from meditations book 2:16:
The soul of a man harms itself, first and foremost, when it
becomes (as far as it can) a separate growth, a sort of tumour
on the universe: because to resent anything that happens is to
separate oneself in revolt from Nature, which holds in collective
embrace the particular natures of all other things. Secondly,
when it turns away from another human being, or is even
carried so far in opposition as to intend him harm - such is the
case in the souls of those gripped by anger. A soul harms itself,
thirdly, when it gives in to pleasure or pain. Fourthly, whenever
it dissimulates, doing or saying anything feigned or false.
Fifthly, whenever it fails to direct any of its own actions or
impulses to a goal, but acts at random, without conscious
attention - whereas even the most trivial action should be
undertaken in reference to the end. And the end for rational
creatures is to follow the reason and the rule of that most
venerable archetype of a governing state - the Universe.
in summary, the five key points to remember are:
- amor fati; do not resent your lot in life, rather love your unique circumstance and perspective
- love others
- do not assent to pleasure and pain
- be a genuine person
- act with reason; have a goal in mind whenever you act; be conscious - do not act like an animal
