibly in a manner and inseparably hold one of another. In sum, either there is a God, and then all is well; or if all things go by chance and fortune, yet mayest thou use thine own providence in those things that concern thee properly; and then art thou well.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 26 Book 9 · 33 of 60
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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