Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Have I done anything kind? Then I have gained from it. Keep this thought always in your mind. Never stop thinking about it. What is your job in life? To be good. And how can you do this well? Only by learning certain principles — some about how the universe works, and some about what makes humans tick.

Meditations, Book 11, Section 4 Book 11 · 5 of 45
Doing The Right Thing Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Have I done anything charitably? then am I benefited by it. See that this upon all occasions may present itself unto thy mind, and never cease to think of it. What is thy profession? to be good. And how should this be well brought to pass, but by certain theorems and doctrines; some Concerning the nature of the universe, and some Concerning the proper and particular constitution of man?

Meditations, Book 11, Section 4 Book 11 · 5 of 45
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
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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