Marcus Aurelius
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled a vast empire, but his private journal focused on governing his own mind. It offers practical reflections on thoughts, adversity, and living a virtuous life.
You have power over your own mind and judgments, even when external circumstances are chaotic or painful.
The discipline of desire asks us to accept what happens as part of universal nature rather than fighting what we cannot control.
Because human beings are made to work together, our actions should serve the common good instead of private selfishness.