GIVE what Thou wilt, and take away what Thou wilt, saith he that is well taught and truly modest, to Him that gives, and takes away. And it is not out of a stout, and peremptory resolution, that he saith it, but in mere love, and humble submission.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book x. 16.
NEVER say of anything, "I have lost it"; but "I have restored it." Is your child dead? It is restored. Is your wife dead? She is restored. Is your estate taken away? Well, and is not that likewise restored? "But he who took it away is a bad man." What is it to you by whose hands He, who gave it, hath demanded it back again? While He gives you to possess it, take care of it; but as of something not your own, as passengers do of an inn.
EPICTETUS. MANUAL. 8.
Everything that we have or think we possess is but a temporary thing in our life. Death takes our loved ones, pets and friends. Reduced circumstances or sheer entropy takes our possessions and wealth. The only thing in this life that I truly own is my character. That is my most valuable "possession" and only I can build or destroy it with every though or action.
ReplyDelete