Plain
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

How is it that the gods, who arranged everything else so well and lovingly, would overlook just this one thing? Some very good people have made promises to God. Through holy actions and worship, they built a close relationship with Him. Yet when these people die, they are never brought back to life. They are gone forever. But you can be sure of this: if it really is this way, the gods would never have arranged it so unless it was right.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 4 Book 12 · 7 of 41
Death & Mortality Freedom & Control
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

how come it to pass that the Gods having ordered all other things so well and so lovingly, should be overseen in this one only thing, that whereas then hath been some very good men that have made many covenants as it were with God and by many holy actions and outward services contracted a kind of familiarity with Him; that these men when once they are dead, should never be restored to life, but be extinct for ever. But this thou mayest be sure of, that this (if it be so indeed) would never have been so ordered by the Gods, had it been fit otherwise.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 4 Book 12 · 7 of 41
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor

I have often wondered how this happens: every person loves himself most, yet he cares more about what others think of him than what he thinks of himself. Imagine if a god or strict teacher stood beside you and commanded you to think nothing about yourself that you wouldn't say out loud right away. No one could bear that for even one day. Yet we fear our neighbors' opinions more than our own.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 3 Book 12 · 6 of 41
Knowing Yourself Human Nature
Marcus Aurelius — The Emperor Original

I have often wondered how it should come to pass, that every man loving himself best, should more regard other men's opinions concerning himself than his own. For if any God or grave master standing by, should command any of us to think nothing by himself but what he should presently speak out; no man were able to endure it, though but for one day. Thus do we fear more what our neighbours will think of us, than what we ourselves.

Meditations, Book 12, Section 3 Book 12 · 6 of 41
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Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

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