Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

When you think someone has done wrong, ask yourself this: Do I really know if this is actually a sin? And even if it is, how do I know he hasn't already judged himself for it? That would be like a man clawing at his own face — something to pity, not to anger. Besides, expecting a corrupt person not to sin is like expecting figs not to have moisture, or children not to cry, or horses not to neigh. It goes against nature. What else can someone do when that's their character? So if you have the power and skill to help them change, then do it.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 12 Book 12 · 19 of 41
Human Nature Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

At the conceit and apprehension that such and such a one hath sinned, thus reason with thyself; What do I know whether this be a sin indeed, as it seems to be? But if it be, what do I know but that he himself hath already condemned himself for it? And that is all one as if a man should scratch and tear his own face, an object of compassion rather than of anger. Again, that he that would not have a vicious man to sin, is like unto him that would not have moisture in the fig, nor children to welp nor a horse to neigh, nor anything else that in the course of nature is necessary. For what shall he do that hath such an habit? If thou therefore beest powerful and eloquent, remedy it if thou canst.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 12 Book 12 · 19 of 41
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

But if you are swept away by the flood, it might be your body, your life, or something else that belongs to them that gets carried away. Your mind and understanding cannot be swept away. Think about it this way — a candle's light stays bright until someone puts it out. Should truth, justice, and self-control stop shining in you while you still exist?

Meditations, Book 12, Section 11 Book 12 · 18 of 41
Freedom & Control Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

But if thou beest carried away with the flood, it must be thy body perchance, or thy life, or some other thing that belongs unto them that is carried away: thy mind and understanding cannot. Or should it be so, that the light of a candle indeed is still bright and lightsome until it be put out: and should truth, and righteousness, and temperance cease to shine in thee whilest thou thyself hast any being?

Meditations, Book 12, Section 11 Book 12 · 18 of 41
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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