Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Whatever happens through the natural course of events, neither the gods nor people should be blamed. The gods cannot do wrong — it's impossible for them to act badly on purpose or by accident. People only do wrong through ignorance, which means they don't really want to do wrong. So no one should be accused.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 9 Book 12 · 15 of 41
Human Nature Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Whatsoever doth happen in the ordinary course and consequence of natural events, neither the Gods, (for it is not possible, that they either wittingly or unwittingly should do anything amiss) nor men, (for it is through ignorance, and therefore against their wills that they do anything amiss) must be accused. None then must be accused.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 9 Book 12 · 15 of 41
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

How wonderful that we have been given this power: we don't have to do anything except what is right, and we can accept with peace whatever happens to us.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 8 Book 12 · 14 of 41
Freedom & Control Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

How happy is man in this his power that hath been granted unto him: that he needs not do anything but what God shall approve, and that he may embrace contentedly, whatsoever God doth send unto him?

Meditations, Book 12, Section 8 Book 12 · 14 of 41
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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