Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When someone's wrongdoing offends you, look at yourself first. Ask what you are guilty of in the same way. Maybe you also think happiness comes from being rich, living in pleasure, or getting praise. Think about this and your anger will fade. Remember that the person was forced by their own error and ignorance to act this way. How can they choose differently while they still think like that? So if you can, help them see what's driving them to act as they do.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 30 Book 10 · 43 of 57
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

When thou art offended with any man's transgression, presently reflect upon thyself; and consider what thou thyself art guilty of in the same kind. As that thou also perchance dost think it a happiness either to be rich, or to live in pleasure, or to be praised and commended, and so of the rest in particular. For this if thou shalt call to mind, thou shalt soon forget thine anger; especially when at the same time this also shall concur in thy thoughts, that he was constrained by his error and ignorance so to do: for how can he choose as long as he is of that opinion? Do thou therefore if thou canst, take away that from him, that forceth him to do as he doth.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 30 Book 10 · 43 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever you are doing, think about it honestly. Ask yourself: What? Just because I won't be able to do this after I'm dead — does that make death something to fear?

Meditations, Book 10, Section 29 Book 10 · 42 of 57
Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whatsoever it is that thou goest about, consider of it by thyself, and ask thyself, What? because I shall do this no more when I am dead, should therefore death seem grievous unto me?

Meditations, Book 10, Section 29 Book 10 · 42 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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