Three thoughts to keep at hand. First: in your own actions, nothing aimless or other than Justice herself would have done; in external happenings either chance or providence is at work, and one should not blame chance or indict providence. Second: the nature of each of us from conception to the first breath of soul, and from that first breath to the surrender of our soul; what elements form our constitution and will be the result of our dissolution. Third: that if you were suddenly lifted up to a great height and could look down on human activity and see all its variety, you would despise it, because your view would take in also the great surrounding host of spirits who populate the air and the sky; and that, however many times you were lifted up, you would see the same things - monotony and transience. Such are the objects of our conceit.
Jettison the judgement, and you are saved. And who is there to prevent this jettison?
To summarize the three thoughts that we have to keep in mind:
One - all actions with an aim and with justice. For those things out of my control, accept it.
Two - memento mori we all will die; and it could be at any time. We cannot take our mind off this thought.
Three - divide to despise; all these things in the world are so small and petty compared to the grand universe. The idea is to keep in mind how small all of us and all things are - it puts problems and issues we face, into perspective.
In chapter 25 of Book 12, Marcus reminds us that our opinion shapes our world view. And we have complete control over our own opinion.
(see also Citadel p. 41, 177, 185-186, 254)
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