The Tenth Book

  1. Oh my soul, I hope one day you’ll be lit – chill, authentic, and totally transparent, way more than your physical body. You’ll eventually feel happy for those who find love and don’t care about material things. You’ll reach a point where you’re content and don’t need anything else, finding joy in the simple things. You’ll trust that everything is for your own good, now and in the future. You’ll have such a positive vibe that you’ll be cool with both the universe and other people, never complaining or doing anything shady.
  1. Yo, if you’re all about going with the flow of nature, then make sure you pay attention to what your overall nature needs. Once you figure that out and realize it won’t harm you as a living being, go ahead and do it. Next, think about what your nature as a living being specifically needs. Whatever it is, go for it as long as being a rational living being won’t suffer. Remember, being rational also means being sociable. Stick to these guidelines and don’t waste your time stressing about nonsense.
  1. Whatever happens to you, you are either capable or not capable of dealing with it based on your natural self. If you can handle it, don’t get upset, just deal with it as you naturally would, or as your nature allows. If you can’t handle it, don’t get upset. It will soon be over, both for you and the situation. Just remember, if you believe you can tolerate it based on what you think is right and your responsibilities, then you can handle it based on your natural self.
  1. Tell that person who’s causing problems to educate them with kindness and humility, and to point out their mistake. But if you can’t do that, then take responsibility for it; or better yet, don’t blame yourself if you’ve done your best.
  1. Like, whatever goes down with you, it’s all part of the plan that’s been set for you since forever. The same reasons that shaped your existence also predetermined everything that will happen to you.
  1. Whether it’s Atoms or Nature, the first rule is: ‘I’m a part of the bigger picture controlled by Nature’; the second: ‘I’m connected in some way to others who are like me.’ If I keep these rules in mind, I won’t be against anything that benefits the bigger picture, because anything good for the whole is also good for the individual parts. The Universe is designed in a way that no outside force can make it do something harmful to itself.

    By like, knowing I’m part of a squad like that, I’ll be chill with whatever goes down because of it. And since I’m connected to other homies like me, I won’t be a lone wolf – instead, I’ll do good stuff for my crew and focus on what’s best for all of us. When we all work together like this, life is all good, like when a citizen vibes with their city and does right by their peeps.
  1. The components of the Whole, all that the Universe naturally holds, gotta disappear eventually, a term that basically means things gotta change. If this was supposed to be a bad thing and necessary for the parts, then the Whole wouldn’t be chill while the parts were changing and were put together just to vanish. (Did Nature really intend to harm its own parts and make them inclined towards negativity, or did things just happen without her knowing? Honestly, neither option sounds believable.)

    But like imagine if we ditched Nature and just went full-on ‘natural law’; how ridiculous to say things change by natural law, but then get all shook when something happens that seems against it, especially when everything’s breaking down into its basic elements. The breakdown is like either atoms dispersing or stuff shifting into its earthy or airy form, getting absorbed into the Bigger Picture, whether it’s coming back to fire regularly or doing eternal swaps. And don’t think this body and spirit are the same as when they first showed up, ’cause they literally got refueled just yesterday with food and air. What’s changing is what it took in, not what it was born with. And even if this change makes you feel tight with your sense of self, that doesn’t really impact my point.
  1. Bruh, now that you’ve taken on these names like good, modest, true; like being woke, chill, and high-key smart; make sure you stay true to them and don’t do anything shady that goes against them. If you slip up, make a quick comeback. Remember, being woke means being fully aware and focused on whatever’s in front of you, without losing focus. Being chill means accepting whatever life throws at you without sweating it. And being high-key smart means having a mindset that rises above petty stuff like physical pain, pleasure, status, death, and all that. If you stick to these principles and don’t get all thirsty for validation from others, you’ll transform yourself and start fresh. Continuing to live how you have been, dealing with stress and drama, is straight up dumb. You gotta bounce from that toxic energy and adopt these new traits. If you start slipping back into old habits, find a quiet place to chill or even bounce from this world peacefully. But do it out of rationality, not desperation. That’s a boss move, fam. Stay true to who you’re trying to be, bruh. And to keep those values in check, it’s helpful to stay connected with the deities, ya know? Not by just talking the talk, but by walking the walk and striving to be like them. Just like how animals naturally do their thing, humans should stay true to their nature.
  1. Bro, at home it’s all toys and goofing around, but out there in the world it’s like constant chaos: sometimes scary, sometimes boring, or just plain lazy: that’s the usual grind, fam. If you’re not careful, all that important stuff will just disappear from your mind. Think about all the things you’ve looked at and then totally forgotten about, dude, without even really understanding their true nature. You gotta balance being active and thinking deeply about stuff, so you can handle your business while also enjoying the pleasure of truly understanding everything around you. Like, you should be able to find joy in simply knowing and appreciating every little thing as it truly is. It’s not gonna be easy, but that’s the goal, to find happiness in understanding the true essence of everything around you, bro.
  1. Like, when the spider finally snags the fly it’s been after, it’s totally not shy to show off a bit, you know? And then there’s the person who nabs a hare or catches a fish in their net – they’re feeling pretty good about themselves too. And let’s not forget about the one who takes down a boar or a bear, they’re all about celebrating their brave deeds. So, yeah, these warriors who just kicked butt against the Sarmatians or those other northern nations, they’re probably feeling pretty proud of themselves. I mean, at the end of the day, aren’t they all just looking for a good hunt?
  1. Like, you gotta figure out a solid way of thinking and reflecting on how everything is always changing and transforming. Keep that in mind and make sure you’re really good at understanding this concept. It’s super important for developing true confidence and courage.
  1. He escaped the confines of his physical form and realized that he would soon have to say goodbye to the world and leave everything behind. He focused on living righteously and accepting whatever came his way. He didn’t care about others’ opinions or actions against him. His only goal was to act justly and accept whatever came from God. He only cared about following what was right and rational, and in doing so, following God was his main priority and focus.
  1. Why be all suspicious for no reason? Like, why stress about the future and mistrust stuff? If you can figure it out yourself, don’t let anyone distract you. But if you’re unsure, get advice from someone you trust. Just be smart and cautious in whatever you do, focusing on what feels right and fair to you. Being successful in that is real happiness, avoiding messing up or failing.
  1. Wut’s dat thing dat’s moving at a snail’s pace but also fast? Jolly yet serious? Following logic in everything he does.
  1. In the morning when you first wake up, when your mind is still clear and unbiased before anything else has influenced it, ask yourself: is it important for the right and just thing to be done, whether you do it or someone else does it if you can’t? It really isn’t. And as for those who care so much about what other people think, have you forgotten what kind of people they really are? Think about how they act in private, in public, what they do on a daily basis, what they go after, what they avoid, the wrong things they do, even if not physically, but with their thoughts. They could choose to have honesty, humility, integrity, fairness, and a positive attitude if they wanted to.
  1. Like, yo… “Give and take, like, whatever you want,” said the person who’s, like, super wise and humble to, like, the one who gives and takes everything. And it’s not, like, a bold or stubborn statement, but rather a, like, expression of love and humble acceptance.
  1. Basically, just do your thing and don’t care about what anyone else thinks. If people can’t handle that, then whatever – let them do their thing. It’s better to be true to yourself and live your own way rather than trying to please everyone else.
  1. Don’t even debate or talk about it anymore, what are the signs and qualities of a good guy, just straight up be one.
  1. Ever think about how everything in the world is basically temporary and constantly changing? Like, picture the big picture of life and time, and then think about how small and fleeting each individual thing is in comparison. It’s like imagining every little thing eventually breaking down or disappearing. That’s just how life works, ya know?
  1. Think about them in all situations and jobs, in every aspect of their lives: like when they eat, sleep, take a dump, or get busy. Whether they’re at the top of their game or feeling furious and high and mighty, pointing fingers from their throne. It’s crazy to think how they used to grovel just to get where they are now, and in no time at all, death will come knocking.
  1. That’s the move for everyone, when Mother Earth vibes with everyone and sends her best energy.
  1. The earth, like, totally craves the rain, ya know? And, like, the sky is always down to drop its love on the earth, showing that they’re totally all about each other. And, like, I’m just saying, the world is all about showing love for whatever goes down. Like, I’m vibing with the world’s feelings, you feel me? Like, the only thing I’m longing for is what the world is all about. And it’s, like, for real, the world knows how to love, you know what I mean? It’s, like, a known thing that things are all about that love life.
  1. Either you keep doing what you’ve been doing and just deal with it, or you dip out and do your own thing, or your life could end and you can be happy it’s over. One of those three options will happen. So, stay positive.
  1. Let’s always remember that being alone and hanging out in deserted spots, which many philosophers really dig, aren’t just inherently awesome like that; stuff is the same for people living in cities and mingling with others because the same stuff goes down everywhere. Whether you chill on mountain peaks, in lonely caves, or any other remote spot. Because wherever you choose to be, you can easily see and relate to what Plato talked about with his philosopher being all by himself and isolated, like he’s cooped up in some shepherd’s shack way up on a hill. So, take this time to ask yourself: What’s the main part of me that’s in charge here? What’s its current situation as I’m using it? What do I usually use it for? Is it thinking straight or not? Is it independent or is it too wrapped up and attached to the body, being influenced by its impulses and desires?
  1. If someone ditches the rules, they’re like a runaway, yo. Same goes for those who dip out of the law scene. And if you’re feeling down, mad, or scared because of what’s going down, you’re a fugitive, dude. That’s the truth, cuz the big boss up above is in charge and keeps things in check. So anyone feeling those bad vibes is basically on the run.
  1. Bro, once the seed is planted, you’re out of the picture. Like, another force takes over and creates a dope little human being. And when you eat, it’s like, game over man. Another process kicks in and distributes that food everywhere, giving you life, strength, and all that jazz. You gotta appreciate the magical stuff happening internally, and recognize the power behind it all. It’s all happening behind the scenes, but it’s as real as watching something go up and down, you know?
  1. Just think about how everything happening now has basically happened before, in the same kind of way. And try to imagine what will happen in the future too. Picture all these different scenes and people from history, like the courts of Adrian, Antoninus Pius, Philippus, Alexander, and Croesus. You’ll see that they were all basically the same, just with different people.
  1. Bruh, imagine everyone just being all emotional and dramatic about every little thing they go through. Like, think about that person who just lays in bed feeling sorry for themselves and complaining about how tough life is. And yo, only us humans have the power to choose to accept what life throws at us, while every living being out there has no choice but to deal with it.
  1. Like, whatever you’re doing, just think about it on your own and ask yourself, What? Like, if I’m not gonna do this anymore when I’m dead, why should death even bother me, you know?
  1. When someone ticks you off, just take a sec to think about yourself and your own mistakes. Like, maybe you also love money, or having fun, or getting compliments, or whatever. If you realize that, you won’t be so mad anymore. Plus, think about how the other person made a mistake without realizing it – they didn’t know any better, ya know? So, try to help them change by showing them a different perspective.
  1. When you see Satyro, Eutyches, or Hymen, think of Socrates1 or Euphrates;2 if you peep Eutychio or Sylvanus think of Alciphron.3 Picture Tropaeophorus, Xenophon, or  Crito when you see Severus.4 And when you look at yourself, imagine yourself as one of the popular cool kids; and for each person, think of someone similar in status and profession. Then also think about this: where are they now? Nowhere or anywhere? This way you can always remember that all material things are just temporary and fleeting, like smoke that disappears: or really just nothing. Especially when you consider that once something changes, it will never be the same again as long as the world exists. And you, how long will you last? And why isn’t it enough for you to live your life as best you can, no matter how short that life may be?
  1. This subject and life path you’re so eager to ditch? They’re just opportunities for your mind to grow and level up. Stay chill until you’ve internalized it all and made it part of your vibe.
  1. Don’t let anyone say that you’re not authentically simple, sincere, open, or good. Don’t let anyone be fooled into thinking otherwise. It’s all up to you. Just make the choice to stay true to who you are. It’s logical – why would anyone want to live a life that’s not genuine or good? So, on this occasion, think about what’s best for you and act accordingly. Don’t come up with excuses saying you can’t do something. You’ll only find peace when doing what’s right for you, aligning with your true nature. Every situation can work out for you if you embrace the pleasure of being your authentic self. Your mind has the power to overcome any obstacle and keep moving forward. So, focus on this happiness and contentment within your mind, and don’t let anything else distract you. Outside challenges, whether physical or mental, can’t truly harm you if you stay true to yourself. Remember, obstacles can actually make you stronger and more admirable if you handle them well. Stay true to your nature and you’ll flourish. Just remember that nothing can harm you if it doesn’t harm your core values, and those challenges won’t deter your progress.
  1. Like, dude, once you’ve been woke by some deep knowledge or truth, everything you see or hear becomes like, a sick reminder to stay zen and not trip out. It’s like, poetic, ya know, how people come and go in life, like leaves on trees growing and falling. Your kids, your haters, your fans – everyone’s just leaves in the big ol’ cycle of life. So chill, man, none of this worldly stuff lasts forever. Just do you, live your truth, and don’t stress about it all. Eventually, our time is up and we’re just a memory in someone else’s story.
  1. A good vibe must be chill enough to vibe with anything and not just one specific thing. That’s only for basic eyes. So a good vibe, a good ear, and a good nose need to be open to experiencing anything they come across. And a good mindset should be flexible to handle whatever comes its way. So a wise mind should be prepared for any situation. But someone who only cares about their kids surviving or getting praise from others is only focused on material things; like craving attention or seeking validation.
  1. Bro, like no cap, when someone dies, there will always be haters ready to celebrate their downfall. Even if the person was a real one, best believe there will be someone talking smack like, “Finally, we’re free from their nagging.” People love to hate, man. It’s sad but true. So, when it’s your time to go, just remember that even your closest peeps might low-key be happy to see you gone. But hey, that’s life. Don’t trip, though. Keep being kind and showing love, even if they secretly wish you weren’t around. Stay true to yourself, but don’t be afraid to peace out when it’s time. Just like those who die peacefully, smoothly dip out from the negativity and move on. Nature brought you together, now it’s time to bounce without any drama. Just go with the flow, fam.
  1. Check yourself; whenever you see someone doing something, try to ask yourself, if you can, “What’s this person trying to achieve with this?” But start by doing this with yourself first, and really think about why you do what you do.
  1. Remember, what really makes a guy tick and controls his feelings, pulling them one way or another, isn’t some outside thing, but what’s deep inside his beliefs and opinions. That’s what rhetoric is all about; that’s life; that’s who we are. As for your body, it’s just like a vessel surrounding you, with all these intricate tools attached to it – don’t stress about them. They’re just like a carpenter’s axe, there because we were born with them. Without the inner drive to guide and control them, those body parts are pretty useless, like a shuttle without a weaver, a pen without a writer, or a whip without a coachman.
  1. These are less commonly known figures and do not have well-documented historical identities. They might have been contemporaries or known associates within the Stoic community or Roman society.[]
  2.  Likely to be Euphrates the Stoic, a well-known philosopher of the Stoic school who lived during the 1st and 2nd centuries.[]
  3. An ancient Greek author known for his collection of fictional letters, which are considered significant examples of the epistolary genre in classical literature. His works are typically dated to the 2nd century AD, during the Roman Empire’s period.[]
  4. Marcus Aurelius often used personal reflections and mentions of both specific and generic individuals to illustrate broader philosophical teachings and to contemplate the virtues and behaviors that he aspired to embody or observe in others.[]
Scroll to Top