Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

How blessed is the soul that is always ready to leave the body — whether through death, dissolution, or moving to another state of being! But this readiness must not come from stubborn defiance or violent opposition, like the Christians show. It must come from careful thought, with dignity and composure, so that others might be persuaded to follow the same example — but quietly, without dramatic displays.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 3 Book 11 · 4 of 45
Death & Mortality Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

That soul which is ever ready, even now presently (if need be) from the body, whether by way of extinction, or dispersion, or continuation in another place and estate to be separated, how blessed and happy is it! But this readiness of it, it must proceed, not from an obstinate and peremptory resolution of the mind, violently and passionately set upon Opposition, as Christians are wont; but from a peculiar judgment; with discretion and gravity, so that others may be persuaded also and drawn to the like example, but without any noise and passionate exclamations.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 3 Book 11 · 4 of 45
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

A beautiful song or dance, athletic contests, entertainment that normally captivates you — you can easily dismiss these things. Break down that lovely voice into individual sounds. Ask yourself about each sound: is this particular note what conquers me? You will feel foolish. Do the same with dancing — examine each movement separately. Do it with wrestling too. In general, whenever something besides virtue and virtuous actions strongly affects you, immediately break it down this way. By dividing it into parts, you will learn to dismiss the whole thing. Apply this method to your entire life.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 2 Book 11 · 3 of 45
What Matters Most Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

A pleasant song or dance; the Pancratiast's exercise, sports that thou art wont to be much taken with, thou shalt easily contemn; if the harmonious voice thou shalt divide into so many particular sounds whereof it doth consist, and of every one in particular shall ask thyself; whether this or that sound is it, that doth so conquer thee. For thou wilt be ashamed of it. And so for shame, if accordingly thou shalt consider it, every particular motion and posture by itself: and so for the wrestler's exercise too. Generally then, whatsoever it be, besides virtue, and those things that proceed from virtue that thou art subject to be much affected with, remember presently thus to divide it, and by this kind of division, in each particular to attain unto the contempt of the whole. This thou must transfer and apply to thy whole life also.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 2 Book 11 · 3 of 45
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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