FREEDOM is the name of virtue ; and slavery, of vice.
EPICTETUS. FRAGMENTS. 7.
NO one is free, who doth not command himself.
E. F. 109.
WHAT is wickedness? It is that which many times and often thou hast already seen and known in the world. And so oft as anything doth happen that might otherwise trouble thee, let this memento presently come to thy mind, that it is that which thou hast already often seen and known. Generally, above and below, thou shalt find but the same things. The very same things whereof ancient stories, middle-age stories, and fresh stories are full: whereof towns are full, and houses full. There is nothing that is new. All things that are, are both usual and of little continuance.
MARCUS AURELIUS. MEDITATIONS. Book ii. I.
Summary: What is wickedness? You have already seen it many times and known it in the world. Expect it, plan against it, but do not fear it.
ReplyDeleteThe world is not new. Why should we be surprised when evil happens? Why mourn the loss of goodness and truth? There is no truth to this. Goodness and truth are still where they have always been, in the hearts of all people.
Yes.
ReplyDeleteI read Doug Muder's essay not to long ago and it says just this. (In a lot more words)
In case you have not read it:
http://freeandresponsible.blogspot.com/2011/01/humanism-of-sun.html
A great weekend to all!