Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

A spider catches a fly and feels proud. A hunter catches a rabbit or fish and feels accomplished. Another hunter takes down a boar or bear and celebrates. Soldiers feel the same pride when they defeat the Sarmatians or other northern tribes. These famous warriors think they're doing something noble. But if you look at what's really in their minds, they're just hunting prey like any other predator.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 10 Book 10 · 22 of 57
Human Nature What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As the spider, when it hath caught the fly that it hunted after, is not little proud, nor meanly conceited of herself: as he likewise that hath caught an hare, or hath taken a fish with his net: as another for the taking of a boar, and another of a bear: so may they be proud, and applaud themselves for their valiant acts against the Sarmatai, or northern nations lately defeated. For these also, these famous soldiers and warlike men, if thou dost look into their minds and opinions, what do they for the most part but hunt after prey?

Meditations, Book 10, Section 10 Book 10 · 22 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

It's not obvious, but it's not hidden either. When will you reach the joy of true simplicity and natural seriousness? When will you delight in truly knowing each thing for what it is: what it's made of, what purpose it serves, how long it lasts, what parts make it up, who can have it, and who can give it or take it away?

Meditations, Book 10, Section 9 Book 10 · 21 of 57
Knowing Yourself What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Not apparent indeed, but not concealed. And when shalt thou attain to the happiness of true simplicity, and unaffected gravity? When shalt thou rejoice in the certain knowledge of every particular object according to its true nature: as what the matter and substance of it is; what use it is for in the world: how long it can subsist: what things it doth consist of: who they be that are capable of it, and who they that can give it, and take it away?

Meditations, Book 10, Section 9 Book 10 · 21 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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