“This is no time for playing games. Nothing is as encouraging as when virtues are visibly embodied in the people around us. How soon will time cover all things, and how many it has covered already. What is long-lasting is not necessarily eternal. Nowhere can man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul. When someone is properly grounded in life, they shouldn't have to look outside themselves for approval. To understand the true quality of people, you must look into their minds, and examine their pursuits and aversions. The universe is transformation: life is opinion. Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too. Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what's left, and live it properly. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. Remind yourself that what is past is nothing. Everything that exists is in a manner the seed of that which will be. Adapt yourself to the life you have been given; and truly love the people with whom destiny has surrounded you.”
— Marcus Aurelius
Simplified Meaning:
It's important to be serious and focus on what's important in life. Seeing good qualities in people around us can be very uplifting. Time will eventually change everything, and it has already changed a lot. Just because something lasts a long time doesn't mean it will last forever. The best place to feel calm and peaceful is within yourself. If you understand yourself well, you won't need approval from others. To know what kind of person someone is, look at what they care about and what they avoid. Everything in life changes, and what we think influences our life. By understanding the past, you can get an idea of what the future might be like. Live each day as if it's your last, making the most of it. Having a happy life doesn't require much; it starts with your own thoughts. Remember that the past is gone and everything now is just the beginning of what will come. Embrace your life and love the people around you deeply.
