Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Loss and decay are really just change. And change is what the nature of the universe loves most. Everything that happens through change is done well. This is how things have always been, and how they always will be. Or would you rather believe that everything in the world has gone wrong from the beginning? That it will keep going wrong for ages? That among all the gods, not one has the power to set things right? That the world is doomed to endless suffering forever?

Meditations, Book 9, Section 33 Book 9 · 44 of 60
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Loss and corruption, is in very deed nothing else but change and alteration; and that is it, which the nature of the universe doth most delight in, by which, and according to which, whatsoever is done, is well done. For that was the estate of worldly things from the beginning, and so shall it ever be. Or wouldest thou rather say, that all things in the world have gone ill from the beginning for so many ages, and shall ever go ill? And then among so many deities, could no divine power be found all this while, that could rectify the things of the world? Or is the world, to incessant woes and miseries, for ever condemned?

Meditations, Book 9, Section 33 Book 9 · 44 of 60
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What are people thinking and focused on? What do they love, and what do they hate? Picture their souls laid bare for all to see. When they think they're really hurting someone by speaking badly of them, and when they think they're doing someone a great favor by praising them — how full of themselves they are then!

Meditations, Book 9, Section 32 Book 9 · 43 of 60
Human Nature Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

What are their minds and understandings; and what the things that they apply themselves unto: what do they love, and what do they hate for? Fancy to thyself the estate of their souls openly to be seen. When they think they hurt them shrewdly, whom they speak ill of; and when they think they do them a very good turn, whom they commend and extol: O how full are they then of conceit, and opinion!

Meditations, Book 9, Section 32 Book 9 · 43 of 60
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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