Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Third, how empty all things will seem when you look down from above at everything on earth and see how constantly it all changes. Think about the vast size and variety of things in the air and sky around it. Every time you look, you will see the same pattern: the same things, lasting for the same brief time. And these are the things we get so proud and puffed up about.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 18 Book 12 · 29 of 41
What Matters Most Calm Your Mind
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Thirdly, how vain all things will appear unto thee when, from on high as it were, looking down thou shalt contemplate all things upon earth, and the wonderful mutability, that they are subject unto: considering withal, the infinite both greatness and variety of things aerial and things celestial that are round about it. And that as often as thou shalt behold them, thou shalt still see the same: as the same things, so the same shortness of continuance of all those things. And, behold, these be the things that we are so proud and puffed up for.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 18 Book 12 · 29 of 41
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

Second, think about what our bodies are like from the time they are raw and unformed until they come to life. And from when they come to life until they die. What are they made of? What will they break down into?

Meditations, Book 12, Section 18 Book 12 · 28 of 41
Death & Mortality Knowing Yourself
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

Secondly, what like unto our bodies are whilest yet rude and imperfect, until they be animated: and from their animation, until their expiration: of what things they are compounded, and into what things they shall be dissolved.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 18 Book 12 · 28 of 41
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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