Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

It is time for you to understand that there is something in you better and more divine than your emotions or your physical desires. What is my mind focused on right now? Is it fear, suspicion, lust, or something like that? First, do nothing without a clear purpose. Second, have no purpose other than the common good. Soon you will be gone. None of the things you see now, none of the people alive today, will be here either. Everything is naturally meant to change, turn, and decay so that other things can take their place.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 15 Book 12 · 22 of 41
Knowing Yourself Death & Mortality What Matters Most
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

It is high time for thee, to understand that there is somewhat in thee, better and more divine than either thy passions, or thy sensual appetites and affections. What is now the object of my mind, is it fear, or suspicion, or lust, or any such thing? To do nothing rashly without some certain end; let that be thy first care. The next, to have no other end than the common good. For, alas! yet a little while, and thou art no more: no more will any, either of those things that now thou seest, or of those men that now are living, be any more. For all things are by nature appointed soon to be changed, turned, and corrupted, that other things might succeed in their room.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 15 Book 12 · 22 of 41
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

For everything that comes your way, consider what it really is. Break it down into its parts: what it's made of, what it's for, and how long it's meant to last.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 14 Book 12 · 21 of 41
Knowing Yourself Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Of everything that presents itself unto thee, to consider what the true nature of it is, and to unfold it, as it were, by dividing it into that which is formal: that which is material: the true use or end of it, and the just time that it is appointed to last.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 14 Book 12 · 21 of 41
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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