Let there be freedom from perturbations with respect to the things which come from the external cause; and let there be justice in the things done by virtue of the internal cause, that is, let there be movement and action terminating in this, in social acts, for this is according to thy nature.
Marcus Aurelius outlines a fundamental Stoic principle, advocating for inner tranquility regarding external events and just action guided by one's true nature.
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What a power man has to do nothing except what God will approve, and to accept all that God may give him.
How ridiculous and what a stranger he is who is surprised at anything which happens in life.
All these things happen to them by reason of their ignorance of what is good and evil.
The third, then, is the ruling part; consider thus: Thou art an old man; no longer let this be a slave, no longer be pulled by the strings like a puppet to unsocial movements, no longer be either dissatisfied with thy present lot, or…
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