Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Someone has broken free from the chains of their body. They know they must soon say goodbye to the world and leave everything behind. So they focus completely on two things: doing what is right in every action, and accepting whatever nature brings them. They are content with just these two goals — to act justly, and to welcome whatever God sends. They don't waste time worrying about what others might say, think, or do against them. Their only concern is to move straight ahead where right and reason point them. By doing this, they follow God. This becomes their sole focus, their only work.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 12 Book 10 · 24 of 57
Doing The Right Thing Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

He hath got loose from the bonds of his body, and perceiving that within a very little while he must of necessity bid the world farewell, and leave all these things behind him, he wholly applied himself, as to righteousness in all his actions, so to the common nature in all things that should happen unto him. And contenting himself with these two things, to do all things justly, and whatsoever God doth send to like well of it: what others shall either say or think of him, or shall do against him, he doth not so much as trouble his thoughts with it. To go on straight, whither right and reason directed him, and by so doing to follow God, was the only thing that he did mind, that, his only business and occupation.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 12 Book 10 · 24 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Find a clear way to think about how all things change into one another. Keep this always in mind. Practice this way of thinking until it becomes natural. Nothing else will better help you develop true greatness of spirit.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 11 Book 10 · 23 of 57
Calm Your Mind What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

To find out, and set to thyself some certain way and method of contemplation, whereby thou mayest clearly discern and represent unto thyself, the mutual change of all things, the one into the other. Bear it in thy mind evermore, and see that thou be throughly well exercised in this particular. For there is not anything more effectual to beget true magnanimity.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 11 Book 10 · 23 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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