Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When I remember that I am part of this universe, I won't be upset by what happens. And since I'm connected to other people who share my nature, I'll be careful not to harm the community. In all my choices, I'll think of my fellow humans first. I'll aim for the common good and try to prevent anything that works against it. Once you accept these ideas, think of this: you would call a citizen happy if he always worked for his fellow citizens' benefit, and if the city treated him well in return. In the same way, you will live a happy life.

Meditations, Book 10, Section 6 Book 10 · 10 of 57
Human Nature Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As then I bear in mind that I am a part of such an universe, I shall not be displeased with anything that happens. And as I have relation of kindred to those parts that are of the same kind and nature that I am, so I shall be careful to do nothing that is prejudicial to the community, but in all my deliberations shall they that are of my kind ever be; and the common good, that, which all my intentions and resolutions shall drive unto, as that which is contrary unto it, I shall by all means endeavour to prevent and avoid. These things once so fixed and concluded, as thou wouldst think him a happy citizen, whose constant study and practice were for the good and benefit of his fellow citizens, and the carriage of the city such towards him, that he were well pleased with it; so must it needs be with thee, that thou shalt live a happy life.

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

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