Which be those dogmata? Those that concern that which is good or evil,
as that there is nothing truly good and beneficial unto man,
but that which makes him just, temperate, courageous, liberal;
and that there is nothing truly evil and hurtful unto man,
but that which causeth the contrary effects.

II. Upon every action that thou art about, put this question
to thyself; How will this when it is done agree with me?
Shall I have no occasion to repent of it? Yet a very little
while and I am dead and gone; and all things are at end.
What then do I care for more than this, that my present
action whatsoever it be, may be the proper action of one that
is reasonable; whose end is, the common good; who in all things
is ruled and governed by the same law of right and reason,
by which God Himself is.

III. Alexander, Caius, Pompeius; what are these
to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? These penetrated into
the true nature of things; into all causes, and all subjects:
and upon these did they exercise their power and authority.
But as for those, as the extent of their error was, so far
did their slavery extend.

IV. What they have done, they will still do, although thou
shouldst hang thyself. First; let it not trouble thee.
For all things both good and evil: come to pass according
to the nature and general condition of the universe,
and within a very little while, all things will be at
an end; no man will be remembered: as now of Africanus
(for example) and Augustus it is already come to pass.