Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

What is best for each person is what the nature of the universe sends to them. And it is best when it comes at the right time.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 21 Book 10 · 33 of 57
Freedom & Control Facing Hardship
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That is best for every one, that the common nature of all doth send unto every one, and then is it best, when she doth send it.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 21 Book 10 · 33 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Picture people going through their daily lives. Watch them eat and sleep. See them using the bathroom and having sex. Watch them at their proudest moments, surrounded by all their glory and success. Or see them angry and upset, acting superior as they scold others from their high position. Remember how low and desperate they had to be just to reach this point. And remember that very soon death will take them all.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 20 Book 10 · 32 of 57
Death & Mortality Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Consider them through all actions and occupations, of their lives: as when they eat, and when they sleep: when they are in the act of necessary exoneration, and when in the act of lust. Again, when they either are in their greatest exultation; and in the middle of all their pomp and glory; or being angry and displeased, in great state and majesty, as from an higher place, they chide and rebuke. How base and slavish, but a little while ago, they were fain to be, that they might come to this; and within a very little while what will be their estate, when death hath once seized upon them.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 20 Book 10 · 32 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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