Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

How rotten and fake is the person who says, "From now on, I'll be completely honest and straightforward with you." What are you trying to prove? Why do you need to announce this? Your actions will show it. It should be written on your face. As soon as you speak, your expression should reveal what's in your heart — just like someone in love can instantly read their partner's thoughts through their eyes. A truly simple and good person should be like someone with strong body odor. Everyone nearby can smell them whether they want to or not. But fake simplicity is worthless. Nothing is more shameful than false friendship. You must avoid this above all else. Real goodness, simplicity, and kindness can't be hidden. As I said, they show themselves in your eyes and face.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 14 Book 11 · 16 of 45
Knowing Yourself Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

How rotten and insincere is he, that saith, I am resolved to carry myself hereafter towards you with all ingenuity and simplicity. O man, what doest thou mean! what needs this profession of thine? the thing itself will show it. It ought to be written upon thy forehead. No sooner thy voice is heard, than thy countenance must be able to show what is in thy mind: even as he that is loved knows presently by the looks of his sweetheart what is in her mind. Such must he be for all the world, that is truly simple and good, as he whose arm-holes are offensive, that whosoever stands by, as soon as ever he comes near him, may as it were smell him whether he will or no. But the affectation of simplicity is nowise laudable. There is nothing more shameful than perfidious friendship. Above all things, that must be avoided. However true goodness, simplicity, and kindness cannot so be hidden, but that as we have already said in the very eyes and countenance they will show themselves.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 14 Book 11 · 16 of 45
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

People look down on each other, yet they try to please each other. While they compete for worldly status and power, they sell out their better selves to one another.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 13 Book 11 · 15 of 45
Human Nature What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

They contemn one another, and yet they seek to please one another: and whilest they seek to surpass one another in worldly pomp and greatness, they most debase and prostitute themselves in their better part one to another.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 13 Book 11 · 15 of 45
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support