Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Think of how Socrates looked when he had to wrap himself in an animal skin. His wife Xanthippe had taken his clothes and gone out with them. His friends felt embarrassed for him and started to leave when they saw him dressed this way. But notice what he said to them.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 26 Book 11 · 38 of 45
Facing Hardship Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

How Socrates looked, when he was fain to gird himself with a skin, Xanthippe his wife having taken away his clothes, and carried them abroad with her, and what he said to his fellows and friends, who were ashamed; and out of respect to him, did retire themselves when they saw him thus decked.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 26 Book 11 · 38 of 45
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

The Pythagoreans had a morning habit. First thing each day, they would look up at the sky. This reminded them of the stars and planets, which always do their work without fail. It also reminded them of order, purity, and simple honesty. No star hides behind a cover.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 25 Book 11 · 37 of 45
What Matters Most Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

The Pythagoreans were wont betimes in the morning the first thing they did, to look up unto the heavens, to put themselves in mind of them who constantly and invariably did perform their task: as also to put themselves in mind of orderliness, or good order, and of purity, and of naked simplicity. For no star or planet hath any cover before it.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 25 Book 11 · 37 of 45
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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