Constantly bring to thy recollection those who have complained greatly about anything, those who have been most conspicuous by the greatest fame or misfortunes or enmities or fortunes of any kind: then think where are they all now?
Marcus Aurelius advises reflecting on the ultimate fate of all people, regardless of their earthly fame or struggles, to understand life's transience.
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In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present,--I am rising to the work of a human being.
Either there is a fatal necessity and invincible order, or a kind providence, or a confusion without a purpose and without a director (iv. 27).
Always run to the short way; and the short way is the natural: accordingly say and do everything in conformity with the soundest reason.
Besides this, he honored those who were true philosophers, and he did not reproach those who pretended to be philosophers, nor yet was he easily led by them.
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