Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

For example, you might say: 'My son, we were not born to hurt each other. This will harm you, not me.' Show him clearly that this is true. Bees don't attack their own kind, and neither do other creatures that live together naturally. But you must do this gently, without mocking or lecturing. Speak with kindness, not harsh words. Don't do it to show off or impress the people watching. Do it so that only he can hear, even if others are around.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 25 of 45
Human Nature Doing The Right Thing
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

As for example; My son, we were not born for this, to hurt and annoy one another; it will be thy hurt not mine, my son: and so to show him forcibly and fully, that it is so in very deed: and that neither bees do it one to another, nor any other creatures that are naturally sociable. But this thou must do, not scoffingly, not by way of exprobation, but tenderly without any harshness of words. Neither must thou do it by way of exercise, or ostentation, that they that are by and hear thee, may admire thee: but so always that nobody be privy to it, but himself alone: yea, though there be more present at the same time.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 25 of 45
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Eighth, think about how fits of anger and grief often lead to worse things than what made you angry in the first place. Ninth, true gentleness cannot be defeated — as long as it's real and not fake. How can even the most vicious person keep attacking you if you stay kind and loving? Even when they're about to hurt you, if you remain calm and gentle, ready to teach them something better?

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Calm Your Mind Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Eighthly, how many things may and do oftentimes follow upon such fits of anger and grief; far more grievous in themselves, than those very things which we are so grieved or angry for. Ninthly, that meekness is a thing unconquerable, if it be true and natural, and not affected or hypocritical. For how shall even the most fierce and malicious that thou shalt conceive, be able to hold on against thee, if thou shalt still continue meek and loving unto him; and that even at that time, when he is about to do thee wrong, thou shalt be well disposed, and in good temper, with all meekness to teach him, and to instruct him better?

Meditations, Book 11, Section 16 Book 11 · 24 of 45
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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