"OUR wall is secure, we have provisions for a very long time, and every other preparation." These are what render a city fortified and impregnable, but nothing but its principles render the human soul so. For what wall is so strong, what body so impenetrable, or what possession so unalienable, or what dignity so secured against stratagems? All things else, everywhere else, are mortal, easily reduced; and whoever in any degree fixes his mind upon them, must necessarily be subject to perturbation, despair, terrors, lamentations, disappointed desires, and incurred aversions.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iv. §5. ¶3.
THE things or objects themselves, reach not unto the soul, but stand without still, and quiet, and that it is from the opinion only which is within, that all the tumult and all the trouble doth proceed.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book iv. 3.
Dusruptions, despair, terrors, lamentations, disappointed desires, and incurred aversions. These things do not reach into the soul uninvited, but stand still and quiet outside of us. All the tumult and all the trouble in our minds come when we reach out to grasp them. It is the opinions within us that open the door to them and invite them in. - Lessons for Marcus Aurelius
ReplyDeleteThe things that the rich strive for, hoard and fight to keep, their wealth, position and fame, are ephemeral and illusiory. Instead, fix your mind on those things that are yours, that none can take away, that no change can erase. Your principles are your gold, your virtues jewels, your compassion as silver coins pouring from your hand. Strive for justice, distribute wisdom, and fight with courage. Then all will be enriched by your wealth of soul. - Inspired by the Stoics
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