Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When other people act foolish or wicked, don't let it upset you. First, ask yourself: what does this have to do with me? Remember that we were all born to help each other. Then think about it this way: just as a ram leads a flock of sheep and a bull leads a herd of cattle, I was born to guide them. Go even deeper: if atoms aren't the foundation of everything (which would be absurd to believe), then there must be a nature that governs the universe. If such a nature exists, then lesser things exist for the sake of better things, and all good things exist for each other. Second, think about what kind of people they really are — at dinner, in bed, and so on.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 20 of 45
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

And as for other men's either foolishness or wickedness, that it may not trouble and grieve thee; first generally thus; What reference have I unto these? and that we are all born for one another's good: then more particularly after another consideration; as a ram is first in a flock of sheep, and a bull in a herd of cattle, so am I born to rule over them. Begin yet higher, even from this: if atoms be not the beginning of all things, than which to believe nothing can be more absurd, then must we needs grant that there is a nature, that doth govern the universe. If such a nature, then are all worse things made for the better's sake; and all better for one another's sake. Secondly, what manner of men they be, at board, and upon their beds, and so forth.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 20 of 45
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

For everything you encounter, think about where it came from, what it's made of, and what it will become. Ask yourself what it will be like after it changes. Remember that nothing is truly harmed by changing.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 19 of 45
Calm Your Mind Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Of everything thou must consider from whence it came, of what things it doth consist, and into what it will be changed: what will be the nature of it, or what it will be like unto when it is changed; and that it can suffer no hurt by this change.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 19 of 45
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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