Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Go ahead and tell me about Alexander and Philip and Demetrius Phalereus. Whether they understood what nature requires and could control themselves — they know best. But if they lived for show and swaggered around, I don't have to copy them, thank God. True philosophy leads to simple, honest living without pretense. Don't try to convince me to show off or seek glory.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 28 Book 9 · 37 of 60
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Go too now and tell me of Alexander and Philippus, and Demetrius Phalereus. Whether they understood what the common nature requireth, and could rule themselves or no, they know best themselves. But if they kept a life, and swaggered; I (God be thanked) am not bound to imitate them. The effect of true philosophy is, unaffected simplicity and modesty. Persuade me not to ostentation and vainglory.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 28 Book 9 · 37 of 60
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Yes, but you say, "I must not expect a perfect world." If people improve even a little, I must be content. I should think much even of that small progress. But do any of them actually give up their false beliefs? How can I think they are improving? Without a real change of mind, all their outward show is just misery. They are enslaved minds that groan in private but pretend to follow reason and truth.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 28 Book 9 · 36 of 60
Human Nature Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Yea, but sayest thou, I must not expect a Plato's commonwealth. If they profit though never so little, I must be content; and think much even of that little progress. Doth then any of them forsake their former false opinions that I should think they profit? For without a change of opinions, alas! what is all that ostentation, but mere wretchedness of slavish minds, that groan privately, and yet would make a show of obedience to reason, and truth?

Meditations, Book 9, Section 28 Book 9 · 36 of 60
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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