"اگر درست نیست آن را انجام نده؛ اگر حقیقت ندارد آن را نگو."

The core idea here is simple: act with integrity and honesty. If something feels wrong, don’t do it. If something isn’t true, don’t say it. It’s about living in a way that’s truthful and moral.

This idea has deep roots in philosophy. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher, is believed to be the mind behind this quote. He lived in the 2nd century, during a time of great turmoil and challenges for the Roman Empire. Despite the chaos, he held on to these principles, focusing on personal virtue as a ruler. His reflections, compiled in the book *Meditations*, emphasize self-discipline and ethical behavior, which he considered crucial for personal and societal well-being.

Let’s take a practical example. Imagine you’re at work, and a colleague suggests tweaking some numbers in a report to make the results look more favorable. It’s a tempting shortcut—maybe it’ll make you both look good in front of the boss and secure that promotion or bonus. But you know it’s wrong. If you follow the advice from the quote, you’d refuse to alter the numbers. You’d stick to what’s accurate and truthful, even if it means facing some tough questions or missing out on that immediate reward.

Applying this wisdom in everyday life involves a few conscious steps. First, pause and consider the consequences of your actions. If you’re about to make a decision, ask yourself: “Is this the right thing to do?” and “Is this true?” It’s a quick gut check. Second, be honest, even if it’s uncomfortable. Speaking the truth builds trust and credibility over time, even if it’s not always the easiest path. Lastly, surround yourself with people who share your values. They’ll help keep you accountable and support you in making ethical choices.

Picture this scenario: You’re a teenager, and your friends are planning to skip school and head to the beach. They invite you to join, and it’s tempting. Who doesn’t love a day in the sun? But you know it’s not right—you should be in class. If you follow the wisdom from the quote, you’d decline and head to school instead. Sure, your friends might tease you or call you a goody-two-shoes, but deep down, you’d know you made the right choice. And who knows, maybe your actions might even inspire one of them to rethink their decision.

Remember, living with integrity isn’t always the easiest route. It often requires courage and standing firm in your convictions. But, think about the long-term benefits. You’ll build a reputation as someone who can be trusted—someone who does the right thing, even when no one’s watching. And that kind of respect is priceless.

So, next time you’re faced with a tough decision, think about this quote. Use it as a moral compass. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If it’s not true, don’t say it. Simple as that. And over time, you’ll find that living this way not only earns you respect but also gives you a sense of inner peace. You’ll know, deep down, that you’re on the right path.