Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Imagine looking down from some high place. You see flocks of animals and countless sacrifices. You see all kinds of ships — some sailing through rough, stormy seas, others in calm waters. You see the general differences between things. Some are just beginning to exist. You see how things relate to each other. And you see other things that are coming to an end.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 29 Book 9 · 38 of 60
What Matters Most Death & Mortality
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

From some high place as it were to look down, and to behold here flocks, and there sacrifices, without number; and all kind of navigation; some in a rough and stormy sea, and some in a calm: the general differences, or different estates of things, some, that are now first upon being; the several and mutual relations of those things that are together; and some other things that are at their last.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 29 Book 9 · 38 of 60
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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