Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Nothing that helps the whole can truly hurt any part of it. All natures share this trait — they contain nothing that harms themselves. The universe has an even greater advantage than other natures. No outside force can make it act against its will. So the universe would never create or nurture anything that could damage itself.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 6 Book 10 · 9 of 57
Freedom & Control Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

For nothing that is behoveful unto the whole, can be truly hurtful to that which is part of it. For this being the common privilege of all natures, that they contain nothing in themselves that is hurtful unto them; it cannot be that the nature of the universe (whose privilege beyond other particular natures, is, that she cannot against her will by any higher external cause be constrained,) should beget anything and cherish it in her bosom that should tend to her own hurt and prejudice.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 6 Book 10 · 9 of 57
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Either we follow Epicurus and foolishly think atoms cause everything, or we must accept that nature governs all things. Start with this: you are part of a universe that nature rules. Second, you are connected to other parts that share your same nature. If I remember these two things — that I am just one part of the whole — I will never be upset by whatever happens to me in the common events of life.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 6 Book 10 · 8 of 57
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Either with Epicurus, we must fondly imagine the atoms to be the cause of all things, or we must needs grant a nature. Let this then be thy first ground, that thou art part of that universe, which is governed by nature. Then secondly, that to those parts that are of the same kind and nature as thou art, thou hast relation of kindred. For of these, if I shall always be mindful, first as I am a part, I shall never be displeased with anything, that falls to my particular share of the common chances of the world.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 6 Book 10 · 8 of 57
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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