NO great thing is brought to perfection suddenly, when not so much as a bunch of
grapes or a fig is. If you tell me that you would
at this minute have a fig, I will answer you, that
there must be time. Let it first blossom, then
bear fruit, then ripen. Is then the fruit of a figtree
not brought to perfection suddenly, and in
one hour: and would you possess the fruit of the
human mind in so short a time, and without
trouble? I tell you, expect no such thing.
WORD after word, every one by itself, must the things that are spoken be conceived and understood; and so the things that are done, purpose after purpose, every one by itself likewise.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book i. §15. ¶2.
WORD after word, every one by itself, must the things that are spoken be conceived and understood; and so the things that are done, purpose after purpose, every one by itself likewise.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book vii. 4.
It would be nice to become wise in a short time, wouldn't it!
ReplyDeleteAnd worth every penny I suspect. As old Isaiah said (sardonically) precept upon precept, line upon line.
ReplyDelete