| marcus aurelius |
| universal unity |
| the universe is a harmonious entity working as a whole. all things are invariably a part of this entity, and man can better himself by interacting with the universe thusly so. acceptance of cog-hood makes one more productive somehow. |
| social unity |
| like hands or feet or upper and lower rows of teeth, man is made with the purpose of cooperation, unity, etc. |
| change |
| as all things are facets of one big universe, changes can be described as one such facet being broken up and redistributed to create other facets. nothing is destroyed, but simply recycled. |
| acceptance |
| acceptance of one's place in the scheme of things is intrinsic to harmonizing with nature. ignoring selfishness, denial, and trying to approach things with reason and serenity leads oneself to accomplishing great things. |
| death |
| greet death with appreciation of having lived, and see death as a natural change. "thou hast embarked, thou hast made a voyage, thou art come to shore; get out." death is a simple transmutation, and is a way to be broken up and reincorporated into nature. |