Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Soon the earth will cover us all. Then the earth itself will change. Time will roll from one age to another in endless cycles. Anyone who thinks about these constant changes — how quickly everything shifts and passes — how can they not look down on worldly things? The force that drives the universe is like a rushing river. It sweeps everything away.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 27 Book 9 · 34 of 60
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Within a while the earth shall cover us all, and then she herself shall have her change. And then the course will be, from one period of eternity unto another, and so a perpetual eternity. Now can any man that shall consider with himself in his mind the several rollings or successions of so many changes and alterations, and the swiftness of all these rulings; can he otherwise but contemn in his heart and despise all worldly things? The cause of the universe is as it were a strong torrent, it carrieth all away.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 27 Book 9 · 34 of 60
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
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support