Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Either everything happens for a reason as part of one great design — and then it makes no sense for a single part to complain about what's good for the whole. Or, if Epicurus was right, atoms cause everything and life is just random collision and death is just scattering — so why worry about any of it?

Meditations, Book 9, Section 38 Book 9 · 49 of 60
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Either all things by the providence of reason happen unto every particular, as a part of one general body; and then it is against reason that a part should complain of anything that happens for the good of the whole; or if, according to Epicurus, atoms be the cause of all things and that life be nothing else but an accidentary confusion of things, and death nothing else, but a mere dispersion and so of all other things: what doest thou trouble thyself for?

Meditations, Book 9, Section 38 Book 9 · 49 of 60
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

If he has done wrong, the harm is his, not mine. But maybe he hasn't done wrong at all.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 37 Book 9 · 48 of 60
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

If he have sinned, his is the harm, not mine. But perchance he hath not.

Meditations, Book 9, Section 37 Book 9 · 48 of 60
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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