WHATSOEVER thou dost hereafter aspire
unto, thou mayest even now enjoy and
possess, if thou dost not envy thyself thine own
happiness. And that will be, if thou shalt forget
all that is past, and for the future, refer thyself
wholly to the divine providence, and shalt bend
and apply all thy present thoughts and intentions,
to holiness and righteousness. To holiness, in
accepting willingly whatsoever is sent by the
divine providence, as being that which the nature
of the Universe hath appointed unto thee, which
also hath appointed thee for that, whatsoever it
be. To righteousness, in speaking the Truth
freely, and without ambiguity ; and in doing all
things justly and discreetly. Now in this good
course, let not other men's either wickedness, or
opinion, or voice hinder thee: no, nor the sense
of this thy pampered mass of flesh: for let that
which suffers, look to itself
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book xii. 1.
Why are you waiting to start your life? Why do you look to the future for peace, or the past for happiness? These things are yours already. Leave the past to the memory of your former self, and trust the future to your future self. You need only act in the present with virtue, with justice and courage, compassion and moderation, and most of all wisdom. Then peace, happiness, serenity, in short, the life you long for, will already be at your feet. - Inspired by Marcus Aurelius
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