The Sixth Book

The universe is basically chill and doin’ its own thing. The higher power in charge ain’t got no reason to be bad or do any harm. It’s all good vibes and everything happens as planned.

It’s all good, whether you’re feeling chill or totally lit; whether just taking a nap or knocked out; whether getting hate or getting love, just do your thing; or even if you’re not feeling it or doing something else; ’cause even ‘dying’ is considered one of the things we have to do in life.

Check it out, don’t let the real value or true quality of anything slip past you before you fully understand it.

All substances eventually go through a transformation, either merging back together into one substance through exhalation or getting scattered and spread out, as some believe. As for the Rational Essence that governs everything, understanding itself and its actions, we may not get it like it does, so it’s no surprise that we’re puzzled by things we can’t fully grasp.

The best way to get back at someone is to not stoop down to their level.

Make it your only satisfaction to keep spreading kindness without stopping, always keeping God in your thoughts.

The logical control part, like it can totally hype itself up and change its own vibe; so it’s all about making itself and whatever goes down, look the way it wants.

If the universe is just a big old mess that’s gonna break apart eventually, why should I even bother sticking around in this chaotic mix? Why should I give a crap about anything besides returning to the earth as soon as I can? Why bother trying to please the Gods when my end is just gonna be dispersing anyway? But if there’s some divine order and Providence governing everything, then I’m not just wasting my time being religious. I’ll chill out, be patient, and trust in the higher power running the show.

When you’re dealing with some tough stuff, just take a moment to chill and get back to yourself as soon as possible. Don’t stay upset longer than you have to. By doing this often, you’ll be better at handling similar situations in the future. If you mess up, just come back to center right away and start over.

If you had both a stepmom and your real mom alive at the same time, you would still honor and respect both of them. But you would always go to your real mom as your main support and source of comfort. So, treat the court and philosophy the same way. Turn to them often to find solace and remind yourself that they make the other hard stuff easier for you to deal with, and help you not be unbearable to others.

How lit it is for a dude to like, imagine meats and stuff for the mouth in the right way! Like, check it: This is fish flesh; this is bird meat; and this is pig meat. And like, in general; this fancy wine, it’s just plain grape juice. This fancy purple robe? Just sheep fur dyed with shellfish blood. And like, sex is just a normal bodily interaction, according to Hippocrates. It’s mad useful to have these vivid imaginations and see things for what they really are! You gotta do this your whole life, especially when things seem all high and mighty. You gotta uncover the true nature of things and strip away the fancy stuff, especially when it’s all pomp and circumstance. Don’t get fooled by appearances, especially when you think you’re dealing with important stuff.

Check out what Crates¹ says about Xenocrates² himself.

Basically, he’s saying that ordinary people usually admire basic stuff like rocks, trees, fruit, and stuff like that. More chill people might be into animals like sheep and cows. If you’re even more laid-back and cool, you’re probably into smart animals and people who can do art and cool stuff. Then there are those who are all about respecting anyone with a brain, who’s good at being social and rational. They don’t care about anything else and just focus on keeping their own brain sharp and being friendly with others. It’s like they’re working with God or something, because they’re all about that intellectual and social vibe.

Check out what Crates says about Xenocrates himself. Basically, he’s saying that ordinary people usually admire basic stuff like rocks, trees, fruit, and stuff like that. More chill people might be into animals like sheep and cows. If you’re even more laid-back and cool, you’re probably into smart animals and people who can do art and cool stuff. Then there are those who are all about respecting anyone with a brain, who’s good at being social and rational. They don’t care about anything else and just focus on keeping their own brain sharp and being friendly with others. It’s like they’re working with God or something, because they’re all about that intellectual and social vibe.

Not gonna lie, it ain’t about plants or animals or even applause from others that should matter to us. What really counts is staying true to yourself and following your own natural vibes. Like, all this education and work we do is about fitting ourselves for our purposes, you feel me? If you’re good with that, then don’t stress about anything else. But if you can’t help but care about other stuff, then you ain’t truly free, fam. You’ll always be caught up in feelings like envy and jealousy. At the end of the day, being chill with yourself and keeping it real with your peeps is what’s up. So, respect your own mind, stay in your lane, and vibe with the universe.

Uhh, like, so the basic elements are all about moving in certain directions, but when it comes to virtue, it’s on a whole other level – like, way cooler and more divine. To really ace it and be successful, you gotta follow a path that’s not just easy to get, ya know?

Who can’t help but be shook by them? They won’t hype up the ones around them, but still be mad thirsty for validation from strangers they don’t even know. It’s like being pressed about not getting love from people who are long gone.

Don’t think that anything is impossible for humans if you can think it can be done, even if it’s difficult. If you can imagine something being possible and right for anyone, then believe that it’s possible for you too.

Imagine if someone straight up scratched and busted your head at the palestra. You’re hurt, but you don’t freak out. You don’t hold a grudge or think they were out to get you. Even if you try to keep away from them, it’s not because you see them as an enemy. It’s more like avoiding drama in a peaceful way. Carry that chill vibe in other areas of your life too. Sometimes you gotta handle things like you’re dealing with a competitor at the palestra. You can steer clear without being all suspicious or mad.

If anyone wants to call me out and show me where I messed up in my thinking or actions, I’ll totally own up to it. I’m all about finding the truth, because that’s what really matters and helps everyone in the end. Sticking to your mistakes is what really causes harm, so I’m all for correcting myself when needed.

I’m just gonna do my thing and not let anything distract me. I’ll use things in the world with reason, but not let them bother me. I’ll treat people with empathy ’cause we’re all just trying to figure it out. And hey, don’t forget to stay connected with a higher power. Time doesn’t matter, just focus on living the moment.

Alexander of Macedon, and the dude who took care of his mules, when they died, they both ended up in the same place. Like, maybe they went back to the same basic essence where everything in the world comes from, or maybe they were both scattered into tiny particles.

Think about how many different things, like, happen in us all at once, both physically and like spiritually. So, like, don’t be surprised if, you know, a lot more things or actually all things that happen, can, like, exist at the same time in, like, this super big thing we call the world.

If someone asked you how to spell the word Antoninus, would you immediately focus on it and say each letter? And if someone started arguing with you about it, would you argue back or just keep calm like you started, until you spelled out every letter? Remember, every task a person has is like a specific challenge that you must calmly and orderly work through without getting into unnecessary drama or fights with someone who wants to argue with you.

Do you think it’s not harsh to stop dudes from doing things they think are totally in line with their own vibes and are like, super good for them? But every time you get mad at them for messing up, it’s like you’re not letting them do that. They probably think those sins are actually helping them out in some way. You might be like, “Nah, that ain’t it.” So maybe just educate them and show them the right way, but don’t get all heated about it.
Dying means escaping the chaos of constantly feeling things, being controlled by your emotions, making mistakes, and being at the mercy of your physical desires.

Bro, if your body can handle this life, it would be a bummer if your soul tapped out first. Watch out, dude! Don’t go from being all deep and intellectual to just another power-hungry ruler, getting all corrupted by the system. It could totally happen if you’re not careful. So, just keep it simple, stay real, be serious, don’t show off, care about fairness, be a good person, and be tough enough to handle whatever comes your way. Try to stay true to who you are, and stick to the path that philosophy would’ve set you on. Respect the higher power, look out for others, life is short. Being kind and having a righteous attitude are the only things that really matter in this world.

Remember to be like Antoninus Pius, ya feel me? Stay true to reason, keep it chill in all situations, stay pure, stay positive, stay humble, dig deep into the facts, stay patient, and never rush into things. Be cool with haters, stay curious about people, don’t gossip, and don’t get too worked up about stuff. Keep it real simple, stay strong, and be a solid friend. Be open to criticism, stay open-minded, and stay true to your beliefs without going overboard. Keep it spiritual without being superstitious. Just keep all that in mind, so when your time’s up, you can be at peace just like him, you know? 🙏

Wake up your mind and get yourself together after being caught up in your own thoughts and imagination. Once you are fully awake and realize that those thoughts were just a dream, like waking up from another type of sleep, see things in the real world with the same perspective as you did in that dream.

Bruh, I am both body and soul. My body doesn’t really care about anything in particular, it’s all the same to it. My mind only focuses on what it’s currently doing, anything else is unimportant.

If a person stays in their lane and does their thang, their work ain’t no cap. If a homie does what they supposed to do, then it’s all good – it ain’t doing them dirty. But, yo, if happiness was just about pleasure, how did all these shady folks get a big slice of the joy pie?

Yo, like, can you not see how even people who are, like, not super smart at all in some ways are totally dedicated to their jobs and, like, don’t even wanna stray from their path? Isn’t it crazy that an architect or a doctor can be so devoted to their craft, but a person doesn’t show the same dedication to, like, understanding their own nature and using reason, which, like, we share with the gods, you know?

Asia, Europe; what are they, but like just different parts of the whole world; where the whole sea is just a tiny drop; and the big Mount Athos is just a speck, as all present time is just a tiny moment in eternity. Everything, petty things; everything that’s easily changed, easily forgotten. And everything comes from one starting point; either each thing individually planned and decided by the big boss of everything; or all by necessary consequence. So the scary gap of a lion, and all poison, and all harmful things, are just (like the thorn and the mire) the necessary results of beautiful things. Don’t see them as opposites to what you highly value and respect; instead, think about the true source of everything in your mind.

Those who truly understand what’s going on right now have basically seen everything that has ever happened or will happen, because everything is interconnected. Think about how all things in the world are related and influence each other. All things are interconnected and ultimately work together in harmony. One thing leads to another through different factors like physical movement, natural alignment, and the unity of all substances.

Adapt and adjust to the situation and events that have been assigned to you by fate; and show genuine love for the people you are meant to be around. An object, a tool, anything, as long as it serves its purpose, it’s good even if the one who made it is gone. But in nature, the power that created things still remains within them. That’s why it should be respected more, and we should feel grateful that we can live according to its design. This is how true happiness is achieved.

Bro, if you start trippin’ over stuff that’s out of your control and blame the universe or other people when things don’t go your way, you’re just setting yourself up for an endless cycle of complaining and hatin’. The real deal is to focus only on what you can actually control and leave the rest behind. Don’t waste time beefing with the Gods or anyone else when you can just do your own thing and keep it chill.

We all out here grindin’, some doing it willingly and fully aware of what’s up, while others clueless AF. It’s like Heraclitus said, even those sleeping are playin’ a role and adding to the world’s big picture. Each person be bringin’ something different to the table, even the ones complaining and tryna throw shade. It’s all part of the plan, ya dig? So, you best figure out where you fit in all this. ‘Cause the big boss gonna make use of you one way or another, and make sure everything you do adds to the master plan. Just don’t be a total fail like that wack verse Chrysippus mentioned, be a real one in the comedy of life, ya feel?

Do the sun or Aesculapius, unto the earth, do each other’s job? And what about all the stars? Even though they are all unique and have different roles, do they all still work together towards the same goal?

If the Gods have decided my fate, I gotta go with the flow and trust their wisdom, ya know? Why would they wanna mess me up for no reason? And even if it’s not about me specifically, they’re looking out for the big picture, so whatever happens, I should accept it. But, if they’re not even in the picture at all, I’m just glad I can make my own choices and do what’s best for me. Being a rational and good person is key, and being chill with my peeps is the vibe. My main jam is to do what’s best for Rome and the world, ’cause that’s where I’m at. Peace out!

Like, whatever goes down for anyone is lowkey good for everyone. And like, it’s enough if it’s good for everyone in general. But also, if you pay attention, you’ll notice that whatever goes down for one person or like a group of peeps… And like, it’s cool if we think of “expedient” as like stuff that’s in the middle or like not super important things, like health and money and stuff.

All the basic stuff we see around us all the time gets old real quick, y’know? Like going to the same theater shows over and over, or seeing the same things in the same way. It all just starts to feel boring and annoying. And that’s kinda how life is too. Everything we see, everywhere we look, it’s all the same old stuff happening for the same reasons. So like, when will things ever change, you know?

Think about how so many people from different walks of life, professions, and countries have died… to the point where you’re considering even the most unexpected individuals. Move on to the next generations. We’ll eventually end up where all the great speakers, wise philosophers like Heraclitus, Pythagoras,³ Socrates, ancient heroes, recent courageous leaders, and kings are. And then where thinkers like Eudoxus,⁴ Hipparchus,⁵ Archimedes⁶; along with many other sharp, bold, hardworking, clever individuals, including those who have mocked the shortness of human life. All of them have passed away long ago. And what do they truly lose from it? Even those who are forgotten, does it really matter to them? The only thing that really matters in this world is to interact compassionately and honestly with deceitful and unjust people, according to what is right and fair.

When you need a pick-me-up, just think about all the cool qualities and talents of the people you hang out with every day. Like, one person’s work ethic, another’s humility, someone else’s generosity, and so on. It’s seriously the best feeling when you see all these awesome traits in your friends and fam, all at once. So, keep those good vibes handy for a quick mood boost.

Do you feel bad that you only weigh a certain amount of pounds and not three hundred instead? Well, you should feel just as bad that you’ll live only a certain number of years and not longer. Just like you’re okay with the amount of weight you have, you should be okay with the amount of time you have.

Let’s try our best to convince them; but if reason and justice tell you to do it, then go for it, even if they’re really against it. But if someone tries to stop you by force and gets in your way, just switch your focus to something else, from being fair to staying calm and patient. Use any obstacles as a chance to practice another virtue. Remember that you were originally interested with some exceptions and conditions. You didn’t aim for anything impossible. What did you aim for then? To always keep your desires in check with this kind of moderation. And you can always achieve that, whether the thing you want is within your control or not. And why should I need anything else, if I can fulfill the purpose of my life (to govern all my desires with reason and good judgment)?

The ambitious think that getting recognition and praise for someone else’s work is what makes them happy; the pleasure-seekers rely on their own desires and feelings; but the wise focus on their own actions. Translation: People who are all about the clout think that getting credit for someone else’s work is lit, while those who are all about indulging their own senses and feelings are just vibing. But the really smart ones know that it’s all about their own moves.

You have the total power to completely block out any thoughts and judgments about this, and in doing so, you can also block out any sadness and pain from your mind. The things themselves don’t have the power to make us think anything.

When someone talks to you, like, totally focus on them and, like, don’t let any other thoughts, like, distract you. Try to, like, really connect with their vibes, no matter who they are.

If it ain’t good for the hive, then it ain’t good for the bee.

Will passengers or patients even trip and spill the tea, whether they’re living their best life or healing like a boss? Do they want anything more than that; passengers just want their captain to steer them safely to shore, and patients just want their doctor to help them bounce back?

How many of the homies born around the same time as me have already dipped from this world?

Why should I get mad, tho? Do I really think being wrong and having false beliefs are any less influential in causing people to mess up than getting too angry leading to jaundice or getting poisoned leading to rage? Like, it’s all about perspective, ya know?

No one can stop you from living your best life according to your true self. Only good things will come your way, because that’s just how things are meant to be.

What kind of people are they trying to impress, what do they want to achieve, and how are they going about it: time will soon make everything fade away and be forgotten, and it’s already forgotten so many things!

Xenocrates of Chalcedon was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and leader of the Platonic Academy (396/5 – 314/3 BC).[↩]
Xenocrates of Chalcedon was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and leader of the Platonic Academy (396/5 – 314/3 BC).[↩]
Pythagoras of Samos (570 – 495 BC), a philosopher, scientist, and moralist of the 6th century.[↩]
Eudoxus of Cnidus (c. 395–390 BC – c. 342–337 BC), Greek astronomer and mathematician, student of Plato.[↩]
Hipparchus (c. 190 – c. 120 BC), a Greek astronomer, geographer, and mathematician. He is the founder of trigonometry, and considered the greatest ancient astronomical observer of antiquity.[↩]
Archimedes (c. 287 – c. 212 BC), Ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor. Considered to be the greatest mathematician of ancient history.[↩]