WHEN you see another in power, set against it that you have the advantage of not wanting power. When you see another rich, see what you have instead of riches; for, if you have nothing in their stead, you are miserable. But, if you have the advantage of not needing riches, know that you have something more than he hath, and of far greater value.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iv. §9. ¶1.
TAKE heed, lest that whilst thou dost settle thy contentment in things present, thou grow in time so to overprize them, as that the want of them (whensoever it shall so fall out) should be a trouble and a vexation unto thee.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book vii. 20.
Let's keep all things in perspective so that all possessions are tools to use in life rather than a prize that must be maintained or acquired at any cost. When our desire for things or the trappings of financial success overtakes our desire to live appropriately we are in a state of unbalance. Let's focus on achieving balance in all things.
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