Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

No one dies so beloved that someone nearby won't feel relieved. Even if the person was truly good and wise, someone will think: 'Finally, I'm free of this teacher. He never bothered us much, but I always knew he judged us in his heart.' That's what they'll say about the virtuous person. As for us — there are so many reasons people would be glad to see us go.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 53 of 57
Death & Mortality Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

There is not any man that is so happy in his death, but that some of those that are by him when he dies, will be ready to rejoice at his supposed calamity. Is it one that was virtuous and wise indeed? will there not some one or other be found, who thus will say to himself; 'Well now at last shall I be at rest from this pedagogue. He did not indeed otherwise trouble us much: but I know well enough that in his heart, he did much condemn us.' Thus will they speak of the virtuous. But as for us, alas I how many things be there, for which there be many that glad would be to be rid of us.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 36 Book 10 · 53 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

A healthy eye should be able to see whatever needs to be seen, not just green things. That's what diseased eyes do. A good ear and nose should be ready for whatever they hear or smell. A good stomach should handle all kinds of food, like a millstone grinding whatever you put in it. A sound mind should be ready for whatever happens. But someone who says "I hope my children live!" or "I hope everyone praises what I do!" is like an eye that only wants to see green things, or teeth that only want soft food.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 35 Book 10 · 52 of 57
Freedom & Control Facing Hardship
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

A good eye must be good to see whatsoever is to be seen, and not green things only. For that is proper to sore eyes. So must a good ear, and a good smell be ready for whatsoever is either to be heard, or smelt: and a good stomach as indifferent to all kinds of food, as a millstone is, to whatsoever she was made for to grind. As ready therefore must a sound understanding be for whatsoever shall happen. But he that saith, O that my children might live! and, O that all men might commend me for whatsoever I do! is an eye that seeks after green things; or as teeth, after that which is tender.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 35 Book 10 · 52 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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